Exploring the natural beauty of national forests is a memorable experience, and now, many forests in the United States have taken steps to ensure that the outdoors are accessible for wheelchair travelers. From scenic viewpoints and trails with interpretive signs to accommodations equipped with accessible bathrooms, this guide highlights the top 20 national forests in the U.S. with accessible trails and nearby facilities. Each forest includes details on trail length, trail surface, cross slope, bathroom locations, and accessible accommodations with shower type for a smooth, enjoyable experience.

1. Pisgah National Forest – North Carolina

Known for its waterfalls, lush landscapes, and scenic drives, Pisgah National Forest offers accessible trails and viewpoints.

  • Accessible Trails: Forest Discovery Trail is a 1.3-mile paved loop with interpretive signs, cross slope under 5%. Sycamore Flats Recreational Area is 0.2-mile paved trail near the river with accessible picnic tables.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center and Sycamore Flats.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn Brevard provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
2. White Mountain National Forest – New Hampshire

This forest is known for rugged landscapes, scenic mountain views, and the famous Kancamagus Highway.

  • Accessible Trails: Lincoln Woods Trail is 1 mile of packed dirt and gravel with minimal slope. Basin-Cascades Trail is a 0.3-mile paved section with accessible viewpoints.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Lincoln Woods Trailhead and Basin Recreation Area.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lincoln offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
3. Shawnee National Forest – Illinois

With iconic rock formations and rolling hills, Shawnee National Forest offers accessible trails and overlooks.

  • Accessible Trails: Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is 0.5-mile paved loop with accessible overlooks. Rim Rock Trail is 0.3-mile boardwalk section with scenic views.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Best Western Saluki Inn in Carbondale offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
4. San Bernardino National Forest – California

With alpine lakes and scenic trails, San Bernardino National Forest provides accessible pathways and views.

  • Accessible Trails: Woodland Trail is a 0.6-mile paved loop with gentle slopes and interpretive signs. Bluff Lake Reserve is 0.3-mile accessible trail with interpretive signage. This trail is packed dirt with minimal elevation.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Big Bear Discovery Center.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Big Bear Frontier Cabins has accessible cabins with roll-in showers.
5. Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest – Georgia

This forest offers waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic vistas.

  • Accessible Trails: Byron Reece Nature Trail is 0.5 miles of accessible packed dirt and gravel. Brasstown Bald Summit Trail is a 0.2-mile paved trail to an overlook.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible bathrooms at Brasstown Bald Visitor Center and trailhead.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa has accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
6. Superior National Forest – Minnesota

Known for boreal forests and lakes, Superior National Forest offers accessible trails.

  • Accessible Trails: Kawishiwi Falls Trail is 0.5-mile gravel trail with gentle slope. Chik-Wauk Museum Nature Trails has a 0.2-mile accessible section with lake views.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Kawishiwi Falls Trailhead and Gunflint Ranger Station.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Gunflint Lodge offers accessible cabins with roll-in showers.
7. Angeles National Forest – California

Situated near Los Angeles, this forest offers accessible trails and scenic overlooks.

  • Accessible Trails: San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center has a 0.5-mile paved path with river views. Mount Baldy Visitor Center Trail has a 0.3-mile accessible pathway made of packed dirt to a scenic overlook.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible bathrooms at visitor centers.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Glendora has accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
8. Tongass National Forest – Alaska

The largest national forest in the U.S., offering lush rainforests and glacier views.

  • Accessible Trails: Mendenhall Glacier Trail is a 0.3 miles paved with glacier views. Rainforest Trail is a 0.5-mile boardwalked loop with interpretive signs.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Mendenhall Visitor Center.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Aspen Suites Hotel Juneau with accessible rooms and roll-in showers.
9. Black Hills National Forest – South Dakota

Known for granite peaks, rolling hills, and historic sites.

  • Accessible Trails: Sylvan Lake Shore Trail: 1-mile loop, flat with hard-packed gravel. Cathedral Spires Trail is 0.2-mile paved viewing area for scenic rock formations.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Sylvan Lake and visitor centers.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hill City offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
10. Mark Twain National Forest – Missouri

With scenic rivers, rolling hills, and karst topography.

  • Accessible Trails: Lane Spring Recreation Area Trail is a 0.25-mile paved loop with river views. Pine Ridge Recreation Area has a 0.2-mile accessible trail through hardwood forest.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Lane Spring and Pine Ridge.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Baymont by Wyndham Rolla has accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
11. Olympic National Forest – Washington

Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with temperate rainforests and mountain views.

