National parks by nature are generally accessible as one of their goals is to make the beautiful outdoors accessible to all. That being said, there are some parks that have a better experience for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility than others. This post will cover the 11 most accessible National Parks in the United States so you know which ones should be at the top of your bucket list.
This is a guest post by Kristin of World on Wheels Blog. She was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts her mobility, strength, endurance, and breathing. Despite this challenge, she has traveled across the United States and abroad, including 17 US National Parks.
Rating the Accessibility of the National Parks
Determining the best national parks for any category can be challenging, however, these parks made the list as being the most accessible according to some key factors. The first factor is, how easy is it to get around the park to see the main attractions. The second consideration is whether or not there are any accessible trails within the park. Lastly, how much of the park and its iconic attractions are accessible.
Everyone wants to experience the unique features that each park has to offer, they want to go to the same Instagram locations that they’ve seen on social media. While some national parks allow visitors of all abilities to see these iconic sites, it is unfortunately not always a reality for people with mobility problems. While perhaps not all iconic vistas are fully accessible, the parks on this list have a few that are.
The parks are divided by the region in which they are located and listed in no particular order.
Most Accessible National Parks: East Coast
Acadia National Park
Location: Maine
Size: Just over 49,000 acres
Closest Airports: Hancock County (10 minutes away) or Bangor International (1 hour away)
Elevation: Maximum elevation of 1503 feet with an average of 33 feet
Acadia National Park is fantastic for people with mobility issues as it offers several accessible trails, overlooks and access to iconic views and scenery. Visitors can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, hear the roar of Thunder Hole, and enjoy sunset views by some of the most photographed lighthouses. There is even an accessible carriage ride that uses the same roads through the park that people like the Rockefellers once enjoyed.
Make sure to stop by Jordan’s Pond for a partially accessible hike around the water and to try the famous popovers in the cafe at the visitor’s center. Another not to be missed spot is Sur de Mont Springs. Accessible boardwalk trails allow you to explore the area and a botanic garden is a peaceful retreat. Lastly, as you travel the carriage roads, keep an eye out for the stone bridges. Each bridge varies in design and they all offer a nice stop for pictures.
In nearby Bar Harbor, you can drive out on the sand bar at low tide, take an accessible whale-watching tour and find accessible lodging and restaurants. Some hotels are stops for the park shuttles which will take you to main locations and drop-offs so you don’t have to worry about finding parking. If you’d rather use your own vehicle or an adapted rental vehicle, however, there is designated handicap parking at the overlooks and popular sites.
The most popular time to visit Acadia National Park is in the summer when the weather is pleasant and the whales have come to Maine for the season. However, this is also the most crowded time for those same reasons. Shoulder seasons of spring and fall will be a little less crowded, but some come with cooler temperatures and some activities may be closed. Winter will be the coldest time and the park shuttle will not be running.
Great Smoky Mountains
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Size: 265,769 acres
Closest Airports: Knoxville McGee Tyson Airport, Asheville Regional Airport, Charlotte Douglas Airport
Elevation: 876 to 6,643 feet
If you want to experience mountain vistas without leaving the East Coast, or just can’t handle the higher elevations of the mountains out west, then going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent option.
Much of this park can be seen right from the comfort of your own vehicle as you drive down scenic winding roads, however, there are also accessible trails if you feel like getting out to explore. Accessible ranger programs are also available, so make sure to stop by the visitor’s center for times and details.
Accessible scenic drives are available not only on the main roads in the park, but on back roads as well. You can purchase leaflets at the visitor’s centers that will guide you on these quieter roads in the park and explain the historic buildings that you will see. If you are lucky, you may spot a black bear during your adventures.
Accessible trails available include: the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail near Newfound Gap Rd, paths by the Mountain Farm Museum, a short trail to the John Oliver Cabin in Cades Cove, the area around Cable Mill and the Mingus Mill area (although manual wheelchair users may need some assistance).
At Clingman’s Dome, there is a long, steep paved pathway that leads to the iconic overlook. It is not considered to meet ADA standards due to the slope, however, it may be possible for powered wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
When visiting the park, many people choose to stay in Gatlinburg which offers an array of hotels, some of which have accessible rooms. There is also an option to stay in a wheelchair accessible cabin in the mountains. Cloud in the Sky cabin has been adapted for wheelchair users. ADA campsites can also be found within the park, if you prefer.
Most Accessible National Parks: Mid West
Mammoth Cave
Location: Kentucky
Size: 82.63 square miles
Closest Airports: Owensboro (OWB) Airport (68.5 miles), Louisville (SDF) (71.9 miles),
and Nashville (BNA) (79.9 miles)
Elevation: 738 ft
Typically one doesn’t think of caves as being wheelchair accessible as they usually require the use of steps. Mammoth Cave, however, used to have a cafeteria inside of the cave and therefore has a service elevator at one of its entrances. Visitors of all abilities can explore the largest cave system in the world.
