35 Small Towns Worth a Stop on a Wheelchair-Accessible Road Trip
Wheelchair-accessible road trips are an excellent vacation choice for anybody with a mobility disability. Not only can you take things at your own pace on a road trip, but you can also map out a custom itinerary that includes accessible attractions, rest stops and lodging choices. Plus you can pack along all of your equipment, and you don’t have to worry about wheelchair damage by airline baggage handlers.
Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. And although some small towns may lack accessible facilities, that’s not the case across the board. With that in mind, here are 35 towns across America — with populations of under 20,000 — that have wheelchair accessible lodgings, attractions and even trails. Some are along less traveled byways, some are near national parks, and some are located on popular road trip routes; however they’re all worthy of consideration on your next road trip adventure.
Tapas and wine pairing at Marimar Estate
Guerneville, California
Population 4,536
This Sonoma County town makes a perfect home base for a wine tasting road trip. You can opt to stay in a traditional property like the Creekside Inn (creeksideinn.com), which offers the wheelchair-accessible Lark Cabin with a roll-in shower; or choose to glamp in style at Russian River AutoCamp, which boasts a custom-built wheelchair-accessible unit (emerginghorizons.com/a-redwood-retreat-to-remember/). Then head out for some wine tasting at Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, (www.marimarestate.com) which also has good wheelchair access. Top off your visit with a stroll through the redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Park (emerginghorizons.com/a-trail-for-everyone-at-armstrong-redwoods/), which has several wheelchair-accessible trails.
Tucumcari Murals
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Population 4,915
No Route 66 road trip would be complete without a stop in Tucumcari. From a drive along the original stretch of the Mother Road, to a stop at the nicely accessible New Mexico Route 66 Museum (www.nmrt66museum.org/), there’s no shortage of nostalgic attractions there. Add in an interesting collection of murals painted on the sides of buildings throughout town, and you’ve got a true remembrance of yesteryear. And if you’d like to spend the night in a modern hotel, the Best Western has a nice wheelchair-accessible room with a tub/shower combination.
Accessible cabin on the shore of Lake Shelby
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Population 11,809
Located about 30 miles off of Interstate 10, Gulf Shores is worth the short detour for Gulf State Park (www.alapark.com/gulf-state-park) alone. This 6,100-acre state park occupies a prime piece of beach real estate, and offers a two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible cabin on the shore of Lake Shelby. The cabin includes a full kitchen, a spacious great room, a screen porch, and bathroom with a 36-inch square roll-in shower. And the cabin is just a short drive from Gulf Oak Ridge Trail — a 2.75 paved level trail that winds through the woods. Accessible restrooms are located along the trail, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take a break. And don’t forget to visit the Fishing and Education Pier, while you’re in the park. There’s accessible parking close to the pier and barrier-free access to the 1,500 foot-long pier, which features a nice water view, with wayside wildlife exhibits along its length. Best of all, guests staying at the Gulf State Park cabins get free admission to the pier.
Cabin 365 at Buffalo Bill Village
Cody, Wyoming
Population 9,885
Located 85 miles east of Yellowstone National Park, the wild west town of Cody makes a good stop on a national park road trip. The city boasts a passel of wheelchair-accessible attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Cody Night Rodeo and Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review. And for that real wild west ambiance, they also have a daily gunfight in front of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Irma Hotel. There are a number of accessible properties in town, but Buffalo Bill Village (emerginghorizons.com/accessible-western-cabin-in-buffalo-bills-old-haunt/) tops the list for both access and atmosphere. Cabin 365 is extremely spacious, and includes a large bathroom with a roll-in shower. It’s the perfect place to spend a night or two on the way to or from Yellowstone National Park.
