Category: Pennsylvania State

Pennsylvania State Parks with Accessible Trails Thank you Jody Russell of PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks for this list “of state parks that have accessible trails and sightseeing areas that are actually marked as accessible or I believe would be suitable for disabled individuals that would like to enjoy Pennsylvania’s state parks.”  She has added contact information for each park listed.

Varden Conservation Area
 The 444-acre Varden Conservation Area is in Wayne County and is protected for future generations as a respite from daily life and a “place to learn about Pennsylvania’s wonderful natural history.”
Here is the Area website.  Phone 570-676-3428  Trail descriptions.
Pond Loop Trail 0.73 mile ADA compliant   “This trail begins at the teaching pavilion at the Tannery Tract, loops around to Middle Creek, passes through a forested area around a pond, and wraps back to the pavilion.”

Tobyhanna State Park 
5,440 acre Tobyhanna State Park is in Monroe and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and includes 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake.
Phone 570-894-8336  Here is the Park website.    Brochure
Lakeside Trail: 5.1 miles, “This improved trail has a hardened base for hiking and bicycling in summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. Although not recommended for people with disabilities, wheelchair users have completed the trail. Part of the trail is on the paved road. ”

Swatara State Park
“The 3,520-acre Swatara State Park consists of rolling fields and woodlands situated in the Swatara Valley, between Second and Blue mountains. The scenic Swatara Creek meanders the length of the park and is surrounded by forests and wetlands that support a diversity of wildlife.”
Phone  717-865-6470    Here is the Park website.   Brochure   
Swatara Rail Trail: 10 miles, “extends from Lickdale Interchange (Exit 90) of I-81 to the Pine Grove Interchange (Exit 100) of I-81. The trail is relatively flat, with variable surfaces: dirt, gravel and pavement.”

Sinnemahoning State Park 
“Sinnemahoning State Park, located near the center of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ scenic steep valleys region, encompasses 1,910 acres of beautiful scenery and outstanding wildlife habitat.”   The Park lies in Cameron and Potter counties and includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, and a 145-acre reservoir.
Here is the Park website.   Phone  814-647-840   Brochure   Map
Lowlands Trail 5 miles along “the course of the First Fork …..passing through open fields, shrubby riparian zones and mature, towering forests. “….. Interpretive panels along the way provide insights into the wildlife and ecology of the park. An ADA accessible wildlife viewing platform is located at the northern trailhead of the Lowlands Trail. This area is ideal habitat for deer, elk, woodcock, migratory songbirds and monarch butterflies. The trail from the wildlife viewing platform to the 40 Maples Day Use Area is ADA accessible.  A spur of the trail near the 40 Maples Day Use Area leads to a secluded viewing blind that overlooks an abandoned beaver pond. Quiet visitors may be able to see great blue herons wading in the pond or painted turtles basking on partially submerged logs. Osprey, green herons, belted kingfishers, bobcats and whitetail deer also frequent the area.”

Presque Isle State Park
“Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie.”
Here is the Park website.    Phone 814-833-7424  Brochure
Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail “makes a 13.5-mile circuit in the park. This paved trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. This ADA accessible trail is popular with bicyclists, in-line skaters and joggers. During the winter, the trail is plowed from the entrance to the ranger station for hikers.”

Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is c20,500 acres of “rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands….”  The Youghiogheny River Gorge passes through the center if the park.
Phone 724-329-8591.   Here is the Park website.   Brochure     Map
 Youghiogheny River Trail: 27 miles, is part of the150 mile Great Allegheny Passage .
“From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area on the east side of the park, the trail descends at a one percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor’s Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle. From the Train Station/Visitor’s Center in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a three percent grade to Connellsville. Parking is available in Connellsville in lots on Third Street and in the Yough River Park.

Neshaminy State Park 
Neshaminy State Park is along the Delaware River in lower Bucks County.
215-639-4538 Here is the Park website.   Brochure
Logan Walk 0.57 miles: “This is the original drive to the former Robert Logan Home, which has been removed. The tree-lined walk is used by visitors for numerous recreational activities and serves as a park service road. The walk is paved and ADA accessible.”
East Walk 0.17 mi. and part of West Walk

Eagles Forest Trail 0.4 miles

River Walk Trail (0.92 mile) Oak Lane (0.22 mile), Locust Lane (0.58 mile), Beaver Lane (0.29 mile), and Buck Alley (0.26 mile) trails are all described as “easiest walking”.

Norristown Farm Park
“One of the most unique parks in the Pennsylvania state park system, Norristown Farm Park is a working farm in continuous use since colonial times.”
Here is the Park website.  Brochure  Phone: 610-270-0215  Map
 “There are eight miles of trails throughout the park. Most trails are paved and used for walking, rollerblading and bicycling.  …All paved trails can be accessed by wheelchairs. Some trails have hills that could impact wheelchair use. Check the contours on the map to determine changes in elevation and your ability to maneuver these grades. ”

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
“Kings Gap consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a permanent orienteering course, picnicking, hunting, and other recreational and educational opportunities.”  
Phone 717-486-5031.  Here is the Center’s website.   Map   Brochure   
Whispering Pines Trail: 0.3 mile, paved, “This ADA accessible trail loops through the interior of the pine plantation.”
White Oaks Trail: 0.3 mile, paved,”This ADA accessible loop trail has exhibits to interpret the ecology of a deciduous white oak forest.”
In addition to the wheelchair accessible trails noted above there are several trail described in the brochure as “easiest” hiking.