While the tour is about an hour and only has access to a very small portion of the cave, missing most of the highlights, it still allows people with limited mobility and wheelchair users to see some interesting formations and tells a little of the cave’s history. It is definitely worth doing.
Wheelchair users can also take a paved path from the visitor center to see the natural entrance to the cave. This large opening is impressive and there are interpretive signs along the path. The path can be a little steep in some areas however powered wheelchair users and people using mobility scooters shouldn’t have a problem. Manual wheelchair users may need some assistance.
Mammoth cave national park also offers accessible ranger programs and some partially accessible hikes. Along one of these hikes, you can see where the water comes out of the cave. It has a beautiful blue green color due to the limestone rock in and around the cave.
Make sure to check the Mammoth Cave website to check for any elevator closures, and information on booking accessible tours.
Grand Teton National Park
Location: Wyoming
Size: 310,000 acres
Closest Airports: Jackson Hole WY, Cody WY, Salt Lake City Utah, Bozeman MT
Elevation: Average of 6,800 ft in the valley with the tallest mountain peak being 13,775 ft.
Majestic mountains, scenic lakes, wildlife, and rustic charm… yes please! Grand Teton National Park is very accessible with loads of overlooks, accessible hikes, opportunities to spot wildlife, history and even an accessible boat ride. Allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy all that this park has to offer.
Accessible lodging is available in the form of lodges and campgrounds inside of the park or in nearby Jackson Wyoming. You will need your own car, however, as there is no park shuttle and this is a large park with lots to offer. Your own vehicle will also allow you to seek out the wonderful wildlife within the park. Keep an eye out for black bears, grizzly bears, moose, elk, pronghorn, mule deer and bison.
While there are several short accessible hikes in the park, some of the best are along the southern shores of Jenny Lake and along String Lake. Both are quite picturesque and will have you stopping along the trails to take in incredible views. Make sure to take your time and soak in all that your surroundings have to offer.
All of the iconic photographic sites are fully accessible. Make sure to stop by Mormon Row to see the famous wooden barns set against the mountains, Jenny Lake for that classic lake view at the base of the Tetons and the Church of the Transfiguration for a framed view of the mountains from the altar window. Honestly though, you won’t want to put your camera down during your entire trip… it is all gorgeous!
Badlands
Location: South Dakota
Size: 244,000 acres
Closest Airports: Rapid City, SD
Elevation: Highest elevation is 3,340 ft.
The Badlands are full of colorful buttes, where erosion has formed canyon-like features and revealed the layers of colored sediment that have formed over thousands of years. They are also home to a variety of animals, including, bison, long-horned sheep, prairie dogs, and more. Visitors will be amazed by incredible vistas, formations and scenery which can be viewed along scenic drives and by stopping by accessible overlooks and viewing areas.
There are some short accessible hikes that allow people of all abilities to get out of their vehicle and up closer to nature. A boardwalk through one area has numerous plaques which talk about the fossils and bones found from now extinct animal species and how they relate to modern animals.
Allow at least a full day to explore the park. However, there are several other highlights in the area that are also not to be missed. Consider stopping by the Minute Man Missile site to learn more about the Cold War, Wall Drug is a fun but touristy stop, Mount Rushmore is also an easy day trip away and Custer State Park is sure to impress.
Yellowstone
Location: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Size: 2.22 Million Acres
Closest Airports: Jackson Hole WY, Bozeman MT, Cody WY, Salt Lake City UT, Denver CO
Elevation: 7,000-8,500 ft with an average of 8,000 ft
One of the nation’s most popular national parks is also one that offers good accessibility. All of the major features of the park are at least partially accessible through the use of boardwalks and paved pathways.
Although these paths in some areas can be quite steep, power wheelchair users and people using mobility scooters should have minimal problems. Just make sure you start each day with a full battery. Manual wheelchair users will need assistance in some areas. For the ultimate wheelchair accessible guide to Yellowstone, check out this post.
Yellowstone is a great park to visit not only for its accessibility but diversity in geological features. You will find geysers, hot springs, geothermal pools, steam vents, mudpots and more. Yellowstone national park is also home to many waterfalls, most of which are accessible. There will be no shortage of things to do here and it is recommended that you allow at least 3-4 days to explore all that the park has to offer.
Accessible lodging can be found inside the park with one of the most popular places being the Old Faithful Inn. If you decide to stay within the park, you may want to consider staying at multiple locations to cut down your driving time to popular spots and features. If you plan on staying outside of the park, Cody Wyoming is a great town to make your base.