Yesterdays Restaurant
Chloride, Arizona
Population 271
Billed as the oldest continually inhabited mining town in Arizona, Chloride is located about 25 miles north of Kingman (emerginghorizons.com/explore-route-66-history-at-this-trio-of-kingman-museums/). Surrounded by mineral rich hills, the town was named for the silver chloride deposits found nearby. Today this ghost town’s claim to fame is unusual yard art. The town is pretty quiet so you can just roll down the level streets to explore the growing yard art collection. As far as wheelchair access goes, there’s one accessible parking space near the Mineshaft Market on Tennessee Street, with ramp access to the front door. Yesterdays Restaurant, which is located on 2nd Street, also has accessible parking with level access to the restaurant. And even the Prospector Café and Bar on Tennessee Street has a cement ramp in front. It’s kind of a fun little place, and it makes a good stop on the way to Grand Canyon West. And they even have gunfights every now and then.
Desert Tortoise Natural Area
California City, California
Population 13,972
California City — which is smack dab in the middle of the Mojave Desert — is actually the third largest city in the state by land area. And although it spans 203 square miles, it has a population of just over 13,000 people. Compare that to San Francisco, which occupies 49 square miles, with a population of 885,000, and you begin to understand the vastness of this desert burg. And truly the big attraction — the desert tortoise — is found far outside of the populated section of the city, at the Desert Tortoise Natural Area (www.tortoise-tracks.org). There’s a level parking area near a kiosk filled with interpretive exhibits, and barrier-free access over to the quarter-mile hard-packed dirt loop trail. Look for the tortoises near the creosote bushes that line the trail, as that’s where their burrows are located. There are also three other trails through the desert — the .4-mile Plant Trail, the .5-mile Animal Trail, and the 1.78-mile Discovery Trail — all of which are wheelchair-accessible. The best time to spot the tortoises is from March through May, in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Standin' On A Corner in Winslow, Arizona
Winslow, Arizona
Population 9,402
You just can’t pass up the opportunity to stand on the corner in this Northeastern Arizona town. And since it’s just a few hours from the Grand Canyon, and only 50 miles from the Petrified Forest, it’s the perfect addition to a national park road trip. Standin’ on the Corner Park (standinonthecorner.org/) which is located on the corner of 2nd Street (Route 66) and Kinsley, brings the lyrics of the 1972 Eagles hit — Take it Easy — to life. It features a mural by John Pugh, which depicts the famous lyrics, behind a bronze sculpture of a musician with a guitar (known locally as “Easy”), just standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona. It’s a prime selfie spot for sure. Save some time to browse through the La Posada — a restored Harvey House — which is just down the street, before you hop back on the highway. Both attractions feature barrier-free access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The Castaneda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexcio
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Population 13,201
If you’re road tripping through Northern New Mexico, make sure and stop in Las Vegas (emerginghorizons.com/las-vegas-new-mexico-a-town-in-transition/), especially if you are a Harvey House aficionado. Head on over to the historic railroad depot first, which offers accessible parking and barrier-free access. Constructed in 1899, it’s still a working depot, and it also houses a small visitor information center. Next door the recently restored Castaneda Hotel is also worth a visit. There’s ramp access up to this former Harvey House, and level access around the lobby, which is dominated by a massive staircase. There’s elevator access to the second floor, which features 22 renovated rooms. There’s also level access to the downstairs bar, with barrier-free access to outside seating. Stop in and have a drink or some appetizers, and enjoy the view from the porch. And if you’d like to spend the night, room 204, which is wheelchair-accessible, is equipped with a roll-in shower.
Inside Wall Drugs
Wall, South Dakota
Population 872
Wall, South Dakota, which is famous for Wall Drugs (www.walldrug.com/), is a must-stop on any Mt. Rushmore – Badlands road trip. This famous drug store is located close to Interstate 90, about 7 miles from the Pinnacles Entrance to Badlands National Park. Back in the 1930s Dorothy and Ted Hustead enticed visitors to stop at their humble drug store by plastering the west with Burma Shave-like billboards advertising free ice water. Today the operation has expanded quite a bit to include everything from a life-sized carving of Butch Cassidy and a giant jackalope, to a silver dollar bar and even a life sized animated T-Rex. Accessible street parking is available on Main Street, with level access to most areas of the massive drug store. Stop at the soda fountain for a scoop of their excellent homemade ice cream, and just sit back and take it all in. And yes, they still have free ice water.
