Author: Cecilia

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith has two accessible trails.  The center contains 170 acres of land in Fort Smith that were previously part of Fort Chaffee. The building overlooks Wells Lake, popular for fishing and picnicking.  The center focuses on the wide variety of birds and other animals that call the area home.
Phone 479-452-3993   Trails   Here is their website.
Wheelchair Accessible Wells Lake Trail 0.7 miles

Wheelchair AccessibleBeaver Creek Trail 0.3 miles

 

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
“The Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark mountains of northern Arkansas.”  It encompasses the tallest mountain in the State, Mount Magazine, and the Blanchard Springs Caverns.
“The St. Francis National Forest covers 22,600 acres in eastern Arkansas, one of the smallest and most diverse forests in the country.”
There are “recreational opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, hunting, boating, scenic drives, picnics sites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.”

Henry Koen Experimental Forest  
The 720 acre Henry R. Koen Experimental Forest (Koen) is covered mostly in oak-hickory upland hardwood forest and oak-pine stands.
Wheelchair AccessibleHenry Koen Nature Trail  0.5 mile interpretive trail

Hammerschmidt Falls Trail  1.2 miles “good for all skill levels”

The Experimental  Forest is within the Ozark National forest so you might call the Jasper Ranger District office for information 870-446-5122.
Forest Headquarters phone  479-964-7200

Arizona – Sonoran Desert Museum

Arizona – Sonoran Desert Museum
The Arizona – Sonoran Desert Museum us mostly wheelchair accessible.
“The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.”  There are two miles of walking paths through desert habitats planted with 1,200 types of plants.  230 animal species live in this primarily outdoor museum.   There is also a large mineral collection.
Wheelchair AccessibleTheir website says that, “96% of our exhibits are viewable by wheelchair. The Museum maintains a small fleet of manual wheelchairs, and child strollers available free of charge. A limited number of electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at our front ticket window on a first-come, first serve basis.” Here is a map of the trails and gardens and here is their website.
Phone  520-883-2702

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park
There are a couple of accessible trails at this World Heritage Site.  The Grand Canyon  lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona.  In this semi-arid land of raised plateaus and structural basins, the Colorado River has cut an extensive canyon, averaging 4,000′ deep for 277.  It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 18 miles at its widest.

Be aware that this is high country.  The rim is nearly 7000′ above sea level.  We visited the Grand Canyon in January.  It was bitter cold (-6 F˚) but not very crowded. I was impressed how quickly the wheelchair accessible path was plowed.
Wheelchair AccessibleTrail of Time  1.3-mile trail between Verkamp’s Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum
Rim Trail  13 miles,  mostly paved

Accessibility   Accessibility Guide
South Rim Pocket Map   North Rim Pocket Map
Visitors Center phone 928-638-7888

Grand Canyon National Park Arizona overlook from ADA wheelchair accessible path.
Grand Canyon National Park AZ overlook from wheelchair accessible path.
Trail of Time, ADA Wheelchair accessible paved path Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Trail of Time, ADA Wheelchair accessible paved path Grand Canyon National Park AZ