New England States Vary Widely in Wilderness Access for Disabled

Leading states offer more accessible trails, funding, and recreation programs aimed at people with disabilities.

Author:: Backpacker Contributors
Publish date:: Nov 15, 2017

An example of an accessible trail at Glacier National Park — An example of an accessible trail at Glacier National Park
Glacier NPS

According to a Maine Sunday Telegram survey, not all New England states are equal in providing access to wild lands to people with disabilities. Massachusetts leads the pack, ranking high for wheelchair-accessible trails, cabins, and boat launches, as well as the number of events aimed at getting people with disabilities outside. The state has spent $4 million over the past four years upgrading outdoor amenities.

deer tick

Illness cases have doubled since 2004, with New England states seeing a big chunk of the increase.

jiminy peak

Resorts from Vermont to New York will remain open past their usual closing dates due to the abundance of spring snow.

pemigewasset

The Forest Service plans to remove a bridge granting access to the Pemigewasset Wilderness to preserve its wild character; hikers are split.

Mass trail

Almost 50 projects will get funding from the state to improve signage, drainage, equipment, and more.

mt monadnock

The Q and M Trail will run 240 miles through Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

ski nh

Climate change is affecting everything from winter recreation visits to the state's sugar maples.

trunkline trail

The grant will fund improvements on the 22-mile Southern New England Trunkline Trail.

Sat, 3/24, 9 am-5 pm & Sun, 3/25, 9 am-2 pm

Thurs, 11/9, 6:30-8:30 pm