The cemetery in Terlingua, Texas
Terlingua, Texas
Population 58
Located five miles west of Study Butte, near the west entrance to Big Bend National Park, Terlingua’s big claim to fame is that it’s the “Birthplace to all Chili Cookoffs”. Technically it’s a ghost town, except for four days in the fall when visitors stream in for the cookoff. That said it’s best to stop in during the non-chili days to have a look at the historic Terlingua Cemetery (www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2228459/terlingua-cemetery). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery dates back to 1902; and although it’s fairly level there are some narrow spots and patches of uneven ground between the gravesites. Even if you can’t get past the first set of plots, it’s still worth a stop as the entrance pillars have niches filled with everything from candies and bottle caps, to photos, shells and even an odd personal item or two. Add in the graves, which are adorned with an assortment of candles, fetishes and charms, and you have an excellent photo op.
Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
Monte Vista, Colorado
Population 4,175
Located in Southern Colorado, about 50 miles north of the New Mexico border, Monte Vista is named for its spectacular mountain view. And although it’s a popular road trip stopover town, the big draw is is actually located on Highway 15 just south of town — the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge (www.fws.gov/refuge/monte_vista). During the spring and fall thousands of Sandhill Cranes and migrating waterfowl descend on the surrounding wetlands, while song birds, shore birds and water birds nest there in the summer. Although most of the refuge can be seen in a car on the 2.5-mile auto loop, there’s also a short accessible trail near the entrance. This wide level pathway winds alongside the marsh and continues for 100 yards, and ends at an accessible overlook. It’s a nice spot to get some fresh air, and if you’d like to dine al fresco, there’s also a picnic table located near the trailhead.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Population 1,407
Located 90 miles north of Atlanta in the heart of the Blue Ridge foothills, this Northern Georgia town is a bit off the main tourist track, and that’s reason enough to stop there. It’s the perfect place to get away from the city, and take a relaxing ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (brscenic.com). The train features open-air cars, including one that is wheelchair-accessible. A lift that can accommodate a total weight of 750 pounds is available for boarding, and there’s also an accessible restroom on the train. The train follows the Toccoa River and travels at a very leisurely pace, so the 26—mile journey takes about an hour. It pulls into McCaysville around noon, and departs for Blue Ridge two hours later. Passengers have plenty of time to explore the town, and even walk up the street to the twin border town of Copperhill, Tennessee. All in all, it’s a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
The Amargosa Opera House
Death Valley Junction, California
Population 4
Located near the East Entrance of the famed national park, Death Valley Junction has just four (and sometimes fewer) full time residents. That said, during the borax mining boom in the early 1900s there were 300 people living there. In 1960 New York City ballet dancer Marta Becket had a flat tire there and fell in love with the desert. She later transformed the former dorm and recreation hall into the Amargosa Hotel and the Amargosa Opera House (www.amargosaoperahouse.org). She painted murals throughout the hotel, and even painted an audience on the walls of the opera house. Today the murals still grace the walls of the hotel, and tours of the opera house are available. Both venues have level access so it’s a nice stop for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Unfortunately the Amargosa Café, which is located next door, has an eight-inch step up to it, but the picnic table in front of the hotel is wheelchair-accessible.
Inside the Route 66 Auto Museum
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Population 2,711
Located along the post-1937 incarnation of Route 66, Santa Rosa is a must-stop for car buffs on any Interstate 40 road trip. The big draw is the Route 66 Auto Museum (www.facebook.com/Route-66-Auto-Museum-584173181695140). This brainchild of Bozo and Anna Cordova — who also own Bozo’s Garage & Wrecker Service — is the result of Bozo’s lifelong love affair with automobiles. He built his first car when he was just 12, and subsequently Bozo and his crew have custom built over 150 different vehicles. These restorations, many of which required some “out of the box thinking” have been subsequently displayed in the museum. There’s accessible parking in front, with level access to the museum, and plenty of room for even the largest wheelchair to navigate around the displays. The cars range from 1920 to 2005, and there’s also a good collection of old signs, Route 66 memorabilia, photos and vintage vending machines on display. It’s a great blast from the past.
