Accessible Opportunities in National Parks
The National Park
Service provides a variety of programs, exhibits and informational
opportunities for all of our visitors. Whenever possible parks have
provided the same opportunities for visitors with disabilities – though in many cases the opportunities
are designed specifically for disabled visitors based often on the
type of disability. The following is a list of opportunities accessible to our visitors with disabilities.
Alabama
Russell Cave National Monument
Visitors can take a ranger-led tour of the cave shelter area, scene
of an archeological site. The trip to the cave shelter is approximately
300 yards long and wheelchair accessible.
Alaska
Denali National Park and Preserve
Sign language services are available upon request. When purchasing
bus tickets, visitors should let their reservation agent know of their
need. For other park programs, please call (907)683-2294. Two-day
advance notice is required.
Kenai Fjords National Park
All public use cabins have wheelchair accessible decks and doors. Assistance
may be required to access the cabins from the beach.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
There are two public use cabins at Peavine on the Chitistone River
in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias. The cabin that is larger
and closer to the airstrip has been renovated to meet accessibility
standards. The adjacent outhouse also meets accessibility standards.
If visitors can get their wheelchairs into and out of a bush airplane
and can navigate the gravel pathway from the airstrip to the cabin
(approximately 400 yards), they may find this the perfect wilderness
retreat. We suggest you call the park at (907)822-5234 a couple
of weeks in advance of your trip to Peavine Public Use Cabin so that
rangers can double check the brush along the pathways before your arrival.
A Hearing Helper Tour Guide System (216 MHz) is available for any of
the regularly scheduled National Park Service ranger programs and for
the Mill Tours provided by St. Elias Alpine Guides. The system
amplifies the sound of the program’s leader’s voice. It
can accommodate up to six participants at a time. St. Elias Alpine
Guides offers multiple Mill Tours each day. To ensure the system
is available for the program you would like to attend, please contact
the Kennecott District Interpreter at (907)822-5234 to request it for
ranger programs or St. Elias Alpine Guides at (907)554-4445 to request
it for Mill Tours.
Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park
Please see http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/upload/AccessibilityGuide06.pdf for information about the accessibility of river trips, facilities,
and more at the park.
Saguaro National Park
In the winter and spring of 2007, the west district of the park offered
a ranger-guided walk/hike on its accessible trail (the Desert Discovery
Trail). This program targeted visitors in wheelchairs. It
was only lightly attended, but the park anticipates offering the program
again this winter/spring and will make some attempts to market the
program better locally. Last winter/spring, it was offered twice
a month. All of the park’s interpretive programs are listed
monthly on its website, www.nps.gov/sagu.
California
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Information for users of wheelchairs about the accessibility of Golden
Gate’s attractions and visitor centers can be found at http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Yosemite National Park
For detailed information as of May 2006 about accessibility in Yosemite,
please consult the park’s Accessibility Guide at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/access.pdf. The
guide provides information about the accessibility of campgrounds,
lodging, transportation, visitor centers and museums, scenic regions
of the park, and activities, such as ranger programs and trail rides. The
guide serves visitors with impaired hearing, sight, and mobility and
tells them where they can touch granite boulders and sequoia trees,
where they can find transferable seating to boulders at wheelchair
height, where they can take sit-ski lessons, and more.
In summer and during limited off-season hours, a National Park Service
ranger may be available to provide American Sign Language interpretation
for ranger programs. Please make individual or group reservations
at least two weeks in advance. All requests are filled on a first-come,
first-served basis. Inquire at visitor centers or phone (209)372-4726
(TTY). For ASL interpretation on paid tours, call the Yosemite
Lodge at the Falls tour desk at (209)372-1240.
Ask at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center about assisted-listening
devices for ranger-led programs in Yosemite Valley.
Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Visitors who use wheelchairs can venture into the dunefield. Two
sand wheelchairs – chairs especially designed for over-sand travel – are
available for loan at Great Sand Dunes’ visitor center. One
is designed for adults, and one for children. Although helpers
must push the chairs, their large inflatable tires allow short, fun
trips. Please note: the adult chair is not suitable
for very large adults and should be borrowed only by those who need
a chair for access.
