A Non Profit Makes New York State Park Accessible for All Hikers

I took a brief staycation a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to head to Lake Minnewaska for an afternoon. I haven't been up there in decades so much has changed.

The lake and the property surrounding it are as beautiful as I remember but I had no idea they put in the visitor center and the parking lot at the top. It made it easy for me and my group to do the lake trails and then the falls without overdoing it. I was so impressed by how accessible everything was and how easy it was to travel the trails.

A Special Group of Hikers Recently Experienced Lake Minnewaska

The ease of access for my group was one thing but what is really impressive is how accessible the area is for people with mobility issues. According to a social media post from NY State Parks & Historic Sites a group recently got to experience a Track Chair Hike at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Specialized Outdoor Adaptive Recreation, and Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital recently joined forces to host a track chair hike. The carriage roads at Sam’s Point were perfect for this technology, and about 15 people enjoyed this beloved park! (via Facebook NY State Parks & Historic Sites)

 

What is a Track Wheelchair

A track chair is a wheelchair designed for all-terrain travel. Action Trackchair is one brand. They describe their chairs as being designed for rugged landscapes. The idea is for this electric chair to go everywhere unlike a traditional wheelchair.

As more outdoor experiences make their property more accessible these chairs have grown in popularity. The challenge is still being able to find one of these chairs for a day trip. That is where a group like Specialized Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (SOAR) comes into play. They are a not-for-profit organization out of Ellenville that helps people with mobility impairments get out and enjoy our trails.

Where can you get a track wheelchair?

The best way to get more information on a track chair is to contact SOAR. They have open houses where you can learn more about their events and where you can actually experience a track chair adventure to see if it is for you.

Some companies sell trackchairs if you want to invest. Beyond the motorized chair, if you're going to get out on a trail to enjoy the fall weather, you can also contact the Monhonk Preserve. They have all-terrain manual wheelchairs available for use on the preserve which like Lake Minnewaska has many carriage roads which make travel easy.

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