5 Accessible Nature Trips for Wheelchair Users
Did you know today (April 22nd) is Earth Day? Well now you do! Sometimes getting outside and being in nature, whether it's the forest, a beach, or a nice walking path with a pond, is the best way to boost your mood. And we thought today would be the perfect day to highlight five accessible destinations for nature experiences. There are hundreds of places to choose from, but these ones offer accessible trip options, and some of them might be places you wouldn't consider before.
We also want to hear from you: which nature destination would you put on this list? Comment below so we can all have the best ideas for exploring nature.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is probably the best accessible nature destination in the world right now. They've poured a lot into accessible tourism, including walkways and access points on beaches, amphibious equipment, and ensuring national park trails are inclusive. They've even used recycled plastic and turned it into walkways on beaches. So not only are they investing in accessible tourism, but also sustainable tourism. That makes it the perfect place to top our list on Earth Day.
You can roll through the Mistico Park rainforest on hanging bridges above the canopy, visit a wildlife rescue center that protects pumas and other native species, soak in hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano, and relax at a beachfront all-inclusive resort with an amphibious wheelchair for the water.
The Oregon Coast
Very few places match Oregon's diverse nature, from coastlines to sand dunes to forests. They are actually the first State to be verified by Wheel the World, meaning over 800 spots across Oregon were measured for accessibility info, which were then turned into listings for travelers with disabilities to see. This includes more than a dozen towns down along the 300-plus miles of Oregon Coast, including Astoria, Cannon Beach, and Newport. One of the really cool things is you can reserve free track chairs in many top towns, including Newport, Tillamook County, and Seaside. These allow you to roam freely on the sand and surrounding areas. You can reserve these through David's Chair, a non-profit helping people with disabilities explore and regain independence. Mobi Mats are placed on many top beaches so even without a track chair, wheelchair users can roll right onto the beach. Plus, you'll find many hotels, activities, and restaurants verified for accessibility, so you have plenty of options to choose from. A roadtrip down the Oregon coast may not be a bad idea!
Estes Park, Colorado
If you want to be just down the road of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the nature destination for you, which is surrounded by mountains and hundreds of miles of protected lands. Wildlife is plentiful, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and deer – among the more elusive black bears, coyotes and mountain lions. Visitors can drive the scenic roads throughout the park, stop for the views, and even explore short, flat, and paved (or packed gravel) loops. Estes Park itself is accessible with six verified hotels, eight restaurants and breweries, and many things to do. Kep Expeditions runs guided and accessible tours through Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the surrounding areas. They specialize in customized experiences, which means you can work with them directly to plan something that fits your needs and ability level. They operate ADA-compliant vehicles and daily tours, making them one of the more practical options for wheelchair users who want a guided way into the backcountry without having to navigate it by yourself.
Finger Lakes, New York
Most people think of wine when they hear Finger Lakes, and well, they'd be right. But the nature here is the real main attraction. The region gets its name from 11 long, narrow glacial lakes carved into the landscape over thousands of years, surrounded by gorges, waterfalls, and wetlands packed with migratory birds. Taughannock Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, and it has a verified accessible trail and overlook. The Cayuga Waterfront Trail runs 8 flat miles along the lake. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge sits on the Atlantic Flyway, one of the major migration routes in North America, and is verified for accessibility. And at Lime Hollow Nature Center, you can borrow a trail-ready wheelchair at no charge to get out on the paths. With over 30 verified hotels and over 100 verified things to do, the Finger Lakes is one of the most thoroughly mapped accessible nature destinations we have.
South Africa
Many people with disabilities might write off a safari. But not this trip! Wheel the World's 10-day South Africa trip takes you through Johannesburg, three full days on safari in Kruger National Park, and Cape Town, all with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and roll-in showers at every hotel stop. Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, and you'll have three days to spot the Big Five. In Cape Town, Table Mountain has a fully accessible cable car to the top. And if you've never seen a colony of African penguins up close at Boulders Beach, it's one of those things you just have to experience.
Explore the South Africa safari →
Ready to travel without the headache?
Accessible travel is possible. The problem is that information is either lacking or just doesn't exist. That is why we measure actual details that matter, so you can see if it will work for you. So if you're ready to get outside in nature (or just travel to wherever your heart desires), we have trip packages, verified hotels, and a whole lot more with real, trusted information.
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