Thanks to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore now offers three loaner track chairs for use by wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The Mama Bear Chair and the Baby Bear Chair can be used on the Bay View Trail. The Mama Bear Chair is 24 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 350 pounds; while the Baby Bear Chair is 18 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. The newest track chair, The Platte Bear Chair, is 22 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. It can be used on the Railroad Grade Trail.

Reservations are required to borrow the track chairs, and they are available Friday through Monday, during the summer season. A waiver of liability must also be signed. Minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Track chair-users must be able to transfer independently or bring a companion to assist with transfers. After a short orientation a volunteer host will accompany the track chair-user on a hike.

For more information about the track chair program, at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, visit friendsofsleepingbear.org/programs/accessibility/track-chair-program/ or e-mail trackchair@friendsofsleepingbear.org.