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Explore 5 Accessible Parks in the National Park System

These beautiful landmarks have increased accessibility for wheelchair users

Rocky Mountain National Park at sunset
Accessible national parks allow everyone to enjoy the national treasures. Here, Sprague Lake seen at sunset at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS
By

Jaclyn Greenberg,

 
AARP
Published April 15, 2024

National parks are popular vacation spots for families, couples and singles looking to explore nature at its finest. Of course, people with disabilities also want to enjoy these national treasures but need to consider accessibility before they venture out. These five national parks, among many others, are working hard so everyone can enjoy their glory.

The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass allows an individual with a permanent disability free lifetime entry to many national parks, including the ones below, unless otherwise indicated. To apply for the pass, complete a form online and include an ID and acceptable proof of permanent disability along with a $10 processing fee. Once approved, the access pass admits the pass owner and up to three adults to parks where per-person fees are charged, or all the passengers in one noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas. The pass may also qualify the user for discounts on activities, such as camping or tours.

Jackson Lake Dam at Grand Teton National Park.
There is an accessible route at Jackson Lake Dam at Grand Teton National Park.
NPS

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park increased its focus on accessibility over the past five years, including a new, fully accessible plaza at Jenny Lake, a popular area for all visitors. “We have an accessible trail that actually leads down to the lake,” says J. David Reus, Grand Teton accessibility coordinator. “Depending on the water levels, you can actually wheel right down into the water.”

The Snake River has spectacular views where tourists can see wildlife such as moose and beavers. Four access points are wheelchair-accessible, and a fifth will soon be added at the park’s Snake River headquarters. There is also an accessible fishing platform with handrails that are lower for wheelchair users.

The Taggart Lake Trail is another great way to see the beauty of the park’s trees and mountains. A project is currently in the works to make the trails more accessible by removing barriers and checking the grading of the trails.

Alluvial Fan Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alluvial Fan Trail is available at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park/NPS

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Visitors who want to go wilderness backpacking and camping at Rocky Mountain National Park can enjoy the Sprague Lake Accessible Campsite. The site can accommodate only 12 people, so reservations should be made in advance. The nearby Sprague Lake Loop is 0.7 miles, accessible and a good spot for fishing and viewing wildlife such as moose, elk, birds and waterfowl.

The Coyote Valley Trail is another great place for wildlife viewing. With an elevation of 8,870 feet, it offers amazing views of the Kawuneeche Valley, the Never Summer Mountains, and the Colorado River. The packed gravel trail is a 1-mile round trip.

For wheelchair users who want to get further into the woods, a free all-terrain wheelchair is available to explore the park. Call ahead for reservations.

Rocky Mountain has a timed entry system, with a small fee during peak season.

a man in a wheelchair along the Cadillac accessible path at Acadia National Park
Cadillac accessible path at Acadia National Park is along the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard.
John Kelly/NPS

Acadia National Park, Maine

Tourists can access much of Acadia National Park by car, stopping along the way to enjoy numerous mountain views. Jordan Pond House is a popular stopping point for a meal with indoor and outdoor seating, weather permitting.

For an extra fee of $6 per vehicle (the disability pass is not applicable), visitors can drive up to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The scenic drive to the top is 3.5 miles long, and many people like to go during sunrise.

Forty-five miles of carriage roads built in the early 1900s are popular today for pedestrians and bikers. The roads also may be comfortable for wheelchair users.

Other accommodations include a wheelchair-accessible carriage ride and an accessible beach chair with large inflatable tires to visit Echo Lake, both of which require reservations.

visitors at the Snowball Room at Mammoth Cave National Park.
There’s an accessible 0.5-mile round trip path to the Snowball Room, a cave with snowball-shaped crystal masses, at Mammoth Cave National Park.
NPS

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

The ability to visit both above- and below-ground sites is what draws people to Mammoth Cave National Park. The longest known cave system in the world, it’s where tourists can learn about history while exploring the caves. An elevator entrance leads to an accessible 0.5-mile round trip path to the Snowball Room, a cave with snowball-shaped crystal masses. A two-hour accessible cave tour is also available ($27 for adults, $13.50 for adults over 62 years old and Access Pass holders).

Above ground, there are several accessible trails, including the popular Echo River Springs Walk, where the Echo River emerges from Mammoth Cave to reach the surface. Wheelchair users can enjoy increased visibility by using the clear glass panels at overlooks along the trail. A 0.6-mile ranger-led guided walk is where visitors can hear about the area’s biological and geologic diversity. Self-guided tours at various locations throughout the park are also available.

There is no entry fee to the park.

Platte River Campground Amphitheater at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is accessible
The accessible Platte River Campground Amphitheater offers ranger-led programs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
NPS

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes is popular for its lush forests, beautiful lakes and 35 miles of beaches. Wheelchair users can enjoy the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop with views of Lake Michigan, the Glen Lakes and the dunes, with accessible parking at four overlook locations.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is solid and good for wheelchair users, cyclists and pedestrians. The trail takes visitors through 20 miles of scenic views and connects to the town of Glen Arbor, a popular lakeside community.

Sand wheelchairs are available for free at the Maritime Museum boathouse and the Cannery, so everyone can enjoy the beach.

The Platte River Campground is also accessible and offers electrical hookups, a grill, restrooms, showers and more. While visiting, check out the Platte River Campground Amphitheater. “The amphitheater offers free, daily ranger-led programs in the evenings from the end of June through September,” says Merrith Baughman, director of interpretation and visitor services at Sleeping Bear Dunes. “The topics vary but are fun, active and great for families.”

Jaclyn Greenberg lives on the East Coast and enjoys traveling with her family of five, including her son who is a wheelchair user. She has written for The New York Times, CNN, Wired, Fodor’s and Parents.

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