Bedroom area in the accessible cabin at Alta Crystal Resort
Greenwater, Washington
Population 28
Greenwater is a good place to stop and spend a few nights, if you want to explore the northeast section of Mount Rainier National Park (barrierfreeolympic.com). It’s just 18 miles to the White River Entrance, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous drive. And although accessible lodging options are slim in this neck of the woods, Alta Crystal Resort (www.altacrystalresort.com) recently added an accessible cabin. Accessible parking is located in front of the cabin, with ramp access up to the front door. Inside there’s good pathway access around the great room, which is furnished with a king-sized bed and a sleeper sofa. There’s a fully equipped kitchen on one side of the great room, and barrier-free access to the bathroom, which features a large tiled roll-in shower, with two showerheads. And the back deck is the perfect place to relax, as it’s literally surrounded by the forest.
One of the accessible rooms at the Feathered Star B&B
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
Population 201
Located in the heart of scenic Door County, Egg Harbor is a great place to spend a few nights on a Wisconsin road trip. And the Feathered Star B&B (www.featheredstar.com) is a the perfect place to rest your head, as all six of their guestrooms are wheelchair-accessible. With a variety of bed configurations, two of the rooms have roll-in showers and the other four have accessible tub/shower combinations, so wheelchair-users and slow walkers certainly have choices. Add in an innkeeper who goes the extra mile to make all of her guests comfortable, and you have a winning combination. Plus the Door Peninsula is packed full of orchards, country markets and even wineries, so it makes a relaxing and tasty break. Favorite accessible stops in the area include Harbor Ridge Winery, Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Wisconsin Cheese Masters.
Friends Trail at the Brown County State Park
Nashville, Indiana
Population 797
This Brown County town is definitely worth a stop on your next trek through the Hoosier State. Shopping is the number one pastime in the pedestrian friendly village, which features everything from garden shops and boutiques to toy stores, galleries and clothing stores. And the good news is, curb-cuts are ubiquitous and most of the stores have an accessible entrance. If you’d like to get a little exercise, then hop over to Brown County State Park, and enjoy the barrier-free Friends Trail, which winds though a hardwood forest and features a wide paved pathway with a short stretch of boardwalk. For a real treat, make dinner plans at the Artists Colony Inn (www.artistscolonyinn.com), which features level access from the side courtyard. This local favorite is known for crafting creative dishes from fresh ingredients. Jack’s Chicken is a good choice if you’re watching calories, while Lucie’s Pot Pie is the way to go if you just want to throw caution to the wind.
President Roosevelt’s Little White House
Warm Springs, Georgia
Population 402
If your travels take you through Central Georgia, make sure and stop in Warm Springs — a sleepy little town made famous by President Roosevelt. The president originally sought out the healing waters of the town as a cure for his polio, but he later formed a strong connection to the community, and subsequently established a program to bring affordable electricity to the area. Today visitors can tour Roosevelt’s Little White House (gastateparks.org/LittleWhiteHouse), which includes some personal possessions, a few pieces from the original house, and even a set of hand controls designed by the president. The site also features a museum that includes information on family members, events that occurred during Roosevelt’s presidency, and gifts sent to him by an adoring public. And as you might guess — considering Roosevelt’s disability — most of the site is wheelchair-accessible.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art
Jackson, Wyoming
Population 10,532
Located near the South Entrance to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson (emerginghorizons.com/an-affordable-teton-detour-five-absolutely-accessible-jackson-freebies) makes a great stop on a Yellowstone-Grand Teton road trip. The Town Square — which is the focal point of downtown — is a good place to begin your visit. This small parcel is marked by four elk antler archways, and it’s one of the most photographed sites in town. The National Museum of Wildlife Art, which is located closer to the national park, is also worth a stop. Wrap up your visit with a drive through the National Elk Refuge, which is the seasonal home to the Jackson Elk Herd. Alternatively you can take a gander at them from the second-floor deck at the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. And if you’d like to spend the night, Homewood Suites has a nicely equipped accessible guestroom that includes a full kitchen, a separate bedroom and a bathroom with a roll-in shower.
