Physical / Mobility

 

Duration:

38.071 seconds

Wheelchair accessible carriage funded by the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation at Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park on May 20, 2024. Videography by Julia Walker Thomas, Friends of Acadia. (No audio)

 

Wheelchair Accessible Carriage

In 2022, the operator of the Wildwood Stables in Acadia National Park, and the park received a custom-built wheelchair accessible carriage. The carriage has a ramp on the back that should be accessible to most types of wheelchairs. Several additional passengers may join on the bench seats. The carriage was made possible through the generosity of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation.

For information about the tours offered at Wildwood Stables, email [e-mail], call 207-600-7204, or visit the website and online reservation system at acadiabycarriage.com

Prices for tours vary depending on the length of tour and number of people. It is recommended that you call well in advance of the date you would like to reserve as spaces are limited.

 

Photo by Joe Philipson, Friends of Acadia

Island Explorer

Fare-free Island Explorer buses are accessible for wheelchair users, but not Bicycle Express vans. Regularly scheduled buses stop at destinations throughout the park, including campgrounds, carriage road entrances, and many trailheads.

People with disabilities may call 207-667-5797 to request a pickup at a location up to three-quarters of a mile off a regular bus route.

• Buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Please see bus driver for assistance.
• Well-behaved and leashed or crated pets are allowed on buses and must remain on the floor.
• Island Explorer shuttles are powered by propane fuel. By leaving your car behind, you help reduce air pollution while avoiding parking and traffic congestion.
• Download myStop® Mobile and select Acadia National Park to access real-time interactive location and schedule information for buses on the Island Explorer shuttle system.
  • myStop® Mobile on the App Store (apple.com)
  • myStop® Mobile - Apps on Google Play

 

NPS Photo by Aislinn Gara Grady

Beach Chair at Echo Lake

An accessible chair with large inflatable tires is available for public use at Echo Lake Beach during the summer visitor season. Please email us at least five days in advance to arrange for staff to meet you there.

• For a listing of national parks across the United States that offer mobility devices available for loan for use on beaches and trails, please visit this page about Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids.

 

AdobeStock licensed image

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices

In accordance with National Park Service policy, individuals with mobility challenges may request a special use permit to utilize Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) in Acadia National Park. These can include e-bikes, tracked chairs, golf carts, scooters and other non-traditional wheelchairs and micro-mobility devices.

Limitations apply, particularly with regard to device size, weight, speed, safety and potential harm to the environment and natural or cultural resources. Speeds for OPDMD will mimic the speeds for pedestrians on trails or the 20 mph limit on carriage and service roads.

By the nature of their design and condition, most hiking trails in Acadia are not suitable to OPDMD use due to narrow width, stone steps, and iron ladder rungs. Areas that may be suitable for OPDMD use include –

• Trails, such as Compass Harbor, Wonderland, Ocean Path, Cadillac Summit and Loop Trail, Jesup Path, Hemlock Road, the first loop of Ship Harbor Trail, Schooner Head Path (along Schooner Head Road) and short trails surrounding Jordan Pond House.
• Carriage Roads within Acadia National Park and Schoodic bike paths are suitable for OPDMD use along with service roads that function as hiking trails including Marshall Brook Fire Road, Valley Cove Road, Man O’War Brook, Hio Road, and motor roads closed during the winter.
• Other suitable locations may be identified depending on which OPDMD the individual is utilizing. Questions about specific locations not covered in the Superintendent's Compendium or other guidance documents should be directed to the Chief Ranger for consideration.

Special use permits for an OPDMD may be requested at Dispatch offices at park headquarters.

Park staff issuing this permit may establish “credible assurance” in the following two ways –

• An individual can provide a State-issued disability parking placard/card or State or federally issued proof of disability.
• An individual verbally stating that he or she is a person with a disability and the OPDMD is being used because of his or her disability.

For more information, please email.