Acadia National Park, ME

This national park may be covered with rocky beaches and granite peaks, but that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible. For starters, there are free daily shuttles that connect the park with neighboring villages, all of which are handicap-friendly. And many of the museums, picnic areas, and campgrounds have accessible sites. Even the beaches—including Echo Lake, Sand Beach, and Ike’s Point—have options available, be it parking for those who have wheelchairs, a path to the water, a boat launch area, or ranger-led boat cruises.

Some of the best paths in the park also allow for wheelchair use. Jesup Path has a boardwalk that flows through a white birch forest, and Thunder Hole has a ramp from the Park Loop Road that leads to the main viewing area. Even Cadillac Mountain—the highest point on the East Coast—has a short trail to vistas of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands. If you want to get close to wildlife, Wildwood Stableshas two wheelchair-accessible horse-drawn carriages that can take you through various areas of the park.

Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 3.5 million visits a year, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.