Hoskins Drugs in Clinton, Tennessee
Clinton, Tennessee
Population 10,103
This rural Tennessee town is a tasty place to stop for a treat along the White Lightening Trail (emerginghorizons.com/bootleggers-beans-and-scenic-beauty-along-tennessees-thunder-road). The route — formerly called Thunder Road — received it’s colorful moniker from bootleggers who once roared along it in their hot rods to deliver prohibition era moonshine. Today this 200-mile drive features historic towns, a slice or two of Appalachian history, and some absolutely gorgeous scenery. And for a step back in time, stop in at Hoskins Drug Store in downtown Clinton. Established in 1930 the store retains much of its old time charm, and includes a small lunch counter and a soda fountain. There’s accessible parking on Main Street, with level access to the store, and the soda fountain has booths with room at the end for wheelchairs. And although you can certainly order a burger and fries, the real reason to stop at this soda fountain is for the milkshakes — they’re absolutely delicious.
Klickety-Klack Covered Bridge
Landrum, South Carolina
Population 2,559
Located smack dab in the middle of covered bridge country (emerginghorizons.com/a-romantic-retreat-in-covered-bridge-country), Landrum is a nice place to settle in for a few days, while you take in some of the local sights. And the Red Horse Inn includes an accessible room that has a bathroom with an accessible whirlpool tub and a built-in shower bench. Additionally, since the property is located just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, it’s a great road trip choice. Nearby covered bridges include Campbell’s Bridge, Klickety-Klack Bridge and Pointsett’s Bridge. And if you’re not sure how to get to them, just ask the innkeeper and she’ll be happy to point them out on the map. Be sure and stop in at Victoria Valley Vineyards for lunch too. Styled after a French Chateau the tasting room features barrier-free access, and the café offers a nice sampling of sandwiches and salads. And then there’s the wine.
Display at the Anasazi State Park Museum
Boulder, Utah
Population 240
This Southern Utah town, which is located along Scenic Byway 12, connects Capitol Reef National Park (emerginghorizons.com/the-two-sides-of-capitol-reef) and Bryce Canyon National Park (emerginghorizons.com/new-bryce-multiuse-trail-offers-top-rate-wheelchair-access). It’s home to the Anasazi State Park Museum, which offers an intimate look at the Anasazi people who once inhabited the area. The highlight of the museum is the Coombs excavation site out back — where 97 rooms, 10 pit structures and hundreds of thousands of artifacts were unearthed. There’s a level walkway through the excavation site, with interpretive panels about the former residents along the way. While you’re in town, stop in and have a bite at the Burr Trail Grill — which features level access — and don’t forget to save room for a piece of their mouth-watering home made pie. Last but not least, save some time for a scenic drive on the Burr Trail, which begins next to the Burr Trail Grill and winds through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
The Ash Cave Trail
Logan, Ohio
Population 7,069
Logan is a required stop on any Hocking Hills road trip. It also makes a good home base for the further exploration of the area. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls (innatcedarfalls.com) offers several accessible options, including the secluded Redbud Cabin. This two bedroom cabin includes a ground-floor bathroom with a roll-in shower, and has level access to the spacious back porch. Another Logan favorite — Watersong Woods (www.watersongwoods.com) — offers the accessible Melody Cabin which includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And both places are right around the corner from one of the area’s biggest attractions — Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a lovely park to drive through, especially in the fall. It also boasts a quarter-mile wheelchair-accessible trail to Ash Cave, which winds through the woods and terminates at the misty waterfall. It’s also a nice choice for a picnic, as there are several accessible tables near the trailhead.
The All Persons Trail
Lenox, Massachusetts
Population 5,025
Located in Western Massachusetts, Lenox makes a nice stop on any trip through the Berkshires. If you’d like to explore the outdoors a bit, then stop by the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This 1,000-acre preserve features the .3-mile All Persons Trail that winds through a hemlock grove and circles Pikes Pond. The beavers are usually quite active, and it’s also a good birding venue. The Norman Rockwell Museum, which is located a short drive away in Stockbridge, is also worth a visit. There’s barrier-free access to the museum, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Norman Rockwell’s work. And if you’d like to overnight in Lenox, look no further than the Brook Farm Inn (brookfarm.com). This quaint country property has two wheelchair-accessible rooms, both of which have a roll-in shower. And you just can’t beat the yummy breakfast buffet that’s set out for guests each morning.
