July 2024

By Ranger Kate

At Palo Pinto Mountains, there’s a specific trail that I love to walk on. When I do, I am proud and excited to be here. 

The trail I’m referring to is our Accessible Trail. This trail is designed for those who are differently mobile, giving everyone a chance to meander down a beautiful trail with stunning overlooks and the songs of golden- cheeked warblers and painted buntings above them.

The Accessible Trail is half a mile out and half a mile back. It is packed down with decomposed granite to create a smooth, natural surface with inclines and declines no more than 8 percent. A person with a personal assistive device can enjoy this trail. I so look forward to sharing it! But it’s not the only thing our park is doing to be inclusive and more accessible. 

Assistive chairs

"But, Kate, what about the other 12 miles of trails in the park?” I’m so glad you asked! Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Partners, our Friends’ group, were awarded a grant that allowed them to purchase two Freedom GRIT All Terrain Wheelchairs, one battery-powered Action TrackChair, and a trailer to store them in. The TrackChair arrived this month. What a way to celebrate Accessibility Awareness Month!

The GRIT wheelchairs are durable and three-wheeled, and can be operated by the person using them or by someone pushing from behind. A toggle switch on the arm controls the TrackChair. The user or someone walking with them can operate the toggle switch.

Both chair types will be available to borrow for free. Just ask a staff member, and they will deliver the chair to you at the trailhead. These will allow everyone to explore all 12.5 miles of our trail system. Thank you, Friends!

Accessible facilities

Our pavilion, headquarters, kayak launch, a few of our multiuse campsites, fishing pier, and the walkway by the fishing pier will be accessible, too. These facilities have wider doorways and walkways, smooth thresholds, ramps not exceeding an 8 percent incline, and accessible tables and firepits.

Accessible programs

Want to attend a ranger-led program when we open but struggle to see or hear? I’ve been gathering supplies such as skins and skulls that visitors explore by touch. The park also has 15 auditory assistive devices available for those attending programs who need a little help hearing.

As of this June, three of our rangers have completed American Sign Language 1 for natural resources and first aid! While these rangers are not fluent in ASL, this is another way for us to assist someone visiting our park.

Parks for all

The population of Texas has been growing at an impressive rate, and the public needs access to wild, outdoor spaces. Palo Pinto Mountains is halfway between Fort Worth and Abilene. What an amazing chance to share the natural environment with two major cities!

We want to offer the chance to explore wild Texas spaces to as many folks as possible, regardless of their ability or experience. For some, that means learning about our wildlife. For others, it’s a way to explore on their own.

We are working hard to be inclusive and accessible from the start. Parks are for everyone! When we open, I hope to see you on the trails!