Accessible trails open up hiking opportunities for everyone

When your mobility is limited, tackling a hiking trail may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, whether you use a wheelchair or cane to get around, or if you just received a hip or knee replacement and are slowly returning to your normal activity, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get outside and explore some incredible paths surrounded by nature.

“If you’re feeling that your mobility and your activity is limited, hiking can still be a great exercise,” says Megan Richards, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. “After a hip or knee replacement, my goal is to get my patients back to their normal level of activity without significant restrictions.”

Dr. Richards recommends her patients begin by walking around their neighborhood, which is easily accessible, close to home, and is generally populated with people they know. Once they’re comfortable walking around that familiar setting, she says they should try out a city trail, which is well populated and poses minimal hazards.

So, what is it that makes an ideal trail for people with limited mobility?

“You’re going to want to find a trail or walking path that has mild to moderate incline,” says Dr. Richards. “There are many trails in Maine that have paths with a lot of exposed roots, which can be challenging and dangerous depending on your situation. You want something with good even footing, like a boardwalk, that is safer and presents fewer tripping hazards.”

Dr. Richards notes that trails marked as wheelchair-accessible are generally suitable for anyone with limited mobility. A few recommendations in and around Greater Bangor, Maine include:

  • The Orono Bog Boardwalk – This 4,200-foot-long boardwalk walking path through peatland is accessible through the Bangor City Forest. The trail also offers benches where walkers can rest at least every 200 feet, making it ideal for those who use a wheelchair, walker, or are returning to activity after a hip or knee replacement.

  • The Brewer Riverwalk – This paved 1.1-mile out-and-back trail has even terrain, is easy to navigate, and enjoyable views of the Penobscot River.

  • The Jesup Path and Hemlock Loop in Acadia National Park – Though at times a little narrow for those using a wheelchair, this 1.5-mile loop trail consists of a board walk and level gravel terrain with several benches along the boardwalk to rest if necessary.  

“Each individual is different, so it can be difficult to offer a broad trail guideline,” says Dr. Richards. “Ultimately, getting outdoors and being active offers a lot of health benefits for everyone.”

For more information about hip and knee replacements through Northern Light Orthopedics, visit northernlight.org/orthopedics.