State Parks with Track Chairs

Being able to enjoy the great outdoors is one of life's greatest pleasures and fortunately in the US, there are thousands of accessible trails to enjoy for people of all abilities. And if you want to explore off-trail but can’t walk, you can access this great part of the outdoors thanks to amazing track chairs that are now available at state parks across the country. To see where these chairs can be found, see below.

1) Kansas

The Adaptive Sportsmen of Kansas Program is in charge of the track chair program for Kansas. Track chairs are stationed regionally at 8 different state parks and unfortunately reservations are not possible. Instead, they’re offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is however a free program. Also, anyone interested must be able to use their right arm, as the joystick is located on the right side of the chair. For further details, contact the Pratt operations office at 620-672-5911.

Reservations Allowed: No
Cost: Free
Learn more: https://ksoutdoors.com/Outdoor-Activities/Track-Chairs-ASK-Program

2) Colorado

In Colorado, there is a Track-Chair Program at Staunton State Park, a newer state park located 40 miles southwest of Denver. You can reserve a track chair with this program, but only on the weekends (Friday—Sunday). The chairs are also free to use, but you must have a park pass. A day pass costs $10. And make sure to pack appropriately. Park elevation ranges from 8,200-10,000ft. To see the reservation calendar, click here: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/Track-Chair-Availability-Calendar.aspx

Reservations Allowed: Yes
Cost: Free, but must purchase a state park day pass ($10)
Learn more: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Staunton/Pages/Track-Chair-Program.aspx

3) Minnesota

There are 5 state parks in Minnesota that began offering track chairs to the public in 2022. They are Camden State Park, Crow Wing State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, Maplewood State Park and Myre-Big Island State Park. All of these state parks are several hours from the Minneapolis area, with Crow Wing State Park the closest, at 2 hrs away. The track chairs are free to use, but a state park vehicle permit is required. A discounted state vehicle permit costs $12.

Reservations Allowed: Yes (call the park you plan on visiting to reserve)
Cost: Free, but you must purchase a state park vehicle permit ($12 for disability discounted pass)
Learn more: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/track-chairs.html

4) Michigan

Michigan was one of the first states to provide track chairs at their state parks. Because of this, they offer more track chairs at their state parks than anywhere else in the country. You can find track chairs at 11 of their parks. All track chairs can be reserved and they are free to use. Some of the parks offer them your round, while others only offer them in the Summer or for beach-use. Track chairs can be found at the following state parks: Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Belle Isle park, Grand Haven State Park, Holland State Park, Iona, Island Lake Recreation Area, Ludington State Park, Maybury State Park, Muskegon State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Parkand and the Waterloo Recreation Area.

Reservations Allowed: Yes
Cost: Free
Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs

5) South Dakota

In South Dakota, there is one track chair available that can be used by anyone with a disability, and is located at the Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City. This track chair can be reserved, but only up to 2 weeks before arriving.

Reservations Allowed: Yes
Cost: Free
Learn more: https://gfp.sd.gov/track-chair/

6) Oklahoma

In Sand Springs, Oklahoma at Keystone Ancient Forest, there are 2 track chairs available to the public. This is the only program in the state and allows people to explore the ancient trees at this park. Reservations are allowed. To reserve, you must fill out an online form and the staff will contact you about availability.

Reservations Allowed: Yes\
Cost: Free
Learn more: http://sandspringsok.org/566/Track-Chair-Program

Non-State Park Option

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has an enormous amount of track chairs available, but they’re provided by a nonprofit called Access Ability Wisconsin. They are available at pickup stations in 12 counties throughout state. Their goal is to have a track chair available in all 72 counties. They are free to borrow and each rental comes with a trailer so you can return it after using it. A $50 deposit is required.

And in Hudson, Wisconsin, a track chair is free to use through the Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club. Being a member is not required. You can reserve this chair up to 4 days in advance. To request a chair with this program, click here: https://www.hudsongunclub.com/NewWeb/TC.php


Reservations Allowed: Yes
Cost: $50 deposit required
Learn more: https://www.accessabilitywi.org/

Pennsylvania & New Jersey

In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, a different style of track chair called Trac Fab can be rented (for a fee) through Mobility on Wheels, a business that rents all kinds of mobility equipment. Track chairs are available for rent in both New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Reserve early, as demand is high.

Reservations Allowed: Yes
Cost: Daily rental fee (call to learn more)
Learn more: https://www.mobilityonwheels.com/trac-fab-tracked-terrain-wheelchair-rentals/

If you don’t see your state listed, don’t fret. Track chair programs are being added to additional state parks around the US at a fast pace. There will likely be track chairs available at all states in the near future.