New York Federal - Accessible Nature

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
“The 16,212-acre Finger Lakes National Forest lies on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. ”
“The Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) encompasses more than 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont.”
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests’ Supervisor’s Office is located in Rutland, VT. The Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont has Ranger Stations in Manchester and Rochester, VT. The Finger Lakes National Forest in New York has a Ranger Station in Hector, NY.

Here is the Forests’ website. Supervisor’s Phone 802-747-6700. Manchester Ranger Station phone 802-362-2307. Rochester Ranger Station phone 802-767-4261. Hector Ranger Station phone 607-546-4470.
Thundering Falls Trail Guide 900′ of boardwalk in the Appalachian Trail leading to the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. In Green Mountain National Forest near Killington.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail The first 0.3 miles across a beaver pond boardwalk to the South Branch of the Middlebury River is accessible for wheelchairs. The 1.2 mile loop trail is an “easy walk” . Trail guide and map.
? South Slope Trail 0.75 mile “The trail passes through hardwood and conifer stands and crosses a small stream. It is a primitive trail with plank boardwalk over wet areas. ” It is classified as easy. Call the Hector Ranger Station to be sure.

Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore
“Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the pressure of nearby big-city life, dynamic barrier island beaches offer both solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal.” Accessibility Map
There is a loaner beach wheelchair available on a first come first serve basis at Sailors Haven. National Park Planner gives a detailed description with photos.
Here is the Seashore’s website and phone (631) 687-4750. Wilderness Visitor Center phone is 631-281-3010 Sailors Haven Visitor Center phone is 631-597-6183
Parts of the boardwalks are accessible, others not yet compliant with ADA standards. You really need to call ahead to determine where you can go given your abilities.
Sunken Forest trail is mostly boardwalks. Call to be sure of conditions.

Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway’s 27,000 acre area constitutes three geographic units: Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York City. This park was badly hit by Hurricane Sandy. Some areas are still closed. There are beach wheelchairs available at Jamaica Bay and Sandy Hook. Call ahead.
Here is Gateway’s website. Phone 718-354-4606
Staten Island. There are walking paths at all three Staten Island sites. Accessibility at Staten Island. Phone 718-354-4606
A paved and wheelchair-accessible Multi-Use Path begins at the entrance to Great Kills Park and extends 1.5 miles to the beach center.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Try the Upland, East Pond and West Pond trails. Or hike in the back fort area of Fort Tilden. Here is a website by Steve Markos which describes the West Pond, and North and South Trails at Jamaica Bay. Accessibility at Jamaica Bay.
? West Pond Trail, 2.7 miles, looks from the photographs as if it might be wheelchair accessible. Call the Visitor Center 718-318-4340 to be sure.
Sandy Hook Accessibility at Sandy Hook. Visitor Center phone 732-872-5970.
Multi-use Pathway, 5miles, is wheelchair accessible.