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Texas State Parks are taking accessibility to the next level with the addition of nine motorized track wheelchairs, offering visitors new ways to explore trails and outdoor spaces.
These battery-operated chairs are available at 10 state parks across Texas, including Austin’s McKinney Falls State Park. They allow visitors to traverse a variety of terrains with ease. Guests can check out a track chair for up to three hours at no cost. Reservations are required, and visitors should contact the park directly to secure a chair. Each chair can be operated by the user or by a companion using a joystick remote.
The motorized track wheelchairs are available at:
• Brazos Bend State Park
• Cedar Hill State Park
• Dinosaur Valley State Park (2 available)
• Estero Llano Grande State Park
• Fort Leaton State Historic Site
• Government Canyon State Natural Area
• Hueco Tanks State Park
• McKinney Falls State Park
• Palo Pinto State Park (opening summer 2025)
• Village Creek State Park
In addition to the track chairs, new sherpa-style, wheeled, adaptive hiking devices are available at four of these state parks – McKinney Falls, Brazos Bend, Dinosaur Valley and Cedar Hill. Cascade Tandem Hiking Carts feature ergonomic weight distribution, brake system and adjustable frame accommodations to ensure comfort and safety for riders and companions while navigating trails. These adaptive devices fit users 3-4.5 feet tall and weighing up to 100 pounds.
For visitors with colorblindness, EnChroma viewers and scopes are being installed at multiple state parks across the state. These innovative devices offer a unique opportunity for some visitors to experience colors in nature in a way they may have never seen before.
The following state parks now offer En-Chroma viewers and scopes:
• Galveston Island State Park
• Meridian State Park
• Ray Roberts Lake State Park
• Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center These new devices join a growing list of adaptive equipment and amenities available at Texas State Parks. Many of these new adaptive devices were made possible by generous donations to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, whose support helps make the outdoors more accessible for all. Park visitors interested in trying out a motorized track chair, exploring other adaptive outdoor recreation options or requesting a reasonable modification can visit the TPWD Accessibility website or contact accessibility@ tpwd.texas. gov for more information.
