Photo by Rudimencial via iStock.
Accessible trails are important to ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature. There are many different accessible trails and parks to explore around the world, suitable for a variety of mobility needs. From mountainsides to cityscapes, here are some beautiful trails that cater to a broad range of access needs, making it easier to experience nature’s beauty worldwide.
1. Ansan Jarak-gil Trail – Seoul, South Korea
Hidden within the bustling city of Seoul, the Ansan Jarak-gil Trail is the country’s first barrier-free mountain walking trail. Its smooth, elevated pathways make it friendly for wheelchair users, strollers, and hikers of all ages. Here, one second you are wandering through forests, and next you can find breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The peaceful atmosphere continues with nearby rest areas, including benches and picnic tables. The route’s entrances are accessible by subway and feature convenient wheelchair charging stations, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Upon conducting further research, we discovered that this trail seems to be partially accessible. The Ansan Jarak-gil Trail in Seoul has stairs or curbs on most of its access roads.
Photo from KoreaToDo website.
2. KullaRulla Trail- Skåne, Sweden
Known locally as “Kulla-Rulla” (a play on the word “roll” in Swedish), this section of the Skåneleden Trail on the Kullahalvön Peninsula offers an easy-going experience across 30 kilometers of diverse landscapes. Through this trail, you can find coastal fishing villages, agricultural lands, and historic towns. The route is built mainly of hard-packed gravel and asphalt, allowing wheelchair users to enjoy it comfortably, with benches placed along the way for scenic breaks. You’ll pass picturesque views of the Öresund Strait and explore the Swedish countryside at a leisurely pace.
Photo by Mickael Tannus via Visit Skåne.
3. Monsal Trail – Peak District, United Kingdom
Found in the scenic limestone valleys of Derbyshire, the Monsal Trail follows the old Midland Railway line, now converted into a multi-use path. It’s an accessible trail that was built for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users alike. The trail is flat and wide, making it an excellent option for all wheels. Along the trail, you’ll find tunnels, viaducts (a type of bridge that has a series of arches or columns that can hold up roads), and wide-open views of the rolling English countryside. Listening stations can be found along the route, offering stories of the area’s industrial past, providing a sense of place and history. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a family-friendly venue, perfect for unwinding amidst the beauty of the Peak District.
Photo from Peak District National Park website.
4. High Line – New York City, USA
Placed 30 feet above Manhattan’s streets, the High Line is a stunning urban park converted from an old freight rail line. With multiple accessible entry points via ramps and elevators, it stretches for 1.45 miles along the city’s West Side. The vibe here is lively yet calming, with lush gardens found among rail tracks, benches, and picnic tables. As you stroll, take in curated art installations and 360 views of Manhattan’s skyline. The High Line is a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy New York’s diverse energy in an accessible setting.
Photo from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation official website.
5. Cerro San Cristóbal – Santiago, Chile
A trip to Santiago wouldn’t be complete without a journey up Cerro San Cristóbal. Accessible via a funicular designed with wheelchair users in mind, this landmark offers a fun ride to the summit, where you’re greeted by breathtaking views of the cityscape with the Andes mountains in the back. Once you reach the top, the freshness of the air and diverse scenery is what makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. This is definitely an inclusive and lovely way to experience Santiago’s natural beauty.
Photo by Rudimencial via iStock.
Whether it’s taking in city skylines or embracing scenic coastal landscapes, these accessible trails allow everyone to enjoy nature’s wonders. From Seoul to Santiago, these paths are paved with inclusivity and natural beauty, providing a lifetime of memorable experiences for everyone!
Explore these accessible parks trails and many more on AccessNow app.
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