Exploring the outdoors is a joy everyone should experience, for the fresh air, the boost to physical and mental health, and the connection to nature. Thankfully, adaptive recreation and ADA camping sites are making nature and the great outdoors more inclusive than ever.
From fishing at peaceful lakes to tackling mountain bike trails, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Here are four adaptive recreational activities, a few spots to enjoy them, nearby RV rentals, and some helpful tips to make the most of your outing. Let’s go!
Adaptive Hiking
Adaptive hiking makes exploring nature’s beauty in every season possible for everyone. Thanks to innovations, like all-terrain hiking wheelchairs and trekking poles with forearm supports, hikers of all abilities can navigate uneven terrain and revel in the great outdoors.
Many state parks and natural areas are championing inclusivity by introducing adaptive programs and building accessible hiking trails. It’s become easier than ever to get outside and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of time spent in nature.
Where to Go:
Georgia State Parks | Statewide
Thanks to the All Terrain Georgia program, finding accessible walks is easier than ever, and visitors can reserve free all-terrain track chairs, opening up trails previously off-limits to standard wheelchairs. Through the Outdoors Beyond Barriers Initiative, 20 Action Trackchairs are available across 22 natural areas in Georgia.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Tennessee, North Carolina
America’s most-visited national park welcomes all adventurers with wheelchair-accessible trails, like the Cataract Falls Trail, on-site all-terrain wheelchairs, and ranger-led adaptive programs, such as an adaptive hike along the scenic Middle Prong Trail.
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Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail | Alabama
Located in Gulf State Park, the 28-mile wheelchair-friendly Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail winds through six ecosystems, including coastal dunes and freshwater marshes. The park also features a 496-site campground, perfect for extending your stay in Gulf Shores.
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Quick Tips:
* Start with easy trails that are paved or made with crushed gravel. AllTrails allows you to filter for wheelchair-friendly hiking trails.
* Use of an all-terrain wheelchair typically requires a reservation, so plan accordingly.
* For accessible trail guides and inclusive group hikes, check out Disabled Hikers, an online community that promotes inclusive outdoor exploration.
Adaptive Kayaking
Adaptive kayaking makes it possible for individuals with varying mobility levels to paddle calm lakes, flowing rivers, and coastal waters. Modified kayaks may feature hand pedal systems, outriggers for extra support, and gripping devices, like paddling mitts and wrist cuffs.
Kayak modifications and efforts to improve accessibility have contributed to the growth in popularity of this inclusive water activity. For more, check out Creating Ability, an organization dedicated to making paddling accessible fore everyone. They’ve even designed universal paddling seats and adaptive paddling systems that allow more people to experience the joy of kayaking.
Where to Go:
Makena Landing Park | Hawaii
Paddle through the pristine waters of Makena Bay on Maui by way of a two-hour guide-led adaptive kayaking tour through Wheel the World. This organization specializes in accessible travel adventures. Get your paddle on at Makena Landing Park to soak up the beauty of the island coast.
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Patapsco Valley State Park | Maryland
Located along the scenic Patapsco River, Patapsco Valley State Park offers adaptive paddling programs in partnership with Team River Runner. They provide specially designed watercraft that meet a variety of mobility needs, ensuring everyone can get out on the water.
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Merrick State Park | Wisconsin
Set on Fountain City Bay, Merrick State Park was the first state park in Wisconsin to install universal kayak launches. In addition, Merrick State Park is one of ten state parks and state forests in Wisconsin to make adaptive kayaks available to park-goers with mobility challenges.
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Quick Tips:
* Look for calm, sheltered waters to help ensure a smooth and fun-filled paddling experience.
* Pack waterproof gear and consider joining a guided adaptive kayaking tour to navigate safely and learn about local ecosystems.
* For first-timers, seek out equipment rentals and adaptive paddling lessons. It’s best to call ahead to ensure gear availability when you arrive.
Adaptive Fishing
Adaptive fishing is all about making the joys of casting a line accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility needs. Specially-designed fishing gear, like rod holders, motorized reels, and ergonomic handles, allow anyone to experience the thrill of reeling in a catch.
Many fishing spots have wheelchair-accessible piers and platforms so all visitors can revel in a day by the water. Before you head out, check local fishing license requirements and regulations. Some states compile handy where-to-go guides and offer tackle loaner programs.
Where to Go:
Falls Lake State Recreation Area | North Carolina
Located near Durham, the serene reservoir at Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers accessible fishing piers and free adaptive fishing gear, including wheelchair pole holders, through the park’s tackle loaner program. For a multi-day adventure, choose from three family-friendly campgrounds.
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Lake Monroe | Indiana
Spanning 10,750 acres, Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest man-made lake. Several state parks, including Pine Grove State Recreation Area and Cutright State Recreation Area, sit along the water’s edge. You’ll find accessible boat launches and fishing platforms equipped with railings.
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Trout Lake | Colorado
Just a short drive from Telluride, Trout Lake pairs mountain scenery with an accessible fishing lake. For an inclusive experience, the Telluride Adaptive Sports Program offers guide-led adaptive fishing trips, including a three-hour trip to Trout Lake that’s perfect for first-timers.
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Quick Tips:
* Many states offer free or discounted fishing licenses for individuals with disabilities.
* No-cost tackle loaner programs often include adaptive fishing gear. Just ask.
* Don’t forget to pack essentials, like sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and plenty of water.
Adaptive Mountain Biking
Adaptive mountain biking is an exhilarating way for riders of all abilities to tackle single-track trails. Specialized biking gear, like off-road handcycles, recumbent bikes, and bucket bikes, let riders tackle rugged terrain and feel the rush of the ride.
A growing commitment to inclusivity has led more bike-friendly destinations to introduce trails that allow for adaptive mountain biking. These trails are typically wider, able to accommodate the larger size, width, and turning radius of adaptive bikes.
Where to Go:
Pocahontas State Park | Virginia
More than 40 miles of mountain biking trails make Pocahontas State Park a dream for outdoor lovers. The Swift Creek Trails System includes seven miles of adaptive cycling trails. Visitors can borrow adaptive bikes from the park, which has a family campground with over 100 sites.
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Snowshoe Mountain Resort | West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain Resort partners with Challenged Athletes of West Virginia to offer adaptive mountain biking lessons. As part of the mountain’s commitment to adaptive summer sports programs, several adaptive sit-down mountain bike options are available to riders.
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Bend | Oregon
Bend is a mecca for outdoor sports. Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) helps everyone get rolling with a fleet of off-road handcycles and fat-tire tricycles. OAS offers two-hour skills-building sessions, community bike nights, and skills-progression camps for riders of all ages and levels.
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Quick Tips:
* Cycle on specially designed adaptive trails, which should be wide – at least 40 to 42 inches – and free of pinch points or limiting obstacles.
* Use the buddy system. A friend can help push you along a more challenging stretch of trail.
* Pack comfort and safety essentials, like helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and bike gloves
