AtlasGrace
Member
Traveling the United States is a rite of passage for many families. For us, it was a mission to show our daughter, Kellisa, the world. We set a goal to visit all 50 states, not just to drive through them, but to hike in each one. This journey requires us to become experts in disabled hiking , finding routes and resources that will allow us to explore safely.
Kellisa was born with complex medical needs, including epilepsy and hydrocephalus. Traveling with her involves detailed logistics, from managing G-Tube feeds to finding accessible lodging. This article shares the practical side of our adventures and highlights the incredible places we have discovered along the way.
When planning disabled hiking trips, we also have to consider medical facilities along the route. We carry a full supply of medications and backup equipment. The car is packed with precision, ensuring we can access what we need without unloading everything. This preparation gives us the peace of mind to focus on the fun.
In State Parks, we have wheeled through swamps to see alligators and through forests to see bison. The diversity of landscapes in the state park system is staggering. From the coast of Florida to the redwoods of California, these parks have provided some of our most cherished hiking memories.
Finding accommodation is a huge part of the logistics. We look for hotels with roll-in showers or cabins that offer ground-level entry. We have stayed in everything from tents to yurts. Finding a comfortable place to rest is essential for recharging after a long day of disabled hiking.
Each state offers a unique flavor. In the Midwest, we found beautiful prairie trails. In the Northeast, we navigated the rocky coasts. The variety kept us motivated. Searching for the perfect wheelchair trails in places like North Dakota or Arkansas forced us to explore areas we might have otherwise overlooked.
The cold air and the stark beauty of the ice are invigorating. Disabled hiking on ice requires warm layers and good traction for the person pushing. It is a surreal experience to walk where boats usually sail. It reminds us that nature is constantly changing and offering new ways to explore.
However, the desert heat demands respect. We hike early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the peak sun. Hydration is critical for Kellisa. We love the vibrant colors of the desert, from the orange rocks to the blooming cacti. It is a landscape that feels truly wild.
We hope our story encourages you to plan your own road trip. Whether you stick to your home state or cross the continent, there are wheelchair trails waiting for you. Pack the car, bring your sense of adventure, and go make some memories.
Kellisa was born with complex medical needs, including epilepsy and hydrocephalus. Traveling with her involves detailed logistics, from managing G-Tube feeds to finding accessible lodging. This article shares the practical side of our adventures and highlights the incredible places we have discovered along the way.
Planning Disabled Hiking Trips Across the Country
A successful trip begins long before we leave the driveway. We spend hours researching potential stops, looking for parks that offer accessible features. However, we also look for "wild" places that might be passable with our manual wheelchair. We have learned that "accessible" can be subjective, so we rely on forums, satellite imagery, and ranger advice.When planning disabled hiking trips, we also have to consider medical facilities along the route. We carry a full supply of medications and backup equipment. The car is packed with precision, ensuring we can access what we need without unloading everything. This preparation gives us the peace of mind to focus on the fun.
Discovering Hidden Wheelchair Trails in State Parks
While National Parks get all the glory, State Parks often hold hidden gems. We have found incredible wheelchair trails in places like Brazos Bend State Park in Texas and Custer State Park in South Dakota. These parks often have fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.In State Parks, we have wheeled through swamps to see alligators and through forests to see bison. The diversity of landscapes in the state park system is staggering. From the coast of Florida to the redwoods of California, these parks have provided some of our most cherished hiking memories.
Logistics of Disabled Hiking on the Road
Life on the road with a wheelchair requires flexibility. We prefer road trips because they allow us to control our environment. We can stop for stretch breaks, medical needs, or just to admire a view. We have driven thousands of miles, creating a mobile basecamp that suits Kellisa's needs.Finding accommodation is a huge part of the logistics. We look for hotels with roll-in showers or cabins that offer ground-level entry. We have stayed in everything from tents to yurts. Finding a comfortable place to rest is essential for recharging after a long day of disabled hiking.
Best Wheelchair Trails from Coast to Coast
One of our proudest achievements is completing the 50-state challenge twice—once before Kellisa turned 18 and again by her 21st birthday. This quest pushes us to find trails in every corner of the country. We hiked on the lava fields of Hawaii and the glaciers of Alaska.Each state offers a unique flavor. In the Midwest, we found beautiful prairie trails. In the Northeast, we navigated the rocky coasts. The variety kept us motivated. Searching for the perfect wheelchair trails in places like North Dakota or Arkansas forced us to explore areas we might have otherwise overlooked.
Winter Disabled Hiking on Frozen Lakes
Winter offers a unique opportunity for accessibility. When the lakes freeze in the north, they become massive, flat hiking grounds. We participated in the "Run on Water" across Lake Superior in Wisconsin. It was an exhilarating 4.2-mile trek on the ice.The cold air and the stark beauty of the ice are invigorating. Disabled hiking on ice requires warm layers and good traction for the person pushing. It is a surreal experience to walk where boats usually sail. It reminds us that nature is constantly changing and offering new ways to explore.
Desert Wheelchair Trails and Canyons
The Southwest desert is a favorite destination for us. The dry air and dramatic landscapes are perfect for hiking. We have explored the rim of the Grand Canyon and the red rocks of Sedona. The hard-packed sand and stone often make for excellent natural wheelchair trails.However, the desert heat demands respect. We hike early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the peak sun. Hydration is critical for Kellisa. We love the vibrant colors of the desert, from the orange rocks to the blooming cacti. It is a landscape that feels truly wild.
Surgery
Our journey to 50 states was about more than just checking boxes. It was about spending time together and overcoming challenges. We proved that disabled hiking is a viable and rewarding way to see the country.We hope our story encourages you to plan your own road trip. Whether you stick to your home state or cross the continent, there are wheelchair trails waiting for you. Pack the car, bring your sense of adventure, and go make some memories.