Wheelchair-accessible trails of New England
Regardless of where we come from, what we look like, or what our abilities are, we are all wild at heart. Rediscover your true nature at a national wildlife refuge near you. To help you plan ahead, we’ve created two comprehensive lists of the many wheelchair-accessible trails and auto tours available at our refuges. Click on each refuge name for a downloadable trail map.
Maine:
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge:
Auto Tour Loop: 3 miles, paved
The auto tour loop allows visitors to witness the beauty of northern Maine without leaving their vehicles. Common wildlife spotted at this refuge includes moose, white-tailed deer, lynx, river otter, mink, American woodcock, bald eagles, and neotropical migratory songbirds. The auto tour loop ends at the historic Loring Air Force base that was once a weapons storage site.
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge:
Magalloway River Trail: 0.3 mile, packed gravel
This trail takes you along the forested edge of the Magalloway River. Take in the waterside views. This pathway will lead you to an observation platform overlooking the backwaters of the river. The platform is a memorial to the late Warren E. Pearson, who helped restore and run the local Balsams Grand Resort Hotel.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge:
Woodcock Trail: 0.25 mile, paved
With a fitting name, the Woodcock Trail is one of the best spots at the refuge to spot an American woodcock. If you arrive in April or May, you may just catch a glimpse of the courtship flights these birds are known for.
Observation platform, blind, and fishing pier
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge has received national attention for the impressive number of bald eagle chicks that hatch here each year. To catch a glimpse of our national bird, check out the accessible observation platform (with parking) off Route 1. For more discreet wildlife observation, visit the accessible blind and fishing pier on Charlotte Road between the refuge headquarters and Route 1.
Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge:
Corea Heath Trail: 0.4 mile, packed gravel
This trail leads to an observation platform offering rare views of the plateau bog also known as a heath. This raised coastal peatland is protected habitat for several populations of rare plants.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge:
Bridle Path Trail: 3.1 miles, packed gravel
The majority of this trail is accessible, though some sections are subject to high tides and may become difficult to navigate. The trail meanders along the Mousam River and offers views of essential estuary habitat.
Massachusetts:
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Fort River Division:
Fort River Trail: 1 mile, packed gravel and boardwalk
Tucked away in rural Western Massachusetts, this trail offers views of just about every local habitat. Stop at frequent observation platforms for a glimpse of the mountain peaks, grassland habitat, and vernal pools that make this refuge unique. Read along as you go. Each month, refuge staff places a different storybook into weatherproof cases along the trail. Parking leads directly to a pavilion at the trailhead with a nearby, accessible portable toilet.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge:
Red Maple Trail: 0.3 mile, stonedust
The Red Maple Trail loops around a pond that was originally developed as a swimming hole. It is now home to a diverse population of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife, including fish, green frogs, and painted turtles. The end of the trail leads to an observation deck with a view of the river and floodplain.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge:
Hellcat Interpretive Trail: 1.3 miles, boardwalk
Recently redone and entirely wheelchair-accessible the Hellcat Trail takes visitors through freshwater marsh, shrub, vernal pool, dune, and maritime woodland habitats. Be sure to check in at the interpretive panels along the way to learn more about the wildlife that flourishes here.
New Hampshire:
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Pondicherry Division:
Mud Pond Trail: 0.6 mile, packed gravel
Due to its popularity, Mud Pond Trail has been named one a National Recreation Trail. Expect to see a variety of bird species while enjoying the views from this path. In 2004, the Pondicherry area was designated the first Important Bird Area in New Hampshire for its rich diversity of breeding and migrating birds.
Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge:
Peverly Pond Trail: 0.4 mile loop, boardwalk and packed gravel
Enjoy glimpses of the Peverly Pond and all the wildlife it supports. This trail is perfect for viewing vernal pools that are hotspots for wildlife, especially in the springtime. In the warmer seasons, you are almost guaranteed to see painted turtles sunbathing on the banks of the pond.
Vermont:
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Pondicherry Division:
Mollie Beattie Bog: 200 feet, boardwalk and packed gravel
The boardwalk portion of this trail takes you through a black spruce woodland bog. It is considered a state significant site and contains the largest population of rare bog sedge in Vermont.
