Accessible Trails in Alabama

 Not All Accessible Trails Found Below are ADA Compliant

1. Audubon Bird Sanctuary

2. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

3. Cheaha Mountain

4. Little River National Preserve

5. Open Pond Trail

6. Russell Cave National Monument

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Accessible Hiking Guide to the Open Pond Trail

Having lived in Florida for 16 years, I had explored many Alabama trails but often found central and northern routes too rocky for pushing Kellisa’s mobility chair, while Gulf Coast trails were frequently too sandy. Hoping to find a more suitable option between those regions, we chose the two-mile Open Pond loop as a promising trail.

Wheelchair Accessible Trails at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

 

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge offers one of Alabama's best opportunities to experience protected coastal habitats, with a mix of maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and quiet Gulf beaches. The refuge features well-maintained boardwalks, wide crushed-surface paths, shaded pine forest, scenic overlooks, and elevated viewing platforms that make wildlife viewing enjoyable. 

Guide to the Accessible Trails at Audubon Bird Sanctuary

 

The Audubon Bird Sanctuary on Dauphin Island is one of the Gulf Coast's premier birding destinations, protecting more than 160 acres of maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and shoreline. The sanctuary is especially famous as a resting place for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, making it an outstanding destination during spring and fall migrations.

Visitors experience a diverse mix of coastal habitats, including shaded maritime forest paths, elevated wooden boardwalks crossing wetlands, observation areas overlooking Gaillard Lake, and sandy trails leading toward the Gulf beach. The scenery changes quickly from dense pine and live oak forest to open marshes, dunes, and shoreline, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the walk.

An Accessible Visit to Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and human history, preserving one of the most significant prehistoric archaeological sites in the southeastern United States. Our trip photos emphasize both the peaceful forest setting and the impressive cave entrance, showing that this national monument is as much about experiencing history as it is enjoying outdoors. Our visit centers on an easy walk through the woods to a remarkable cave shelter where people lived seasonally for thousands of years.

An Accessible Visit to Little River Canyon National Preserve

 Little River Canyon National Preserve

Alabama

November 2010

Cheaha Mountain

 Cheaha Mountain

2,407ft.

Alabama

December 2012

Egypt's first state Highpoint:

As we arrived, we found Cheaha Mountain surrounded by clouds

 Napping 

The rain and clouds made the easy drive to the summit a little challenging

 Summit of Alabama 

(We were getting out either way, but didn't mind that the rain stopped for a few minutes)

Overlook near the summit

 Egypt enjoying "Gingerbread Junction" in front of the camp store

As we left, this is the same vantage point as the first picture

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The Birmingham Zoo

 The Birmingham Zoo

December 2012

Egypt enjoying the "mingos"

Egypt's eyes had tears from the cold wind while riding the train. At one point, Egypt looked at me and explained the tears as: "daddy, my face isn't working right".

Egypt taking a picture of a baby orangutan:

Egypt made three new friends while riding the train. They were visiting the zoo on a high school field trip. I let Egypt walk with them to see the monkeys and elephants. While in the monkey house, the girl's teacher caught up with them and they introduced Egypt as their new friend from the train. The teacher got very concerned thinking the girls had let Egypt wander away from her parents. I was standing about 10 feet away at the time. The girls quickly pointed to me and explained that I was Egypt's father. The teacher sighed with great relief.

Egypt posing by a bug for Kellisa (Egypt thought Kellisa would want to put this picture in her room):

ZOOS

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Alabama

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

and

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

January 2014

Kellisa and Laurel states hiked together: 13/50.