Also at Great Sand Dunes, visitors in wheelchairs can camp in the backcountry. Please
call the visitor center at (719)378-6399 to reserve or find out more
about the accessible backcountry campsite at Sawmill Canyon. The
site, also available if asked for in person, is for disabled visitors
who want a backcountry experience but cannot hike to a backcountry
campsite. The site is located 0.7 mile north on the Medano
Pass Primitive Road. With a 2 WD vehicle, one can reach a parking
area near the campsite. The two-car parking area and the camp
can accommodate up to four wheelchairs. The hardened trail leading
from the road up to the campsite is 0.1 mile long and has a maximum
grade of 6%. The site’s facilities include an elevated
tent pad, an accessible picnic table, a fire grate, firewood and food
storage containers, and an accessible privy.
The above information and more, about the accessibility of the visitor
center, other campsites, a picnic area, and interpretive programs,
can be found at http://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Please see http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/upload/access_brochure-2.pdf for good information about accessibility in the park. This brochure
provides information about facilities, campgrounds, trails, and more.
Connecticut
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
District of Columbia/Maryland/West Virginia
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac River,
DC, Maryland, West Virginia
The canal boat rides are wheelchair accessible. The boat that
leaves from Georgetown has a single level deck. The new boat,
the Charles F. Mercer, which leaves from Great Falls, has a lift
that makes its upper deck, like its lower one, accessible.Sign language interpreters are available upon request.
Florida
Everglades National Park
Assistance is provided for access to boat and tram tours.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Exhibits: Fort Barrancas Visitor Center on board Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. Exhibits and the new film are audio described, narrated, and captioned. Tactile exhibits include a small scale model of Fort Barrancas and the Water Battery. Visitors can pull out drawers with tactile reproductions, listen to audio stations, lift a cannon ball or powder bags, try on Civil War uniforms, feel the human outline of a fort builder, and use plastic Braille translations. Exhibit panels were developed for visitors who have low vision or are color blind. A new bench for viewing film has a handrail; the visitor center desk is fully accessible for visitors and employees; outside doors can be opened with buttons.
Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida, has a ramp to access the reproduction ship section. Park film is captioned. Decks, boardwalks, and sidewalks behind the Center lead to the accessible picnic pavilions. Eastern National sales area is set up for visitors using wheelchairs and also has a talking cash register. Volunteers who have vision impairments have been trained to work the front desk that is set up for employees with vision impairments.
Beach wheelchairs are available at the Fort Pickens Area, Naval Live Oak Area, and Perdido Key Area in Florida and at West Ship Island, Mississippi. Ramped boardwalks lead to the quiet water. The Discovery Trail at Perdido Key is a boardwalk trail. The Fort Pickens fishing pier is accessible. Access to Fort Pickens for visitors to the Florida district of Gulf Islands National Seashore who use wheelchairs or have difficulties walking is by boat or land shuttle. Tour boats to West Ship Island, Mississippi, provide assistance for visitors with disabilities.
All visitor centers, pavilions, and auditoriums are wheelchair accessible.
Georgia
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The auditorium in the visitor center is equipped with assistive listening
devices. With advance notice, the park provides a sign language
interpreter for interpretive programs.
Iowa
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Audio stations can be found at key locations throughout the site. Written
scripts of the audio stations are available at the visitor center’s
information desk. A walking tour on audio tape is also available
at the visitor center’s information desk.
Maine
Acadia National Park
Carriages in the Park: The park concessioner that operates Wildwood
Stables, has two wheelchair accessible, horse-drawn carriages
made possible by Friends of Acadia. Each accommodates
two passengers using wheelchairs and several additional passengers.
These carriages carry wheelchair users into scenic areas of the carriage
roads that may be inaccessible otherwise. Please call (207)276-3622
in advance for reservations. Tour prices vary. The tours
run from late June to early October.
Also, park rangers narrate four privately owned boat cruises. Accessibility
and prices vary. Boarding is easiest at high tide when the slopes
of the boat ramps are less steep. Participants can remain in their
wheelchairs. For reservations and information about accessibility,
please contact the boats’ operators in advance. You can also see the Beaver Log, the park's newspaper, for more information.
An auto tour may hold appeal for visitors with vision problems. Visitors
may purchase cassettes and CDs of the 56-mile audio tour of the Park
Loop Road, Cadillac Summit, and Somes Sound at the visitor center.
Ranger-led activities are offered mid-May to mid-October. Visitors
should check with the park’s staff regarding the details of specific
programs. Accessible programs are listed in the park’s
newspaper, the Beaver Log.
Please contact the park at (207)288-8800 (TTY) or (207)288-3338
(voice) for more information about two options that may be available
for persons with limited hearing.
* A certified sign language interpreter may be available for a ranger-led
program with a two-week advance notice. This service depends
on the availability of funds and interpreters.
