“We want people to know that exploring and adventuring doesn’t have to stop when the pavement ends.”
People love the outdoors in WNC and understand the emotional and physical health benefits of spending time in nature. For people with disabilities, access to the outdoors is more complicated, and nonprofits and advocates are working to address the limitations and barriers and to expand access.
“I can’t tell you how many people are shocked when they see me out on trails,” said CFWNC Board Member and fundholder Matt Lee. “It would be nice to eventually normalize it.” Matt and many others are raising awareness and building networks to ensure that more accessibility is baked into projects in early stages, rather than as an afterthought.
Greenways provide safe and convenient access to shared use and often paved paths. Especially in more urban or developed areas, greenways make it easier for people to enjoy the health benefits of connecting with nature.
CFWNC supported Conserving Carolina’s work on the Ecusta Trail, a rails to trails project connecting Hendersonville to Brevard, which now is partially open. In June 2025, the Saluda Grade Trail coalition, including Conserving Carolina, purchased the historic railroad to begin the project that will connect upstate South Carolina to WNC’s mountain communities. Both projects will open more miles to people of all abilities.
“Greenways do offer more accessibility without the need for adaptive equipment or travel to more remote hiking areas,” explained Lee. “I think there’s an idea of what ‘accessible’ is supposed to mean and what places are meant for people with disabilities. It gets complicated away from built environments, and there are a variety of needs and interests.”
“The folks at Waypoint Adventure do amazing work with outdoor recreation and guided adventure programs and they offer much needed equipment rentals,” said Lee. “Access to adaptive equipment is a key factor since many everyday wheelchairs and mobility aids are not necessarily equipped to handle the rough terrain on most trails.”
The Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund has supported Waypoint Adventure in providing adventure education programming for public school students with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission also offers a free trackchair rental program across the state including a Mills River location, and Catalyst Sports loans GRIT Freedom Chairs at no cost at the Oconoluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee.
“Understanding which trails are accessible continues to be a work in progress, especially post-Helene,” said Lee. “Wild Access Collective is a volunteer-led grassroots project that I’m involved in focused on access to unpaved trails and the barriers that exist for people with disabilities and mobility limitations. It was born out of the lack of an aggregated list of accessible trails, signage, and knowledge of potential obstacles. We want people to know that exploring and adventuring doesn’t have to stop when the pavement ends.”
Collaborative efforts to expand the areas that everyone can explore are good for people and for the outdoor economy. Planning for and providing information about facilities, trails, and access allows individuals to make informed decisions and to participate more fully in WNC’s abundant recreational opportunities.
Learn more:
Catalyst Sports
Conserving Carolina
Waypoint Adventure
Wild Access Collective