ADA-accessible trails in NH
With 93 state parks and 679 walking trails throughout New Hampshire, there are plenty of ADA-accessible spots from which to choose. Visitors can plan their trip based on their needs and what support each park or trail offers.
For example, Ellacoya, Wellington and Pawtuckaway state parks offer beach wheelchairs, while Bear Brook State Park offers a power-driven mobility device (PDMD) called the Trackchair, an all-terrain wheelchair. Franconia Notch State Park has 8 miles of paved recreational trails.
When researching locations, some supports to look out for include trails and walkways with hardened surfaces; ADA-accessible restrooms; showers and changing rooms with benches; viewing platforms; wheelchair ramps and reserved parking spaces. Each site is unique, so it’s best to call ahead or check online for the latest conditions.
Several state parks have specific ADA-accessible information; for more details, visit nhstateparks.org. Contact nhparks@dncr.nh.gov, call 603-271-3556, or contact the park office directly.
Moose Brook State Park
30 Jimtown Road, Gorham: some flat gravel terrain; two accessible campsites near the restrooms
Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Drive, Gilford: Beach wheelchairs are available only when lifeguards are on duty.
Odiorne Point State Park
570 Ocean Blvd., Rye: paved recreational trail alongside Route 1A; natural surface network of trails; obstacles common but not “substantial.”
Cathedral Ledge State Park
579 Cathedral Ledge Road, Bartlett: Short walk to the parking area; a fully developed trail without obstacles; some ledges have moderate difficulty.
Jericho Mountain State Park
298 Jericho Lake Road, Berlin: Some ADA-accessible pathways; at least one campsite is accessible.
Bear Brook State Park
61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown: natural surface trails; one appointment day for trackchair; obstacles not substantial.
Franconia Notch State Park
260 Tramway Drive, Franconia: Basin Cascade Trail, Franconia Notch Path, Echo Lake Beach
Hampton Beach State Park
160 Ocean Blvd., Hampton
Wellington State Park
614 West Shore Road, Bristol
White Lake State Park
94 State Park Road, Tamworth
Kingston State Park
124 Main St., Kingston
Lodges at Coleman State Park
1166 Diamond Pond Road, Stewartstown
Milan Hill State Park
72 Fire Tower Road, Milan
Mt. Sunapee State Park
86 Beach Access Road, Newbury
North Beach
920 Ocean Blvd., Hampton
Pawtuckaway State Park
128 Mountain Road, Nottingham
Umbagog Lake State Park
235 East Route 26 Cambridge, Errol
This article is featured in the winter 2024 issue of 603 Diversity.
603 Diversity’s mission is to educate readers of all backgrounds about the exciting accomplishments and cultural contributions of the state’s diverse communities, as well as the challenges faced and support needed by those communities to continue to grow and thrive in the Granite State.
