DEC recently launched an Accessible Recreation Destinations Map designed to showcase wheelchair-accessible features at education centers, campgrounds and day-use areas, Wildlife Management Areas, state forests, and waterway access sites. The Accessible Recreation Destinations Map displays 266 destinations across New York State with wheelchair-accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, including:
- 84 locations with accessible boating facilities;
- 58 locations with accessible fishing facilities;
- 44 locations with accessible camping facilities;
- 50 locations with accessible hiking trails;
- 10 locations with an accessible beach access route; and
- 47 locations with accessible picnic facilities.
For more information, including descriptions and photo galleries of accessible boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnic facilities, visit the DEC website. Accessible recreation features at DEC facilities are consistent with the federal accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA):
- Accessible boat launches, fishing platforms, and picnic and viewing areas have wheelchair-accessible amenities and are accessible by an outdoor access route or accessible trail;
- Accessible campsites are designed for use by people with mobility disabilities and offer an accessible picnic table and fireplace/ring, along with a firm, graded surface suitable for navigation of a mobility device; and
- Accessible trails have shallow grades, wide tread, and firm compact surfaces of crushed stone, boardwalk, or pavement.