If you would like to combine your visit to Yellowstone with Grand Teton National Park, you may be tempted to stay in one place to visit both parks. This is not advisable as it will lead to lots of driving time and less time seeing the features that each park has to offer. Maps are deceiving and the parks are much larger than you may think. Plan on moving to various locations to make the most of your time.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Location: Colorado
Size: 15,599 acres
Closest Airports: Montrose Regional Airport (15 mi), Grand Junction Regional Airport (80 mi), Denver International Airport (280 mi)
Elevation: Canyon rim is an average of 8,000 ft
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a wonderful national park in Colorado that is often less visited than some of the other parks, but is a gem and shouldn’t be missed. Accessible drives and overlooks give visitors awe-inspiring views of the canyon and river at its base. There are two sections of this park (North and South) with the South being the most popular, but both really deserve your time and attention.
You can also drive to the bottom of the canyon for a different perspective and to get up close to the river. It’s a great way to experience the depths and appreciate how deep the canyon is. Just be aware that trailers and RVs are not allowed on this drive due to switchbacks, winding roads and grade.
While there are no accessible hikes in this park, the views more than make up for it. The visitor’s centers are all accessible and offer more information about the park. Also, be sure to check out any available ranger programs as they are another excellent source of information and can be entertaining.
Grand Canyon
Location: Arizona
Size: 1.217 million acres
Closest Airports: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (81 mi), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (231 mi), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Nevada (278 mi)
Elevation: 7,000-9,000 feet depending on which rim you visit
The Grand Canyon is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. It offers amazing views and experiences. It is also very wheelchair accessible. There are three rims to choose from when visiting and the most accessible ones are the West and South rims, however there is some accessibility on the North rim and it offers a less crowded and different perspective of the canyon.
Given the choice between South and West, many people prefer the South rim as there are lots of paved pathways, accessible overlooks and an accessible shuttle here. The West rim, on the other hand, is where you can roll out on the Sky Walk glass platform to see the canyon beneath you.
If you would prefer not to take the shuttle at the south rim, check in at the visitor’s center to obtain a car pass which will allow you to drive your adapted or accessible vehicle to places that only the shuttle is allowed to go.
Grand Canyon National Park does have some wheelchair accessible trails, one of which allows you to tour an ancestral Puebloan village and learn more about the tribes that once called this area home. Hotels within the park offer wheelchair accessible rooms and are an excellent and convenient way to experience the park at various times of day.
Most Accessible National Parks: South
Everglades
Location: Florida
Size: 1.509 million acres
Closest Airports: Miami International Airport
Elevation: 0-8 ft
Everglades National Park allows visitors to explore a swampy area learning about its ecosystem, wildlife and importance to the environment. Exploring the everglades is easy with several wheelchair accessible trails which are less than ¾ miles in length, accessible ranger programs, as well as accessible boat and tram tours.
Make sure you check out the Anhinga Trail which is one of the more popular ones in the park. This trail is one of the best areas to see wildlife, so be on the lookout for alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, egrets, and many other birds. The other accessible trails will allow you to get up close to the plants, trees, flora and fauna unique to the area.
This park is best visited in the winter months as you can avoid the hottest and most humid temperatures, the wildlife is more active and there are more ranger programs available during this time. There is an accessible campground within the park, however if you wish to stay in a hotel, the closest city is Everglades city. Other nearby towns include Naples, Marco Island, Miami and the Upper Keys.
Carlsbad Caverns
Location: New Mexico
Size: 46,770 acres
Closest Airports: El Paso International Airport (145 mi), Lubbock Texas International (178 mi), Albuquerque International Airport (275 mi)
Elevation: 3,599 ft
This is another cave that is wheelchair accessible by an elevator. There is also a ramped natural entrance, but it does not meet ADA standards with grades ranging from 15-20%. Once inside the cave, there is one accessible pathway, the Big Room Trail, which is one mile in length and is wet and may be slippery due to the natural dripping of water in the cave.
There is also a partially accessible nature trail near the east end of the parking lot near the visitor center. A 9.5 mile drive is also accessible and takes visitors through the Chihuahuan Desert. Although this drive is not open to vehicles pulling trailers or RVs, other vehicles are welcome to enjoy the views along the drive and read the multiple roadside interpretive signs, most of which can be read from your vehicle.
Another must-do activity is watching the flight of the bats at dusk from late May to October. There is a designated amphitheater with the top row having designated seating for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems. Accessible parking and restrooms are also available for this event.
Most Accessible National Parks: West Coast
Yosemite
Location: California
Size: 748,000 acres
Closest Airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (95 mi), San Francisco International Airport (190 mi), San Jose Mineta International Airport (178 mi), Oakland International Airport (180 mi)
Elevation: 2,127 to 13,120 feet
Yosemite offers mountain views, waterfalls and lush valleys for visitors to explore. Many of these popular sites can be viewed along scenic drives and overlooks, and you can choose to see them in your own vehicle, take the accessible park shuttle bus or pay to do an organized tour (which can be done with accessible vehicles if you call ahead at least 24 hours in advance). Ranger programs can also be adapted to be accessible with advanced notice.
