Accessible Walking Trails for New Yorkers
Spending time outdoors and experiencing all that nature has
to offer is one of the best parts about summer in New York State! But have you ever found
yourself unable to enjoy the great outdoors because all the walking paths are
either too muddy, wet, or rocky to access? With summer right around the corner, we’ve put
together a list of some beautiful wheelchair-accessible trails perfect for your
next adventure!
Western NY
● Findley Lake Loop - Findley
Lake Loop is approximately 5 miles long and is located about 15
miles south of Lake Erie in Chautauqua County, NY. This trail is completely
paved and wheelchair-accessible. Fun
Fact: Findley Lake was formed when the town's founder, Alexander Findley,
built a dam to power his mill!
● Jenny Glen Boardwalk - Located in the Beaver
Meadow Audubon Center in North Java, NY, Jenny Glen Boardwalk is less than a half-mile
long loop. There are other trails throughout the nature center, most of which
are not paved but have great views.
● Red House Lake Loop - This trail is 2.7 miles
long and is located in Allegany State Park in Cattaraugus County, NY. Red House
Lake Loop offers a beautiful view of Red House Lake. Allegany State Park also offers camping, bike trails, and more.
Finger Lakes
● Seneca Lakeshore Trail - This beautiful trail is located in Sampson State Park in Seneca
County, NY. An out-and-back trail that is 3.3 miles long with a stunning view
of Seneca Lake, Sampson State Park
offers camping, playgrounds, fishing, and boating—fun for the whole
family.
● Denison Loop - This trail is located in Denison Park
in Corning, NY. Featuring a loop of less than a mile with a great water view,
Denison Park offers a wide variety of recreation such as sports, swimming, and
playgrounds.
● Enfield Falls Swimming Hole - Located in the
beautiful Robert H.
Treman state park, this trail is less than a
half-mile, out-and-back. The trail brings you to a natural waterfall-fed
swimming hole—a gorgeous sight that should not be missed.
Southern Tier
● Schnurbusch Interior Loop - This trail is
approximately a half-mile long loop that is located in Schnurbusch
Park near Conklin, NY. The trail offers a
view of the north branch of the Susquehanna River. Schnurbusch Park is the
largest park in Conklin offering various sports facilities, a pool, and hosts a
number of events, including concerts.
● Otsiningo Park - This trail is located in Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, NY and has approximately 3.5 miles of paved trails, some with a view of a nice little pond. The Park also has a playground, volleyball and is host to a number of events.
Central NY
● Butternut Creek Trail - This trail is located
in the Butternut Creek Recreational Area in Dewitt, NY and is 1.6 miles long. Along this leisurely stroll, you
will cross the Old Erie Canal using a nice foot bridge.
● Shoreline Walking Trail - Located in Onondaga County Park
in Syracuse, NY, this out-and-back trail is about 4.9 miles long and will take
you along the expansive Onondaga Lake. Fun
fact: The Onondaga County Park is often referred to as the “Central Park of
Central, NY.”
● Rogers Environmental Center - What locals
affectionately call “Rogers” is located in Sherburne, NY. There are several
hiking trails within Rogers
Center along with a nicely paved walking path
that allows access to the visitor center, fish ponds, and a bird cabin. Take a
stroll over the footbridge and see if you can spy on the huge turtles who live
in the pond!
Adirondack Region
● Fish Creek Loop Trail - This walking trail is
about 4.6 miles long and is located near Tupper
Lake, NY. The paved path loops around the entire circumference of the lake
offering stunning water views.
● Mirror Lake Loop - This trail is about
2.6 miles long and loops around Mirror Lake. Mirror
Lake is a fairly busy lake which offers
plenty of summertime recreation so bring the whole family.
Hudson Valley
● Walden-Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
- The Walden-Wallkill Valley Rail Trail used to be a railway that provided goods transport for local farmers in
the area. The trail is 6.1 miles long near Walden, NY.
● Walkway over the Hudson - This is a 3.2 miles
long trail with a walkway crossing the beautiful Hudson River. Located
near Poughkeepsie, NY, this path is easily
accessible, paved, and offers stunning views.
Capitol Region
● Spring Run Trail - This out-and-back
trail is approximately 2 miles long and is located close to Saratoga Springs,
NY. Spring Run Trail
offers year-round access that is maintained by the City of Saratoga and is
known for having over 100 bird species that explorers
can view throughout the year.
● Congress Park Loop - This trail is located
within Congress Park in Saratoga Springs, NY and is just shy of one mile long. Congress Park is
a beautiful area with fountains, wildlife, and gazebos.