Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 26, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov
New River Trail State Park expands accessibility with all-terrain wheelchair
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: All-terrain wheelchair)
MAX MEADOWS, Va. – New River Trail State Park is proud to now offer an all-terrain wheelchair, giving visitors with mobility challenges greater access to the park’s scenic beauty and historic trail.
Designed to navigate a range of terrains, this specialized wheelchair offers an inclusive outdoor experience for those who may otherwise be limited by standard mobility devices. It’s available for free daily use along roughly 20 miles of the New River Trail.
“We are committed to creating outdoor spaces where everyone can explore nature comfortably and safely,” said Park Manager Sam Sweeney. “This all-terrain wheelchair helps break down barriers and opens up new possibilities for our visitors to enjoy the trail.”
To help the park better serve visitors, free reservation requests are encouraged at least 48 hours in advance. This is not a confirmed reservation. The request allows rangers to ensure the availability of the wheelchair. A ranger will contact visitors to confirm their reservation and provide instructions prior to their arrival.
The all-terrain wheelchair is part of Virginia State Parks’ ongoing effort to improve accessibility across its park system. They can also be found at Claytor Lake, Mason Neck, Powhatan, Shenandoah River and York River state parks.
Funding for the wheelchairs was made possible through Virginia State Parks license plate sales. Since becoming available in 2019, the park system has invested $15 from each purchase toward projects to improve the visitor experience and accessibility projects.
To learn more about the all-terrain wheelchairs, find ATW trail access maps and to make a reservation request, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/all-terrain-wheelchairs.
-30-
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
Share this news release:
