Accessible Trails Near the Jersey Shore
Discover ADA-accessible trails, paved paths, and boardwalk nature experiences. Find 42 accessible-friendly trails across 3 parks in the shore region.
Trail Surfaces
Paved Trails
Smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces. Ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices.
40 trails
Boardwalk Trails
Elevated wooden paths through wetlands and dunes. Wide and level for easy access.
0 trails
Crushed Stone
Compacted gravel surfaces. Generally accessible but may be harder for some devices.
0 trails
Best Accessible Experiences
These trails and parks offer the best overall accessible experiences at the shore.
Forsythe Wildlife Drive
Wildlife Viewing
Drive or roll on flat gravel road through salt marsh. World-class birding from your car or chair.
Accessibility: Fully accessible. Can stay in vehicle or use mobility device on road.
Best Time: Fall migration (September-November), early morning
Cattus Island Boardwalk
Nature Walk
Elevated boardwalk through maritime forest and marsh. Interpretive signs, benches, accessible facilities.
Accessibility: ADA compliant boardwalk. Accessible parking and restrooms at nature center.
Best Time: Spring and fall for pleasant temps, anytime for birding
Henry Hudson Trail
Rail-Trail
10+ miles of smooth paved path. Flat, wide, scenic views of bay and shore communities.
Accessibility: Fully paved, level grade, multiple access points with parking.
Best Time: Year-round. Avoid peak summer weekends for less crowding.
Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path
Coastal Path
Paved path along the coast with views of NYC skyline. Access to beaches and historic sites.
Accessibility: Mostly paved. Some beach access points have mats. Accessible restrooms at lots.
Best Time: Spring and fall. Summer weekends very crowded.
Choose the Right Trail
Choose the right trail for your abilities and comfort level.
Fully Accessible
ADA-compliant, smooth surfaces, minimal obstacles, full facilities
What to expect:
- • Paved or smooth boardwalk
- • Max 5% grade
- • Accessible restrooms
- • Accessible parking nearby
Examples:
Forsythe Wildlife Drive, Cattus Island Boardwalk, Henry Hudson Trail
Best for: All mobility devices, families with strollers, anyone needing reliable accessibility
Mostly Accessible
Generally accessible but may have some challenging sections
What to expect:
- • Mixed surfaces (mostly paved)
- • Some grades over 5%
- • Facilities nearby
- • Minor obstacles possible
Examples:
Sandy Hook paths, Allaire State Park (main paths), Cape May Point trails
Best for: Those comfortable with some variation, power chairs, accompanied manual chairs
Accessible with Assistance
Accessible sections but requires planning and possible assistance
What to expect:
- • Crushed stone or mixed surfaces
- • Some steep sections
- • Limited facilities
- • Narrower paths
Examples:
Parts of Hartshorne Woods, Belleplain (select trails), Various county parks
Best for: With a companion, all-terrain mobility devices, those seeking more adventure
Mobility Device Guide
Different trails accommodate different mobility devices. Here's what works where.
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Mobility Device Guide
Different trails accommodate different mobility devices. Here's what works where.
Manual Wheelchair
Best Surfaces:
- ✓ Paved trails
- ✓ Smooth boardwalks
- ✓ Crushed stone (packed)
Considerations:
Requires more effort on longer distances. Companion assistance helpful on slight grades.
Recommended Trails:
Henry Hudson Trail, Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path, Cattus Island Boardwalk
Power Wheelchair
Best Surfaces:
- ✓ Paved trails
- ✓ Smooth boardwalks
Considerations:
Check battery range vs trail length. Wider turning radius needed. Some boardwalk gaps may be challenging.
Recommended Trails:
Henry Hudson Trail, Edgar Felix Bikeway, Forsythe Wildlife Drive
Mobility Scooter
Best Surfaces:
- ✓ Paved trails
- ✓ Wide boardwalks
- ✓ Hard-packed gravel
Considerations:
Range varies by battery. May not fit on narrow boardwalk sections. Transport logistics.
Recommended Trails:
Henry Hudson Trail, Union Transportation Trail, Atlantic City Boardwalk
Walker/Rollator
Best Surfaces:
- ✓ Any paved surface
- ✓ Boardwalks
- ✓ Packed gravel
Considerations:
Benches along trail helpful for resting. Avoid loose gravel or sand.
Recommended Trails:
Most paved trails, Cattus Island, Any boardwalk trail
Beach Wheelchair
Best Surfaces:
- ✓ Sand beaches
- ✓ Some beach access boardwalks
Considerations:
Available for loan at many shore towns. Requires companion to push. Not for trails.
Recommended Trails:
Beach access only—see beach wheelchair section
🏖️ Beach Wheelchair Loans
Many Jersey Shore towns offer free beach wheelchair loans for visitors with mobility challenges.
How It Works
Contact the town
Call beach office, lifeguard HQ, or town hall ahead of time.
Reserve if possible
Summer weekends get busy. Reservations recommended.
Check availability
Most towns have 1-3 chairs. First-come, first-served.
Sign out the chair
Usually requires ID. Chair stays on beach.
Return by closing
Chairs must be returned daily.
Towns with Beach Wheelchairs
Ocean City
Beach Patrol HQ, 609-525-9200
Multiple chairs available
Wildwood
Beach Patrol, 609-522-7500
Free with beach tag
Cape May
Beach Office, 609-884-9525
Reservation recommended
Long Beach Island
Various municipal offices
Check individual towns
Asbury Park
Beach Office, 732-897-6500
Limited availability
Point Pleasant Beach
Beach Office, 732-892-1118
Reserve ahead
Tips
- • Call ahead—especially for summer weekends
- • Bring a companion to push (chairs don't self-propel in sand)
- • Ask about beach access mats if available
- • Early morning has best availability
- • Some rental companies also rent beach wheelchairs
Planning Your Accessible Trail Visit
A successful accessible trail visit takes a bit of preparation.
📋 Before You Go
Call ahead
Confirm trail conditions, accessible restroom availability, and parking.
Check recent reviews
AllTrails and Google reviews often mention accessibility issues.
Review satellite imagery
Google Maps satellite view can show surface conditions and parking layout.
Check the weather
Recent rain can make crushed stone trails difficult. Wind affects outdoor experience.
Know your range
Match trail length to your battery life or stamina. Plan turnaround points.
🎒 What to Bring
Phone charger/backup battery
For emergencies and navigation
Water (more than you think)
Accessible trails often lack water fountains
Sun protection
Many accessible trails are exposed boardwalks or paved paths
Tire repair kit (if applicable)
For mobility scooters on longer trails
Cushion/padding
Long sits can be uncomfortable—bring extra padding
For Companions & Caregivers
- 💜Let the person using the device set the pace
- 💜Ask before helping—don't assume assistance is needed
- 💜Scout ahead for obstacles if needed
- 💜Take breaks when requested, not when you think they're needed
- 💜Position wheelchair for best views at overlooks
- 💜Be patient with surface transitions (boardwalk to paved, etc.)
Parks with Accessible Trails
Accessible Trails by County
Accessible-Friendly Trails
Capital to Coast Connector
Allaire State Park • Monmouth County
Paved Trail
Thompson Park • Monmouth County
Nature Trail
Allaire State Park • Monmouth County
Nature Trail 2
Belleplain State Forest • Cape May County
Nature Trail 1
Belleplain State Forest • Cape May County
Henry Hudson Trail
Henry Hudson Trail • Monmouth County
Henry Hudson Trail
Henry Hudson Trail • Monmouth County
Barnegat Branch Trail Phase V - Lacey
Barnegat Branch Trail • Ocean County
Barnegat Branch Trail Phase II - Waretown
Barnegat Branch Trail • Ocean County
Cedar Avenue
<Null> • Atlantic County
Ocean Avenue
<Null> • Atlantic County
Battery Loop
Hartshorne Woods Park • Monmouth County
Accessibility Information
Before You Go
Call ahead to confirm current trail conditions and facility accessibility. Some trails may be temporarily closed or have sections under repair.
Parking
Most parks with accessible trails have designated accessible parking near trailheads. Arrive early on weekends for best availability.
Restrooms
Major parks typically have accessible restrooms at visitor centers and main trailheads. Smaller parks may have limited facilities.
Assistance
State and county parks often have volunteers or rangers who can provide assistance. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessible trails are near the Jersey Shore?
Many shore-area parks offer accessible trails including the Wildlife Drive at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, paved paths at Cattus Island County Park, the Henry Hudson Trail, and boardwalk sections at various state parks.
Are boardwalk trails wheelchair accessible?
Most boardwalk trails in NJ state parks and wildlife refuges are wheelchair accessible, featuring wide, level surfaces. However, some older boardwalks may have gaps or uneven sections - check current conditions before visiting.
What facilities are available at accessible trails?
Many parks with accessible trails also offer accessible parking, restrooms, and visitor centers. Popular destinations like Edwin B. Forsythe NWR and Cattus Island have full accessible facilities.
Can I bring a mobility device on paved rail-trails?
Yes! Rail-trails like the Henry Hudson Trail are paved and level, suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other assistive devices. These trails are also great for strollers and walkers.