Accessible destinations to explore this autumn

The fun doesn’t have to cease just because summer is winding down. Simply hearing that can send beach enthusiasts into a spin.

Fall is actually an ideal season to discover some fantastic wheelchair-friendly destinations, complete with a variety of activities and stunning autumn foliage. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and check out these five must-visit accessible spots this fall.

Burlington, VT

Burlington lies just south of the Canadian border and is the largest city in Vermont. Positioned on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, which separates Vermont from New York, this accessible city is filled with unique boutiques, local shops, and an overwhelming number of dining options.

What truly makes this the ultimate fall destination is the abundance of apple orchards. Who can envision autumn without dreaming of a cozy cup of apple cider? Not me! At Shelburne Orchards, you can stay in your car and drive right up to the apple trees. Once there, you can pick your own apples with various bag sizes available for you to fill. Plus, there's a charming shop on-site offering delicious apple cider donuts, fresh cider, and pre-picked apples.

Additionally, Burlington is home to the world’s first publicly accessible community treehouse. You can stroll or roll along a gently elevated ramp right up to the entrance of the treehouse. From there, enjoy stunning views of the Lake Champlain shoreline and the breathtaking fall colors while being nestled among the treetops.

While soaking in the beauty of Vermont’s fall foliage, get active with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. They offer oversized adaptive mountain bikes, allowing you to get outdoors, enjoy the autumn scenery, and stay fit at the same time.

Marquette, MI

Marquette is the largest city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and boasts a charming, picturesque vibe along the shores of Lake Superior. Here, you can savor delightful dining options, discover unique shops, and embark on numerous outdoor adventures.

You can't miss the breathtaking views from the Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook. This 1-mile hard-packed trail winds through the woods to a stunning vantage point of Lake Superior. The trail is wheelchair accessible and does get a bit steep in places, but I navigated it easily with my powered wheelchair. Along the way, you'll find interpretive signs detailing the plants, trees, and incredible sights around you.

After enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, head to Presque Isle Park for a spectacular sunset view. This 323-acre public park features a paved loop that spans 2.2 miles, stretching out into Lake Superior. It offers an unforgettable photo opportunity of the Michigan sunset at Sunset Point.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the autumn colors, take a trip to the 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail. This paved hiking and biking path is wheelchair accessible and follows the routes of former railroads that transported iron ore to the Lake Superior harbor. It's a lengthy trail, so ensure your powered chair's battery is fully charged to maximize your experience.

Adirondack Mountains, NY

The Adirondack Mountain Region is breathtaking throughout the year, but the fall foliage here is particularly mesmerizing. To fully enjoy the stunning views, fly into Albany and rent a fully wheelchair accessible van from Mobility Works. This way, you can explore the scenic winding roads at your own pace and get up close to the beautiful sights.

On your first full day here, make your way to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY. Spanning 115 acres, this unique destination offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and serves as a one-of-a-kind natural history museum. What I find most remarkable about this extraordinary place is the Wild Walk. This fully wheelchair accessible trail of bridges takes you up into the treetops of the Adirondacks. The views from the Wild Walk are simply stunning, and experiencing it in the fall is an excellent reason to plan your visit now!

We can't discuss fall in the Adirondacks without mentioning International Paper John Dillon Park. This fully accessible camping and fishing area features accessible trails, lean-tos, and restrooms. As you stroll along the accessible hiking paths, the scent of campfires from the lean-tos surrounds you, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in nature.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains boast one of the longest fall color seasons globally. What better way to experience the vibrant colors than on an accessible train ride with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway? Departing from the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, GA, this 4-hour, 26-mile round trip journey takes you along the Toccoa River and through the picturesque North Georgia countryside.

The wheelchair accessible train car features an electric lift that transports you directly onto an open-air train. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains without needing to leave your seat. After a one-hour ride to the charming towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN—located just across the state line—you'll have a two-hour layover to explore. While there, you can browse unique shops, enjoy some ice cream, or grab a quick meal before boarding the train again. Once back on board, you'll embark on another hour-long journey through the picturesque forest scenery.

Another fantastic reason to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall is the Biltmore Estate. Known as America's largest home, the Biltmore is situated in Asheville, North Carolina. Once the residence of Edith and George Vanderbilt, this opulent estate now welcomes visitors to explore its 8,000 acres. You'll also find a stunning winery and expansive gardens here. While the first and second floors of the estate are wheelchair accessible, the third floor and basement are not. However, the Biltmore offers a video showcasing these inaccessible areas, ensuring you won't miss anything. Additionally, the parking lots provide ADA shuttle service to the entrance.

Great Smoky Mountains

One more excellent spot for fall foliage viewing is the Great Smoky Mountains. This majestic mountain range stretches along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern United States.

The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingman's Dome, towering at 6,643 feet. On a clear day, you can enjoy over 100 miles of breathtaking fall colors from this peak. A fully paved, albeit steep, half-mile trail leads to Clingman's Dome, and best of all, access to this incredible viewpoint is completely free!

Another way to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of the Great Smoky Mountains is by rolling along the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. This trail is entirely paved, flat, and fully wheelchair accessible, offering an easy journey through trees alongside a gently flowing river, conveniently located near Gatlinburg, TN. Just thinking about it brings to mind the sound of water trickling over rocks and the fresh, crisp scent of fall air.

While you're in the area, don't miss Cades Cove. This expansive 4,000-acre valley, situated near Townsend, TN, lies in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can drive along a paved loop road that takes you through fields, wildlife, and preserved homesteads. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might even spot an occasional bear!

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