* To improve hearing and understanding during the park’s programs, a
limited number of personal assistive listening devices are available by
advance reservation for ranger-led programs.
Please be sure to visit http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
For information about accessibility features at Roosevelt Campobello International Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/roca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/sacr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Maryland
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
For information about accessibility features at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, visit
http://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Massachusetts
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
For information about accessibility features at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, visit http://bostonislands.com/trip_getthere.html#access.
Boston National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Boston National Historical Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Cape Cod National Seashore
For information about accessibility features at Cape Cod National Seashore, visit http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at John F. Kennedy National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/jofi/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Lowell National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Lowell National Historical Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/lowe/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Michigan
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Headquarters (the former Calumet & Hecla Mining Company General Office Building) is located on the corner of Red Jacket Road and Hwy. US-41 in Calumet. The rehabilitated historic building features an accessible walk, interior lift access to the elevated first floor, and an elevator to the second floor. The building offers a lobby for visitor information, a sales area administered by the Isle Royale-Keweenaw Parks Association, and accessible restrooms.
A second accessible NPS Information Desk is located in the anteroom of the Quincy Mine & Hoist Gift Shop on Hwy. US-41, just north of Hancock.
The Calumet Walking Tour meets in front of the Keweenaw History Center (the historic C&H Public Library) on the corner of Red Jacket Road and Mine Street in Calumet, Michigan. The program runs only in summer. On the tour, visitors explore the former Calumet & Hecla Mining Company’s core industrial area and Calumet’s historic downtown. The tour ends at the historic Calumet Theatre, the country’s first community-built opera house, which has been in continuous operation since it opened in 1900. The tour lasts 2 hours, is 1.5 miles long, and covers easy terrain. The tour is accessible with assistance.
The Keweenaw Heritage Sites are non-Federal park partners that assist the park with interpreting various aspects of the story of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The following sites offer accessible services to visitors.
* A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum
* Calumet Theatre
* Coppertown Mining Museum
* Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
* Houghton County Historical Museum
* Ontonagon County Historical Society
* Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
* Quincy Mine & Hoist
* U.P. Firefighters Memorial Museum
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sand wheelchairs are available at the Maritime Museum boathouse and
at the Dune Climb to enable handicapped individuals to enjoy the dunes
and beaches. The sand wheelchair at the Dune Climb is kept
at the Dune Center. The wheelchairs must stay in the area where
they were loaned.
The park has installed a permanent assistive listening device at the
information desk of the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.
For interpretive programs in the visitor center, ranger-led walks,
and the evening programs in the lakeshore’s campgrounds, portable
wireless FM assistive listening devices are available. They are
available year-round at the visitor center and June to September at
the Platte River Campground Office and the D. H. Day Campground Office. A
portable wireless device is also available at the Glen Haven General
Store Memorial Day to Labor Day. Rangers are trained in the use
of this technology. Visitors are urged to request the amplification
devices by calling the visitor center in advance of an interpretive
program at (231)326-5134 ext 328.
Nebraska
Homestead National Monument of America
The monument provides sign language interpreters at major special events
like Homestead Days.
New Hampshire
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features atSaint-Gaudens National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/saga/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
New Jersey
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit
http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Delaware National Scenic River
For information about accessibility features at Delaware National Scenic River, visit
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
For information about accessibility features at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visit
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Ellis Island
For information about accessibility features at Ellis Island (part of Statue of Liberty National Monument), visit http://www.nps.gov/elis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Gateway National Recreation Area
For information about accessibility features at Gateway National Recreation Area, visit http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Great Egg Harbor River
The Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program helps communities preserve and manage their own river-related resources locally. Accessibility information is available on the websites of the local partners. For a list of those websites, visit http://www.nps.gov/greg/planyourvisit/hours.htm.
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program helps communities preserve and manage their own river-related resources locally. Accessibility information is available on the websites of the local partners. For a list of those websites, visit http://www.nps.gov/lode/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm.
New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route is a partnership project by the National Park Service in cooperation with the State of New Jersey and many other public and private organizations working to preserve the state's natural and cultural heritage. Accessibility information is available on the websites of the local partners. For a list of those websites, visit http://www.nps.gov/neje/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.
New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve
The Pinelands National Reserve includes portions of seven southern New Jersey counties and encompasses over one million acres of farms, forests, and wetlands. It contains 56 communities, from hamlets to suburbs, with over 700,000 permanent residents. Visit http://www.nj.gov/pinelands/index.shtml.
