In NEPA, we’re fortunate to have numerous nature trails nearby, including several wheelchair-friendly options thanks to local trail groups. These trails allow people of all abilities to enjoy the beauty of nature.

“Life with a mobility impairment might be different, and it might mean doing things differently, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t have the same desires as others,” said Joseph Salva, President of I AM. “We live in a beautiful area with lots of outdoor areas and nature to explore. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Before heading out on these I AM-recommended trails, be sure to contact the park office or trail manager for the most up-to-date trail conditions and to address any specific concerns.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail extends from Pittston to Simpson, where it links with the D&H Rail-Trail. Trail surfaces vary, with the Scranton section featuring a popular 3.5-mile paved segment from Depot Street in Taylor to Olive Street in downtown Scranton.

A section from Blakely to Jermyn is also paved, as well as short sections in Dickson City and Carbondale. Other parts of the trail are stonedust or natural/earthen paths. There are several on-road sections, especially once you leave the downtown Scranton area. Since it’s a rail trail, it has a very slight incline.

Key trailheads offer accessible parking: Elm Street has two spaces, including a van-accessible one with a striped aisle; 7th Avenue has a space with a striped aisle; and Laurel Street in Archbald provides parking near an accessible fishing pier. Railroad Street in Dickson City and Parker Street Landing in Scranton are also paved and have accessible parking.

The trail is frequently used for adaptive cycling events by I AM. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) rents recumbent bikes, tandem bikes, and handcycles at 213 Railroad Avenue. Rentals are free with an ID but require advance reservations.

The LHVA, in partnership with I AM and sponsored by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, also runs a Bike Buddy Program to help riders set up adaptive equipment and navigate the trails.

For more information on parking, maps, and points of interest, refer to the guidebook.

This paved Luzerne County Levee Trail runs along the flood levee, offering views of the Susquehanna River and passing through several neighborhoods across four sections totaling about 12 miles.

• Forty Fort reach: Starts near the Swetland Homestead off Wyoming Avenue, with two accessible parking spaces. It passes the Wyoming Valley Airport runway and Forty Fort Borough Sports Complex, ending at River Street.
• Kingston reach: Begins at Church Street with two accessible parking spaces, passing Kirby Park and Nesbitt Park, and continues toward Edwardsville.
• Hanover Township reach: Starts on Riverside Drive in Wilkes-Barre, passing Barney Farms Park, and ends in a dead end, so an out-and-back trip is required.
• Plymouth reach: Runs from Beade Street to Flat Road, with one accessible parking space at the Flat Road and Krest Street corner.

This peaceful rail trail follows the historic Northern Electric Street Railway, once used for trolleys between Scranton and the Endless Mountains. Now a crushed stone trail, it’s popular for outdoor recreation in the Abingtons.

The longest section, from Clarks Summit to Dalton, is 2.8 miles one way and includes some road crossings and a rougher section near Ackerly Little League Fields. The Roz Peck Memorial Trailhead on South Waterford Road offers a dirt lot with two accessible parking spaces.

Another popular segment runs 1.8 miles from Keystone College in La Plume to Factoryville and consists of crushed stone. Three accessible, paved parking spaces with striped access aisles are above the football field at Keystone College.

The Lake Scranton Walking Trail is a 3.5-mile paved loop around a reservoir, offering natural beauty just a short drive from downtown Scranton. The trail features a gentle grade under 5%, with shoreline views and shaded forest sections.

For accessible parking, drive to the top of East Mountain Road, turn right onto Lakeview Drive, and take the first left. There are four accessible parking spaces, including two van-accessible ones with striped aisles.

The Lehigh Gorge Trail is a 26-mile rail trail, part of the 165-mile D&L Trail, connecting White Haven and Jim Thorpe. It offers stunning views of the Lehigh River and Pocono Mountains and is popular for biking and handcycling. The trail features a crushed stone surface with a gentle 2% uphill grade heading north. Trailheads are at White Haven, Rockport, and Glen Onoko.

Rockport is a great starting point, with two waterfalls nearby: Buttermilk Falls is less than half a mile north, and Luke’s Falls is about half a mile south.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton is a great spot for viewing birds of prey, especially during fall migration. The ADA-accessible Silhouette Trail leads to the South Lookout, perfect for watching hawks, eagles, falcons, and other raptors.

The 900-foot trail has a crushed stone surface with a grade not exceeding 8.3%. Benches with pull bars are located every 100 feet, ending at a flat viewing area with valley views.

Accessible parking is available in all lots, with van parking at the outdoor amphitheater. ADA-compliant restrooms are near the trail entrance and Visitors Center. Hawk Mountain also offers an accessible Native Habitat Garden. A trail fee, which supports conservation, research, education, and maintenance, is required for entry.