Michigan’s ADA-Accessible Hiking and Biking Trails
Accessibility to Michigan’s freshwater coast is abundant throughout the state. There are many prepped and paved trails are easily accessible to users of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
In addition, through the generous donations of foundations like Kali’s Cure for Paralysis, Inc., which assists in the financial support of spinal cord research, track wheelchairs are available at many Michigan State Park locations throughout the state.
These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even up to eight inches of water, allowing users to explore areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs might not be able to go. They are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Read to to discover ADA-accessible hiking trails in Michigan and where track wheelchair rentals can be found.
Michigan State Park Track Wheelchair Locations
Belle Isle Park
Available July 1 to October 31 (Mondays through Fridays). Other times/dates can be arranged if needed. Use of the track chair is free of charge, and is available on a first come, first-reserved basis. Donated by Kali’s Cure.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Belle Isle
Island Lake Recreation Area
Track chairs are allowed throughout the park with the exception of the Blue and Yellow multi-use trails. The track chair can be transported by park staff to a parking lot location of your choice. Fishing rod and firearm holders, head light, and attendant control are welcome.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Island Lake
Maybury State Park
It’s located at the park headquarters maintenance shop, located off the Eight Mile Road park entrance. Your vehicle may be parked at the shop area.
Friends of Maybury volunteers are available for guided hikes. Volunteers are knowledgeable about natural features and history at the park. Each hike takes 1 to 1.5 hours and utilizes both paved and unpaved trails. Hikes are available spring through late fall based on volunteer hike leader availability.
Available June 1 to October 31 (Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Use of the track chair is free of charge, and is available on a first come, first-reserved basis. Donated by Kali’s Cure.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Maybury
Muskegon State Park
Muskegon State Park’s track chair and beach chair program helps provide accessibility to the park’s beaches and trails.
Available May 1 to October 31 (Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Other times/dates can be arranged if needed. Use of the track chair is free of charge, and is available on a first come, first-reserved basis. Donated by Kali’s Cure.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Muskegon
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Our track chair helps visitors explore areas of the park where traditional wheelchairs might not.
These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and up to 6 inches of water.
The park’s track chair is located at the Upper Falls’ Fact Shack. It’s available on a first-come, first served basis at no cost. Reservations available.
Service animals are welcome, but must be under the control of their handler or a companion. If
assistance is needed to transfer to the track chair, a companion must be able to assist.
Every season is track chair season! Available to borrow on Saturdays in February, and by reservation the rest of the winter. Use of the track chair is free of charge, and is available on a first-come, first-reserved basis. Donated by Kali’s Cure.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Tahquamenon Falls
Waterloo Recreation Area
The Track Chair is located at the Discovery Center to access the nature trails, scenery, birds, and wildlife but can also be used throughout the Waterloo Recreation Area and neighboring DNR lands per request for hunting and fishing.
The track chair can be reserved year-round from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Other times can be arranged if needed. Donated by Kali’s Cure.
How to Reserve the Track Chair at Waterloo
Wheelchair-Accessible Hiking Trails in Michigan
Alpena’s Bi-Path covers 14 miles of ground in an urban landscape, taking in scenic views of Lake Huron and Thunder Bay River, as well as skirting Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary. The paved trail follows a level, and in places winding, course.
The 17-mile Leelanau Trail runs up a Lake Michigan peninsula that is known for its abundance of cherry orchards and Riesling grape vineyards. Located in northern Michigan, the paved trail connects the popular tourist destinations of Suttons Bay and Traverse City.
Bask in the views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline along the Little Traverse Wheelway, stretching 26 miles along Little Traverse Bay. From Charlevoix to Petoskey to Harbor Springs, you’ll find the trek paved with asphalt. Take in the sights of Bayfront Park in Petoskey, old Victorian homes throughout the area, the marina-resort community of Bay Harbor and many more Michigan treasures.
Mackinac Island Perimeter Loop
This eight-mile paved pathway circles the island along the shoreline, allowing for non-stop views of sparkling Great Lakes water, at times under a canopy of age-old hardwoods. The path is also wheelchair accessible.
Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway
In 2012, Ocqueoc Falls became the first universally accessible waterfall in the nation. Located 11.5 miles west of Rogers City, the waterfall has several accessible areas, including picnic spots and river access, between the parking lot and viewing platform.
This winding 27-mile trail through the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is not to be missed. Experience some of the most stunningly scenic views in Michigan.
ADA-Accessible Biking in Michigan
Joy2Ride Benzie County
This free community service program allows individuals with mobility issues the opportunity to be a passenger on a modified wheelchair bike, piloted by trained volunteers, riding the beautiful Betsie Valley Trail. Joy 2 Ride is the first of its kind in Michigan and one of only a few in the nation, operating weather-permitting approximately June through October.