  • Accessible Trails: Big Cedar Trail is a 0.3-mile accessible trail through lush forest. Mount Walker Viewpoint Trail is a 0.2-mile paved path to Puget Sound overlook.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Big Cedar Trailhead and Mount Walker.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
12. Coconino National Forest – Arizona

Known for red rocks and pine forests.

  • Accessible Trails: Red Rock Ranger District Trail is 0.5-mile paved trail with red rock views. Mogollon Rim Visitor Center Trail: 0.2-mile paved trail with scenic overlooks.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Red Rock Ranger Station and Mogollon Rim.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Sedona Real Inn & Suites offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
13. Cherokee National Forest – Tennessee

Spanning the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

  • Accessible Trails: Ocoee Scenic Byway Trail has a 0.4-mile paved section with river views. Chilhowee Recreation Area Trail has a 0.3-mile accessible trail made of packed dirt with lake and forest views.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Ocoee Scenic Byway overlook and Chilhowee.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Comfort Inn & Suites Cleveland with roll-in showers.
14. Daniel Boone National Forest – Kentucky

Known for its scenic gorges and sandstone cliffs, Daniel Boone National Forest provides accessible paths and overlooks in a rugged setting.

  • Accessible Trails: Natural Arch Scenic Area Trail is a 0.5-mile paved loop with views of the Natural Arch. Cave Run Lake Trail is 0.3-mile accessible trail with lake views made of packed gravel.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Natural Arch Scenic Area and Cave Run Lake visitor center.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn Morehead offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
15. Allegheny National Forest – Pennsylvania

The only national forest in Pennsylvania, Allegheny offers beautiful forests, lakes, and accessible paths with scenic viewpoints.

  • Accessible Trails: Beaver Meadows Trail is a 0.5-mile accessible hard-packed gravel trail with boardwalk sections and views of meadows and wetlands. Heart’s Content Recreation Area Trail has a 0.3-mile paved loop through old-growth forest.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at Beaver Meadows and Heart’s Content Recreation Area.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Warren has accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
16. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests – Virginia and West Virginia

These connected forests span the Appalachian Mountains, offering scenic overlooks and accessible trails.

  • Accessible Trails: Whispering Pines Trail is a 0.4-mile paved loop with interpretive signs about local flora. Sherando Lake Trail is a 0.5-mile accessible trail along the lake’s edge made of hard-packed gravel.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Whispering Pines Trailhead and Sherando Lake.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn Staunton provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
17. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – Nevada and California

The largest national forest in the lower 48 states, Humboldt-Toiyabe offers diverse landscapes from alpine mountains to desert valleys.

  • Accessible Trails: Mt. Rose Trailhead Scenic Overlook is a 0.3-mile accessible path with stunning mountain views. Galena Creek Trail is a 0.5-mile paved trail with creekside views.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Mt. Rose Trailhead and Galena Creek Visitor Center.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
18. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest – Arkansas

With picturesque rivers and dense forests, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest provides accessible trails and scenic picnic areas.

  • Accessible Trails: Collier Springs Trail is a 0.3-mile paved trail around historic springs and forest. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area Trail is a 0.2-mile paved trail near the river and cave entrance.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Collier Springs and Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mountain View provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
19. Gifford Pinchot National Forest – Washington

Home to volcanic landscapes and ancient forests, Gifford Pinchot offers accessible trails with breathtaking views.

  • Accessible Trails: Trail of Two Forests is a 0.5-mile boardwalk trail through ancient lava flows. Ape Cave Trail (Entrance Area) is a 0.3-mile paved path to the lava tube entrance.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Trail of Two Forests and Ape Cave parking area.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Cowlitz River Lodge in Packwood offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
20. Siuslaw National Forest – Oregon

Stretching along Oregon’s coast, Siuslaw National Forest is known for its coastal sand dunes, forests, and scenic rivers.

  • Accessible Trails: Cape Perpetua Overlook Trail is a 0.25-mile paved path with dramatic ocean views. Oregon Dunes Day Use Area has a 0.3-mile accessible trail through the dunes; the trail Lois a bardwalk and packed sand in some sections.
  • Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms at Cape Perpetua Overlook and Oregon Dunes Day Use Area.
  • Nearby Accommodations: Best Western Pier Point Inn in Florence offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers.

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