Accessible lean-to in John Dillon Park
Tupper Lake, New York
Population 3,523
Located in upstate New York, Tupper Lake is a nice stop for nature lovers. The anchor attraction is the Wild Center, which is designed to inspire visitors to explore the great outdoors. Access is excellent throughout the museum, which features a number of outdoor habitats and interactive exhibits that introduce visitors to Adirondack ecosystems. Outside, an accessible half-mile trail winds around Greenleaf Pond, with interpretive panels along its length. And if you want to get serious about the outdoors, then spend the night in an accessible lean-to in nearby John Dillon Park (www.paulsmiths.edu/johndillonpark/). Designed from the get-go to be barrier free, the park features trails, a fishing and kayak dock and a pontoon boat — all of which are wheelchair-accessible. Although there’s no charge to spend the night at John Dillon Park, usage is limited to disabled campers. Day-use visitors don’t need to make advance arrangements, however reservations are required for overnight stays.
Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana
Browning, Montana
Population 1,026
Browning is located about an hour southeast of the Saint Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park, and it makes a nice stop on the way to or from the park. Although there’s really not much to the town, the excellent Museum of the Plains Indian (www.doi.gov/iacb/museum-plains-indian) is definitely worth a visit. Although the exterior of the museum is unimpressive, don’t be dissuaded by the lackluster front façade, as the artifacts inside are first-rate. There’s barrier-free access to the galleries that are filled with everything from cradleboards and toys, to weapons, ceremonial clothing, toys and lots of jewelry. The unusual bag made from a cow hoof, the buffalo hunt mural and the collection of woven cornhusk bags definitely stand out. There’s also accessible seating in the theater, where a short movie about the Plains Indians is shown. And don’t miss the excellent gift shop, the artist demonstrations, and the gallery filled with works by tribal artists.
The B. B. King Museum
Indianola, Mississippi
Population 9,433
Located about an hour from Clarksdale — where the famous crossroad is located — Indianola is ground zero for diehard blues fans. And the big attraction in town is the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (bbkingmuseum.org). Access is good at this museum that honors the blues legend’s life and music, with accessible parking, a level entrance and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair through the galleries. A loaner wheelchair is also available at the front desk. A short film about the history of blues is shown before visitors move on to follow a timeline of King’s life, from the cotton plantation to the chitlin’ circuit and on to Fillmore West. There’s also a replica of his home studio and an interactive 12-string guitar exhibit. Even if you’re not a blues fan the museum is worth a visit, as it also illustrates how King’s music helped bridge the gap between the races in a time of extreme racial segregation.
The Abita Mystery House
Abita Springs, Louisiana
Population 2,540
Abita Springs makes a good stop on any New Orleans road trip, as it’s just a short causeway drive away, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Start you visit with a stop at the totally obscure Abita Mystery House. From an alien RV and a beer bottle wall to a house covered in pottery shards, you never know what the owner will add to this growing collection of oddities. And aside from a few cracks in the sidewalk, there’s good access to most of the museum, including a large accessible bathroom in the gift shop. Of course no visit to the area is complete without a stop at the Abita Brewing Company (abita.com), located just up the road in Covington. Not only is there barrier-free access to the visitor center, but there’s also good wheelchair access on the half-hour plant tour. Even better, the tours all end with four four-ounce tastings.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Population 4,633
Billed as one of the most beautiful small towns in America, Jim Thorpe was named after the 1953 Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. And although the town does have some access problems, with a shortage of curb-cuts and accessible sidewalks, it’s worth a stop for a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (www.lgsry.com). There’s accessible parking at the station, with level access to the ticket window. Lift boarding is available for the coach car or the open-air car, and wheelchair-users can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a seat for the 70-minute narrated tour. The train travels into Lehigh Gorge State Park, with plenty of scenic views along the way. And if you’d like a closer look at the scenery after the excursion, there’s a 2.5-mile section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail that’s wheelchair-accessible. This paved multiuse trail runs alongside the river, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall.