New Mexico
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
A 360-degree view CD ROM is available at the Gila Visitor Center for
viewing by persons who cannot make the 1-mile, 180-foot elevation gain
hike to the cliff dwellings. The CD ROM shows the interiors and
exteriors of the four caves/dwellings open to the public and is offered
free to people with disabilities who specifically ask for it.
New York
Governors Island
Governors Island is administered by the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) and the National Park Service. The Governors Island National Monument is a newly established unit of the National Park System does not yet have fully developed visitor facilities or services. The visitor facilities and services that are present at this time are administered and maintained by GIPEC. Their facilities are indicated by “ *”
For People With Mobility Impairments:
- The terrain on Governors Island is mostly flat and may be accessible to wheel chair users with assistance.
- Upon disembarking the ferry at Governors Island, there is a small hill. Non-motorized wheel chair users may avoid this slope by moving to your right along the seawall towards Castle Williams. Speak with a Ranger or Volunteer on the island for directions.
- Due to the historic nature of the island, some of the walkways may be uneven or lined with cobblestone.
- The following visitor facilities are fully accessible to wheelchair users: Building 140 – Visitor Information and Bookstore. *Battery Maritime Building waiting room. *The ferryboat, Samuel Coursen.
- Accessible bathrooms are located: *Building 140 – at rear of building. * Battery Maritime Building. Waiting room. *Accessible Porta-johns around the island.
- No wheelchairs are available at Governors Island.
- Nearly two miles of paved streets on Governors Island. About half have been repaved within the last two years. The following trails and walkways are paved: the courtyards of Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
- The following ranger-led walking tours follow paved, wheelchair-accessible routes: National Landmark Historic District Tour, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM and 1 PM from May 31 to August 28, 2008. The Forts Tour, Friday – Sunday, 25 minutes after the hour from 10:25 AM to 3:25 PM, from May 31 to August 31, 2008. A reduced Forts Tour schedule will be announced for September 1 – October 12, 2008 in mid-August.
The following trails and walkways are paved:
- Driveway at Saint Paul’s Church
- The interior courtyard of Castle Clinton
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
The interpretive program at Top Cottage (FDR's Retreat) is wheelchair accessible. Transportation to Top Cottage is by a wheelchair accessible shuttle bus, and the cottage itself, designed with FDR's disability in mind, is wheelchair accessible.
A tram service for people with disabilities or difficulty walking operates at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt NHS and at the Eleanor Roosevelt NHS. The tram service at the Home of FDR escorts people from the visitor center to the FDR Library and FDR Home and back to the visitor center. The walking distance between these buildings is about .5 mile, round-trip. This service runs from May through October, seven days a week, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and is free of charge. At the Eleanor Roosevelt (Val-Kill) site, the tram escorts people from the main parking lot to the Home of Eleanor Roosevelt and back to the parking lot. The walking distance between the parking lot and the Home is about .25 mile, round-trip. This service runs from May through October, seven days a week, noon to 5:00 pm, and is also free of charge.
Signing or other special accommodations may be possible with advance arrangements.
For more information about accessibility at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/hofr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm, and for information about accessibility features at Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/elro/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Ellis Island
For information about accessibility features at Ellis Island (part of Statue of Liberty National Monument), visit http://www.nps.gov/elis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Fire Island National Seashore
For information about accessibility features at Fire Island National Seashore, visit http://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Fort Stanwix National Monument
For information about accessibility features at Fort Stanwix National Monument, visit http://www.nps.gov/fost/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Gateway National Recreation Area
For information about accessibility features at Gateway National Recreation Area, visit http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at Lower East Side Tenement Museum National Historic Site, visit http://www.tenement.org/vizinfo_ada.html.
NPS Manhatten Sites, (St. Paul’s Church, Castle Clinton, Federal Hall, General Grant and Hamilton Grange)
For People with Mobility Impairments:
- The following visitor facilities are fully accessible to wheelchair users:
- All visitor areas at Castle Clinton
- Federal Hall.
- Saint Paul’s Church museum/visitors center is fully accessible. The Church can be made accessible, upon request, by the placement of a ramp.
- Accessible bathrooms are located at Federal Hall, Castle Clinton and Saint Paul’s Church.
Wheelchairs are available at Castle Clinton visitor center, free of charge.
