Accessibility
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests offers many recreational
opportunities to its visitors. It is our continuing goal to make
these recreational opportunities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Although some of our areas already have wheelchair accessible
sits, restrooms, fishing docks, and trails, accessibility of facilities
and areas continues to be a priority. Following is a summary of
our most accessible facilities:
- Blanchard Springs, northwest of Mountain View, Arkansas: The
Visitor Information Center is basically accessible and includes
a theater, interpretive displays, restrooms, and access to the
cave. The Dripstone Tour is accessible via elevator, and all
steps can be avoided along the trail; however, the slopes far
exceed accessible standards, and you should plan to have two
strong people to assist each wheel chair. The picnic ground
has several units converted for universal use. The campground
does not have sites specifically designed for people with disabilities,
but some are relatively level and could be used depending upon
individual abilities. The restrooms in picnic and campground
areas are minimally accessible. There are no steps, but interior
stalls and dimensions are not yet at desired standards.
- Sylamore Horse Trail, north of Mountain View, Arkansas: This
trailhead area has a ramp to assist people with disabilities
to mount a horse. There is an accessible restroom facilities.
- Sylamore Shooting Range is located 12 miles northwest of Mountain
View, Arkansas, and has paved accessible parking and access
to all but the 200 yard target. There are no restroom facilities.
- Alum Cove Pavilion, south of Jasper, Arkansas: This pavilion
can be accessed by steps or ramp. There are four picnic with
two meeting accessibility standards. The lower picnic area is
also accessible but the tables do not meet standards, still
work to be done as funding becomes available.
- Koen Interpretive Trail, north of Jasper, Arkansas: This one-quarter
mile trail was constructed to provide access for people with
disabilities. There are no restroom facilities.
- Bayou Bluff picnic ground, north of Hector, Arkansas: The
area has a new totally accessible picnic shelter. We will be
building accessible restrooms in the area this year.
- Pleasant Hill Rifle Range, north of Clarksville, Arkansas:
This shooting range has accessible parking and easy access to
the shooting benches. There are no restroom facilities.
- Shores Lake Recreation Area, north of Mulberry, Arkansas:
This area has an accessible bathhouse and ramp at the swimming
beach. There is also a picnic shelter and fishing pier which
are accessible. The campground does not have sites specifically
designed for people with disabilities, but some are relatively
level and could be used depending upon individual abilities.
- Lake Wedington, west of Fayetteville, Arkansas: Many improvements
are underway to make this area a "showcase" for accessibility.
The beach has an accessible ramp. There is an accessible fishing
pier, picnic ground, and lodge nearby. The bathhouse is void
of steps, but other necessary improvements are needed. One of
the six rental cabins is now accessible.
- Cove Lake, south of Paris, Arkansas: There is an accessible
ramp at the beach, and bathhouse facilities are now fully accessible.
The campground has an accessible campsite, but restrooms are
not yet converted. Cove Lake Recreation Area has recently built
an accessible pavilion.
- Mt. Magazine, south of Paris, Arkansas: The State Park Visitor
Center that includes an Audio Visual room, Exhibit Gallery,
Conference room, Gift shop, and restrooms is fully accessible.
Campground restrooms and one campsite are accessible. The East
End picnic ground has an accessible restroom and pavilion for
those planning sightseeing trips atop Mt. Magazine( the highest
point in Arkansas).
- Storm Creek Lake, north of West Helena, Arkansas: Accessible
bathhouse at the beach will soon be open, which will service
an accessible fishing pier. Currently there is no ramp into
the water at this site.
These are the major recreation areas on the forests which can
accommodate people with disabilities. Of course miles and miles
of roads are suitable for driving for pleasure, including five
Scenic Byways. All current and future planning for heavy maintenance
and construction will, by law, include accessible facilities.
As funding becomes available, more accessible fishing piers, picnic
areas with shelters, cabins and bathhouses will bring additional
opportunities to enjoy the National Forests.
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