New York State Parks is dedicated to making sure that visitors of all abilities can enjoy our parks and historic sites. In 2023, a record 84.1 million visitors came to our properties, so it is more vital than ever to ensure that all who visit have a safe and fun experience!  

“Every individual has a different set of abilities, a different set of strengths, and a wealth of experience and wisdom that comes with them. 

As in ecological communities, our social communities and lives are enriched by having a diverse array of problem solvers, friends, and loved ones. 

We at Rockefeller [State Park] are excited to welcome people who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces, knowing that the more perspectives and voices are on our public land, the closer we are to cultivating sustainable relationships to our natural world and to one another.” 

-Devyani Mishra, Conservation Steward at Rockefeller State Park Preserve 

Parks’ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Owen Gilbo, guides our agency’s efforts to make certain that Parks facilities and programs meet accessibility standards, and to increase access for people with disabilities.

“Building a more accessible system may include new or renovated facilities, parking and trail improvements, acquiring adaptive equipment to increase access to beaches and trails, and developing environmental education programs to address the spectrum of visitor needs and abilities,” Owen explained.  

Blazing Trails For All Users

One basic way that Parks is increasing opportunities for people with disabilities is by designing trails that meet the varied physical and mental needs of visitors. For example, the Denning’s Point Trail in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve has a firm crushed-stone surface and gentle grades to meet a broad range of mobility needs.  

The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park is a nation-leading trail that was created through a fundraising partnership between New York State Parks, the Natural Heritage Trust, Camp Puzzle Peace of Rochester, and Perry Central School District in Wyoming County.  The trail has eight sensory-friendly planned-interaction stations, developed with guidance from world-renowned autism advocate Temple Grandin. The ANT provides a way for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors, and ideally will inspire a meaningful connection with nature. 

The popular Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park is the site of the park’s annual First Day Hike and meets the varied mobility needs of visitors. The family pictured below participates in the event annually, as their son is able to navigate the trail in his wheelchair with ease. 

“The First Day Hike event at Taughannock Falls State Park has had exceptional turnout with more than 2,100 people in 2024, likely due in part to the gentle grade of the Gorge Trail that is utilized for the event. From 10 AM to 4 PM, participants are invited to hike along the three-quarter mile long Gorge Trail, which is a mostly level trail with a compact surface that ends at a magnificent view of the park’s namesake waterfall. The broad timeframe in which people can take part in the event means that everyone is able to travel along the trail at their own pace. ” 

–Elijah Kruger, Environmental Educator at Taughannock Falls State Park 

Equipped For Adaptability

A new tower viewer at Taughannock Falls uses an EnChroma Lens to correct for color blindness and allow more people to experience the colors of the landscape of changing foliage. The viewer has received rave reviews from both people with color vision deficiency and from visitors who are excited about the new equipment.   

State Parks also currently offers a Hippocamp wheelchair adapted with skis at Glimmerglass State Park and beach mobility-mats at many beaches. Our agency is always seeking out new types of adaptive equipment to offer and introducing the equipment at new locations. Please call ahead to the individual property for equipment availability and direct all other accessibility-related inquiries to accessibility@parks.ny.gov. 

Birdability And More

Environmental educators are working on innovative programming ideas so that everyone has the opportunity to engage in some of the most loved activities that our parks have to offer. 

The Accessible Birding program at Point Au Roche State Park guides patrons along paved trails with seating options where they can observe birds with comfort and ease. Similarly, Birdability Week and The Big Sit at Genesee Valley Greenway State Park offer outings along resurfaced pathways and a non-walking bird count where participants identify birds within their 17-foot circle. 

Fishing And Other Outdoor Fun

There are plenty of chances across the state for people of all abilities to cast their lines, including at the fishing pier at Captree State Park located near an accessible boat launch. For those seeking a fun day of fishing, the C.A.S.T. for Kids event will take place on Sunday, May 19, at Rockefeller State Park Preserve and will welcome children with special needs and their caretakers. 

New York State Parks also partners with local organizations to bring people with disabilities to parks, including the ARC of Westchester, who supports people with developmental disabilities. At the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, participants of the ARC of Westchester enjoy games, hiking, crafting, maple sugaring, and the ropes course that was upgraded to be more inclusive of participants’ physical and mental needs. 

This summer, the second annual Abilities Day at Rockefeller State Park Preserve will include live music, activities, a sensory station, as well as a guided hike. Participants can try out off-road wheelchairs on the Preserve’s well-maintained carriage roads. Throughout the year, the Preserve will also hold accessible hikes and other events, including a Roll and Stroll on Saturday, April 27. The registration link will become available in March.

In partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Veterans’ Services, Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people together for an inclusive day of recreation on Saturday, June 8, at more than 20 DEC and State Parks locations across New York. Visitors can enjoy accessible activities and try out adaptive equipment, which may include beach and trail mobility aids, arm supports for fishing, and archery assist stands. 

Be sure to check out trails, adaptive equipment, and upcoming events at facilities near you. All are welcome at New York State Parks! 

— Written by Excelsior Service Fellows Gabrielle Cohn and Gabriela Wemple. 

Special thanks to ADA Coordinator Owen Gilbo, Statewide Trails Program Planner Chris Morris, Trails & Accessibility GIS Specialist Garrett Boland, and Environmental Educators Kristin Collins, Kim Fendrich, Elijah Kruger, Matthew Nusstein, Liam O’Connor, and Josh Teeter for providing photographs, information, and guidance.