Saratoga National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Saratoga National Historical Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/sara/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Statue of Liberty National Monument/Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island
Ferries are wheelchair accessible; ferry personnel can provide assistance on the ferry gangways. Although pets are not allowed on the ferry system or in the park, guide and other assist animals are welcome. Rest rooms aboard ferries are not handicapped accessible. There are rest rooms located at Liberty State Park, Castle Clinton, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island that are handicapped accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available at both Liberty and Ellis Island on a first-come, first-served basis.
- At the Statue of Liberty: The museum and outside grounds are wheel chair accessible. Museum and monument access requires a pass. A limited number of access passes are available from the ferry ticket offices on a daily basis and through advanced reservations with the ferry company. Guests with a Monument Access Pass will be able to visit the lobby, museum and Fort Wood promenade level.
- At Ellis Island: The museum and exterior grounds are handicapped accessible. Tactile models of the island are located behind the information desk. Information regarding the Island's history is available to read in braille at the information desk. Audio tours are available from the concessionaire for a nominal fee. The film: " Island of Hope, Island of Tears" is closed-captioned for hearing impaired and is also available with an audio description device. Video exhibits located in the main building contain captioning. Assisted listening induction loop device located at the information desk is available for Ranger led tours and the movie. Large print brochures are available upon request.
- Ranger-guided tours in ASL - American Sign Language are provided on set dates, spring through fall, the schedule of the ASL tour dates can be found at http://www.nps.gov/elis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm . ASL tours can also be arranged for groups with at least 30 days advance notice. Phone: 212 363-3200x178. TTY: 212 363-8343 or email Katherine_Craine@nps.gov.
For more information about accessibility features at Statue of Liberty National Monument, visit http://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/thri/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
For information about accessibility features at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, visit http://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
North Carolina
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
North Dakota
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River offers the special service of transport to the village
sites for visitors with mobility impairments. The gravel trail
to two of the sites can be negotiated by some electric wheelchairs
or non-powered wheelchairs with assistance, but it cannot be considered
accessible. For visitors who cannot get to the villages, there
are two electric carts, including one that has a wheelchair ramp and
deck. Since an interpreter drives the carts, the trip is essentially
a guided tour.
Pennsylvania
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The site has a golf cart to transport visitors who are handicapped
or unable to walk to historic areas of the park. The park offers
an interpretive accessibility program to one of its outlying units,
Staple Bend Tunnel.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Delaware National Scenic River
For information about accessibility features on the Delaware National Scenic River, visit http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
For information about accessibility features at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visit
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site is managed jointly with Gettysburg National Military Park. Information about accessibility features at Eisenhower can be found on the Gettysburg website:
http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
For information about accessibility features at Fort Necessity National Battlefield, visit http://www.nps.gov/fone/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at Friendship Hill National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/frhi/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Visitors can touch all monuments and cannons. Visitors may wish
to hire a licensed battlefield guide at the visitor center. The
guide will present a two-hour tour in visitors’ own vehicles. Audio
stations are located at various points in the park.
For information about accessibility at this park and the adjacent Eisenhower National Historic Site, please consult the website http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
For information about accessibility features at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, visit
http://www.nps.gov/hofu/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Independence National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Independence National Historical Park, visit
http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
The visitor center has an interpretive, tactile model of the South
Fork Dam and lakebed, along with interpretive messages.
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program helps communities preserve and manage their own river-related resources locally. Accessibility information is available on the websites of the local partners. For a list of those websites, visit http://www.nps.gov/lode/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Information for users of wheelchairs about the accessibility of Steamtown’s visitor center, theater, and museums can be found at http://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River
For information about accessibility features at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, visit
http://www.nps.gov/upde/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Valley Forge National Historical Park, visit
http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Every level of the parking structure is fully accessible with elevators and ramp access to the main visitor area. All main walkways through the developed area of the park leading from the parking area to the Information Center past the concession buildings to the Lincoln Borglum Museum and down to the amphitheater are all fully accessible. Automatic door access is available at all visitor service buildings, along with accessible restroom facilities at each of the park’s comfort stations.
Visitors will find elevator access to the Lincoln Borglum Museum and amphitheater from the Grand View Terrace. In the museum, two accessible movie theaters and an open space exhibit hall provide details on the mountain carving, workers, the surrounding Black Hills, and the presidents portrayed on the mountain.
Numerous ranger-led programs are fully accessible to those with mobility concerns. In the summer months, visitors can take a ranger-led walk along the 0.25 mile paved section of the Presidential Trail. Summer evening lighting ceremonies in the amphitheater are accessible by elevator through the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
For those traveling without their own wheelchairs, wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come first-served basis. These wheelchairs are available at the Information Center as visitors enter the park.
