Accessible Parks & Trails

The number of accessible parks and recreational activities in Dutchess County continues to grow with new spaces being added every year so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

Julie’s Jungle at Lime Kiln, Hopewell Junction

A universally accessible playground where children of all abilities can play together. For individuals with vision impairments, metal ramps on the playground equipment have raised edges all along the sides so those using a walking stick/mobility cane can feel for the edges and know their boundaries. Children can interact at the same height whether they are able to climb the ropes or not using a ramp alongside the Penta-Web climber. The AeroGlider has a unique stepping platform on both ends which allows up to 2 wheelchairs and even adults to join the swaying fun. Did you know that Julie's Jungle has a metal slide so that children with Cochlear implants can slide down without having to remove their device? A plastic slide causes static and can damage the implant. The 16,000 sq. ft. public park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, Poughkeepsie

The Poughkeepsie entrances at 61 Parker Avenue and the waterfront elevator entrance at Upper Landing Park are ADA-compliant and accessible, with no stairs required giving easy access for all to the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Click here for elevator hours. Guided Tour Ambassadors are often onsite to help those who need additional assistance and wheelchairs are available if reserved in advance. For individuals that have mobility challenges or are unable to walk the 1.28 distance, an 11-passenger, wheelchair-accessible electric tram is available to help you across the bridge. A mobile audio tour that corresponds with the signage along the bridge is available in English, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese.

Woodland Trail at Stony Kill Farm

The recently restored, packed stone-dust Woodland Trail at Stony Kill Farm is a perfect half-mile path for individuals in wheelchairs or who have limited mobility. An abundance of wildlife from woodpeckers to squirrels can be spotted. Open from Sunrise to sunset, and is open 365 days a year.

Quite Cove Riverfront Park

Quiet Cove Riverfront Park has amazing views of the Hudson River, an accessible kayak launch and a new adaptive pickleball court for wheelchair play. Open April 29 to October 29.

Find more accessible playgrounds and parks here!

In 2023, Dutchess Tourism partnered with Wheel the World, an online guide for travelers with disabilities. The William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson welcomed a Wheel the World mapper who evaluated each space for accessibility. We thank New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Dutchess County Parks Department and Walkway Over the Hudson for committing to make Dutchess County a more inclusive place to visit for people of all abilities