Despite the benefits of outdoor recreation and its importance to well-being, natural settings are often not readily accessible to people with disabilities. Trails provide outdoor experiences that may be difficult to make accessible while maintaining an area?s natural elements and ecology.

People tend to equate "accessible" with paved or concrete areas. Park personnel may view ADA accessibility guidelines as conflicting with environmental protection and conservation. For example, pavement creates water run-off that can lead to soil erosion. However, the Baker Wetlands boardwalk is an example of how a surface can be made accessible for travel directly into the trees, marsh, and grasses, yet still preserve the natural habitat.

Read the entire article at http://www.ncpad.org/171/1306/Baker~Wetlands~~Making~Outdoor~Recreation~Accessible.