Building Adaptive Trail Programming: Lessons from the Field

While many adaptive sports programs offer general outdoor programming, only a handful have implemented adaptive hiking. In fact, many of the current adaptive hiking programs are led by parks and private property owners.

Starting an adaptive hiking program is tremendously beneficial to organizations and individuals alike—and it may be easier than you think! Whether you are looking to improve pre-existing adaptive programming or are starting fresh, we are here to give you the tools you need to get rolling.

In this session, you’ll learn best practices for implementing an adaptive hiking program, and you’ll hear directly from two different programs—Devin Hemker, from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Scott Trager, from Northeast Off-Road Adventures.

Using these innovative programs from around the country as case studies, we will give you concrete information to revitalize accessibility in your community programming.

This presentation covers both motorized and nonmotorized devices, used primarily on natural surfaces, but also applicable to paved surfaces.

The presenters invite you to check out their introductory webinar on this topic held in April 2024 (or watch the recording): Adaptive Trail Mobility Equipment and Programming 101

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how parks and private property owners are accelerating access to adaptive hiking
• Outline two different adaptive recreation programs, including the types of equipment they use and the how they manage their trails
• Learn how adaptive hiking programming could be supported by your organization