Guide to Accessible Hiking
Photo by Getty Images.
By Mariss Del Mistro
When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors and accessible hiking, it should be for everyone—and everybody. But for someone who is less able-bodied, what does this mean, and how can you get the most out of it?
For a hiking trail to be considered accessible hiking, it has to be a trail that people of any age or physical condition can enjoy. This includes individuals that:
Use wheelchairs
Use strollers for transporting small children
Are in rehab after an injury or surgery
Want to gently improve their physical fitness levels
Have physical limitations due to aging, pregnancy, or other medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, or chronic fatigue syndrome
How to Enjoy Accessible Hiking
Research and Prepare
The safest trails that honor accessible hiking requirements are wide and flat, with hard-packed surfaces. Slopes (if any) are gentle, and there are no stairs. Trail sites are getting better at labeling what level of accessibility a trail offers but it is important to research before you head out, as there may have been erosion or lack of maintenance that can impact the accessibility condition during your visit.
It can be challenging to get the exact information you need, so you may need to find travel websites, Facebook groups, Meetup groups, land steward websites, and conservation groups to ask questions to best plan a visit. Support from Outdoors For All and Disabled Hikers can be very useful, too.
When searching for accessible hiking, you will also want to ask if restroom facilities are available and if so, what are they like? Are they suitable for your requirements?
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Bring suitable items and clothing
Here is a list of suggestions to bring with you on your hike:
“Remember: Nobody can do everything. Listening to your body, embracing the great outdoors, and trying something new can remind you what you can do. Happy exploring!”
Windbreaker/waterproof raincoat
Water and snacks
Clothing you can easily layer
Comfortable pants
Hiking boots that fit properly. Closed-toe, breathable hiking boots can be your best friend! They will help reduce your risk of injury due to their sturdiness.
Thick wool (so long you aren't allergic to wool) hiking socks will keep your feet warm and avoid painful blisters.
Hat
Sunscreen
Gloves or mittens (if it’s cold)
WeCarryKevan is a hiking bag designed to carry up to 70 pounds, making it safe and suitable for many adults with muscular disorders. It includes an adjustable seat, a safety harness, a neck pad, stirrups, wrist pads, and removable chest pads for added comfort and ease.
VIPAMAT's Hippocampe All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair can be towed, pushed, or self-propelled by hand, and the entire thing floats completely on its own. This chair itself is made of hydrophobic foam padding, repelling water and it also won't get too hot in the sun.
Zoom is an all-terrain wheelchair developed for people with only upper body capabilities, offering great autonomy. It can be used by individuals of all ages and has a maximum speed of 12.6 mph, and is suitable for use off-road and hiking.
Soprano All-Terrain Rollator. A rollator is suitable for users who can walk but require support with balance and stability, so the user should have upper body capabilities, to steer the rollator and operate the hand brakes as needed. The Soprano is ideal off-road, with great walking space to increase comfort.
Hiking poles. It is safest to use two poles, rather than just one for accessible hiking. Grab some that are adjustable, to support staying upright. They can also help with balance and posture, and help with momentum.
Check out our Hiking Essentials for Beginners for more tips on what to pack for your hiking adventures.
Always Share Your Schedule
Hike with a person or group. And tell a person you trust or any responsible party where you are going hiking, and your schedule. This is vital as it can help avoid delay in the instance emergency responders need to help you.
Keep all Life-Saving Medications Readily Available
Medication like asthma inhalers, EpiPens, insulin, or other medications specific to your health condition needs to be readily available in an emergency. Keep all medication in an accessible (but zippered) pocket. Always ensure your walking partner or group leader is aware of your condition, where these medications are, and how to use them, and how to spot any serious symptoms.
Take breaks
Breaks and rest are just as important as your hike. Stop to take photos, drink water, and have a snack, to rest along the way. Bring a folding stool or lawn chair so you can sit comfortably and rest. Breathe in the fresh air and simply the outdoors. There is no rush.
Ask for Assistance
Everyone needs help at some point. When hiking with limited mobility you may realize you require assistance. There is no shame. As you get into hiking more and more, you will learn what your capabilities and limits are. Always ask questions and enlist help as needed.
Top Accessible Hikes Across the U.S.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), must ensure that public accommodations are done to provide outdoor access for everyone to newly built hiking trails.
Moreover, anyone with a permanent disability which impacts their mobility or other major life function is eligible for an Access Pass.. The Access Pass gives free admission to national parks and can save money on other fees and parking, too.
Here are some of the top accessible hiking trails:
Rim Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, on the South Rim, is tailored for people with disabilities to take in the sights and enjoy the views.
Upper Geyser Basin Trail, Yellowstone National Park
A 2.8-mile out-and-back trail consists of a paved road with wooden boardwalks that will take you to watch the geysers erupt.
Malpais Nature Trail, Valley of Fires Recreation Area
The entire trail here is paved as you traverse the old lava flow that happened over 5,000 years ago. There is also a diverse range of plants and wildlife that call this area home.
Shark Valley, Everglades National Park
This 15-mile loop trail offers a wide and paved road which leaves plenty of space for those in wheelchairs, using crutches, or requiring extra space. On this hike, you can witness alligators! There is also a tram that can hold two wheelchairs that will take you through the valley.
Sequoia National Park
This short and sweet paved, and wooden boardwalk, is right in the heart of Sequoia National Park. There is an accessible parking lot. The trail curves through massive, thousand-year-old sequoias before traversing the lush, green grasses of Round Meadow!
What is your favorite route for accessible hiking?
Remember: Nobody can do everything. Listening to your body, embracing the great outdoors, and trying something new (or reigniting a previous passion) can remind you what you can do. Happy exploring!
Related Posts: What is Body Diversity and How to Celebrate It, Health Benefits of Hiking and Tips to Get Started
Marissa Del Mistro is a writer, editor, and always on the hunt for the perfect workout. Marissa absolutely loves trail running, dancing, and cycling. When she’s not writing, Marissa loves cooking, podcasts, traveling, and exploring her home in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.