Wildwood Chapel
Marblemount, Washington
Population 203
Located near North Cascades National Park (www.barrierfreeolympic.com), Marblemount is a good place to stop on a Washington state road trip. And since there are no hotels in the park, it’s also a good place to spend the night. The Buffalo Run Inn has a wheelchair accessible room that’s furnished with a queen-sized bed, and includes a bathroom with a roll-in shower. And although there is a two-inch lip on the shower, because of the placement of the built-in shower bench, it’s still possible to transfer. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the accessible trails in the park near Newhalem. Top picks include the Sterling Munro Boardwalk (.5 mile), To Know a Tree Nature Trail (.5 mile), and the Trail of the Cedars (.3 mile). And don’t miss one of Marblemount’s most unusual attractions — the Wildwood Chapel. This tiny chapel seats just nine people, and it’s a scenic photo op.
Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs, Florida
Population 1,009
Fanning Springs is a great place to get away from the city. And there’s no better place to stay than in the state park cabins. One two bedroom cabin is wheelchair-accessible, and it includes a full kitchen and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It also has a large wrap around screened porch that’s furnished with a picnic table, a swing, three rocking chairs and a small side table. And for added comfort on warm evenings, it’s also equipped with ceiling fans. There’s also an accessible boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp at Fanning Springs State Park (emerginghorizons.com/a-fanning-springs-getaway), just a short walk from the cabin. The Palmetto Nature Trail, which winds through the forest, may also be doable for some wheelchair-users. And don’t’ miss the 32-mile Nature Coast Trail, which features barrier-free access along its length, with a trailhead just across the street for the state park.
Whitetop Mountain Band performs at The Carter Family Fold
Hiltons, Virginia
Population 1,688
Located in Southwest Virginia, the Crooked Road is a 200-mile music heritage trail, that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. Along the route you’ll find major music venues and heritage sites that highlight the traditional gospel, blue grass and mountain music of the region. And Hiltons is a required stop on any Crooked Road adventure, as it’s the location of the Carter Family Fold (www.carterfamilyfold.org). Located on the AP and Sara Carter homestead, this concert venue is famous for its Saturday night performances, and in keeping with tradition, only acoustic instruments are allowed, and alcohol is prohibited. The energy however, is ever present. Access is good throughout the complex, and accessible seating is available up front. The shows are quite affordable — usually just $10 — and the people-watching is top notch. It’s a great stop on any Appalachia road trip. Unfortunately there are no hotels in Hiltons, so plan to overnight in nearby Bristol.
Rowan Oak — the former home of William Faulkner
Oxford, Mississippi
Population 3,545
Located just off Highway 55 in Northern Mississippi, Oxford (emerginghorizons.com/beyond-ole-miss-the-cultural-side-of-oxford-mississippi) is an excellent place to get a little dose of art and culture. As the former home of William Faulkner, the author’s Rowan Oak mansion tops the list of Oxford must-sees. Although parking is usually not allowed on the grounds, an exception is made for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And the house itself features barrier-free access on the first floor. Next up is the University of Mississippi Museum, which also offers barrier-free access, and is home to the David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities. Last but not least, plan to stop at the L.Q.C. Lamar House — the former home of the famous congressman who is known for his post Civil War reconciliation efforts. There’s ramp access to the restored home, which includes exhibits about the statesman and his politics. It’s a good way to top off any Oxford cultural visit.
Largest ball of twine rolled by one man
Darwin, Minnesota
Population 373
This little burg makes a memorable stop on any road trip along Minnesota’s Highway 12. Darwin’s claim to fame is that it’s home to the largest ball of twine made by one person (www.facebook.com/DarwinMNTwineball). Housed in a Plexiglas kiosk on the corner of William and 1st Streets (just look for the water tower), the massive ball weighs 8.7 tons and stands 11 feet tall. It was made by Francis Johnson in his basement, and later moved to downtown Darwin. There’s also a small museum in the former railroad station, which is located right behind the famous twine ball. There’s ramp access up to the building, which features information about Francis Johnson, and includes some of his prized possessions. It also houses some old town artifacts, railroad timetables and photos. And don’t forget to pick up a twine ball hoodie in the small gift shop.