Wind Cave National Park
The visitor center and the cave are accessible to people with limited
mobility. Limited areas of the cave are accessible to wheelchairs. Please
call ahead to make special arrangements or ask at the information desk
for a special tour. There are fees charged for these services. Please
contact the park at (605)745-4600 for more information.
Tennessee/North Carolina
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee & North Carolina
The website http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm contains information about the accessibility of facilities, activities,
and attractions in the park.
Texas
Padre Island National Seashore
The Environmental Education program at Padre Island National Seashore
(PAIS) has developed specialized interpretive opportunities to meet
the needs of the United States’ diverse population. One
group that has taken advantage of the educational opportunities at
PAIS for the last six years is Christian Record Services (CRS). Sponsored
by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, CRS offers services to the blind
in over 60 countries. Each year, CRS holds a weeklong camp for
blind youths and adults called “Sea Venture Camp.” The
program provides a wide range of educational and recreational opportunities
for the campers.
PAIS has developed an array of activities to address their learning
objectives and abilities. The program is presented in Spanish
and English, since many campers are from Mexico or are relatively recent
immigrants to the United States. With its bilingual presentation,
the program uses raised maps created by park interpreters to help campers
understand the park’s geographic location relative to the rest
of the Gulf of Mexico and to help interpret the park’s geologic
story. The park’s animals are examined in depth by using
skulls, shells, feathers, skins, and bones from wildlife commonly found
within the national seashore. Campers can touch and explore the
individual specimens so that they can better appreciate the animals’ sizes
and shapes and discover the unique adaptations that help them survive.
The program also includes a trip to the beach, where campers have the
chance to wade into the surf, help pull a seine, and use other collecting
equipment to capture and gently handle some of the sea creatures in
the surf zone. With the assistance of sighted staff members,
the campers hold and learn about the variety of invertebrates and fish
that inhabit the shallow coastal waters. The activities are geared
toward helping campers develop a greater appreciation and understanding
of the diversity of species found on barrier islands.
Many other educational opportunities at PAIS are also suitable for
those with physical disabilities thanks to beach wheelchairs that visitors
may use at no charge. They are made of stainless steel and have
oversized wheels to prevent them from sinking into the sand. Because
the chairs are designed not only for the sand but also for use in shallow
water, they enable those with severe physical impairments to experience
the ocean and the wonders of being on a natural beach. Ramps
allow visitors access to both the visitor center and the beach itself
so that all may participate in the park’s interpretive programs. For
additional information on programs at PAIS, please contact the Malaquite
Visitor Center by calling (361)949-8068.
Utah
Arches National Park
The visitor center has several touchable exhibits.
Virginia
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park
For information about accessibility features at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Richmond National Battlefield Park
For information about accessibility features at Richmond National Battlefield Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/rich/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Shenandoah National Park
For information about accessibility features at Shenandoah National Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Vermont
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
For information about accessibility features at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/mabi/planyourvisit/things2know.htm#CP_JUMP_93807.
West Virginia
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
For information about accessibility features on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, visit http://www.nps.gov/appa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Wyoming
Devils Tower National Monument
Visitor Center: Built in 1935, the log structure features exhibits on Devils Tower. The doorway will accommodate wheelchairs up to 35 inches in width. Curb cuts allow access to drinking fountains, benches, binoculars, and information kiosk in the center plaza area. Accessible restrooms are located in the first log building on the right as one enters the visitor center parking lot.
Amphitheater: The outdoor amphitheater is wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are not available at the amphitheater.
Grand Teton National Park
The Jenny Lake Boating shuttle boats are ADA compliant. Although
none of the concessioner activities, such as river trips, horseback
riding, and mountain climbing, are ADA compliant, all concessioners
will work with interested visitors to make necessary accommodations.
Yellowstone National Park
There is an accessible backcountry campsite at Ice Lake. The
site can be reached from the trailhead located approximately 3 miles
east of Norris Junction or 10 miles west of Canyon. The site
is situated about .5 mile from the trailhead on an accessible backcountry
trail. The site is reserved for those with disabilities, parents
with children under six years of age, and adults over 62 years of age. Please
call the NPS Backcountry Office at (307)344-2160 for information about
and reservations for this site.
For more information about accessibility in the park, please consult
the website http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkwide-access.htm.
Privacy
Notice | Disclaimer | Accessibility | Freedom
of Information Act | USDOI | USAgov | NPS
Home Page
National
Park Service Mediaroom Updated: August 13, 2008 - 2:54 p.m.