Visitors with disability placards can obtain permits to access parts of the park that are generally off limits to traffic. This allows people with disabilities to avoid steep portions of trails and access more of the park’s features. Accessible trails are also available for an up-close look at waterfalls, see giant sequoias, and to enjoy spring wildflowers.
Accessible lodging is available in the park and allows visitors to enjoy the area at all times of day. Another benefit to staying within the park is that you won’t need to have an entry reservation. Accessible restaurants and food options are also located within the park.
Lodging fills up quickly and if you didn’t score reservations at one of the park’s lodges, accessible accommodations can be found in nearby towns. However, unless you have a tour scheduled, you will need to go online and try to snag a park reservation (which is good for three days). Most of the reservations open up in late March with a smaller amount of reservations available starting a week before your trip. Reservations are required from May to October when visiting Yosemite between 6 am and 4 pm.
5 Tips for Visiting National Parks as a Wheelchair User or Person with Limited Mobility
Plan in Advance
US national parks are extremely popular places to visit and lodging fills up quickly, sometimes a year or more in advance. If you need an accessible room (which are already limited in numbers), this means that lodging should be the first thing you book for your trip and it is recommended that you do this as soon as you know your travel dates.
You should also do your research to see if any reservations are needed for the park(s) you will be visiting. Some parks have implemented a timed entrance system, and if you don’t have a reservation, you won’t get in. This can sometimes be avoided if you arrive before 6 am or after 4 pm. Other parks only have reservations for popular roads or activities. Check the park website on nps.gov for more details about your intended park.
Get Your Access Pass
Many websites will recommend that you get a National Parks Pass, especially if you plan on visiting more than one park within a year. However, did you know that if you are a US resident and have a permanent disability, you can qualify for an Access Pass? This pass is free (with a $10 processing fee), good for your lifetime and allows you free entry to the national parks and other national sites (i.e. national lakeshores, historic sites, wildlife reserves and more).
To get your Access Pass, you will need your doctor to write a note stating that you are permanently disabled (they do not need to state your diagnosis). You will also need proof of citizenship. You then have two options. First, you can take these documents to any national park or area that falls under the park service and obtain your pass there. Or you can submit your documents by mail and pay a $10 service fee and get your pass that way.
Once you receive your Access Pass, you just show it at the gate to any national park (or other areas discussed above) and you as well as everyone in your vehicle will receive free entry. You may be asked to provide a photo ID at the entrance gate.
US veterans also qualify for a free pass and just need to show proof of service.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACCESS PASS
Check the nps.gov Website for Closures
While you are planning your trip, and even right before you leave for vacation, check the nps.gov website and your specific park(s) to see if there have been any closures reported. This could include certain roads, trails or attractions. Sometimes the park itself will close.
The reasons for these closures can vary but are often related to construction, weather, wildlife activity or wildfires. Knowing ahead of your visit what to expect can keep you from disappointment and allow you to make alternative plans. It is also recommended that upon arrival, you check with rangers about current trail conditions and closures as these are not always updated on the website.
Consider Renting Mobility Equipment
If you have limited mobility and don’t already use a wheelchair or scooter, you may want to consider renting one for your next national park trip. Most of the parks are very large and require you to cover a lot of distance. Renting mobility equipment may help you to see more of the park and help to conserve your energy.
Wouldn’t it be great to see everything you want to and not feel completely exhausted at the end of the day or need to take a day off to recuperate? Mobility equipment may help you to accomplish this goal. Know what your limits are and listen to what your body is telling you so you don’t overdo it.
Keep in Mind Elevation
As you start moving more westward to the national parks, the elevation begins to rise. Watch out for elevation sickness by knowing the symptoms, and what you can safely handle. Consult with your doctor if you have concerns prior to your trip. During your vacation, make sure to keep hydrated and drink more water than you think you need to.
At higher elevations, the sun can feel more intense, making it easier to burn and dehydrate more quickly than you are used to. The thinner air may also impact your energy levels and you may get tired faster. Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Allow more time to do activities and rest when you need to.
Click here for a full list of tips for planning your national park trip.
Most Accessible National Parks Recap
While the majority of national parks offer some level of accessibility, the ones listed in this post are considered some of the best. Wheelchair users and people with limited mobility are sure to enjoy their experience at each of these parks and temporarily satisfy their wanderlust until they can travel again. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
About the Author
Kristin was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts her mobility, strength, endurance, and breathing. Despite this challenge, she has traveled across the United States and abroad, including 17 US national parks. She hopes to share her accessible travel experiences and information with others through her blog World on Wheels Blog, to inspire people of all abilities to travel and provide resources to make accessible travel easier. Follow her travels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.