Penned by accessible travel expert Candy B. Harrington, this access guide includes detailed information about accessible trails, sites, lodging options, tours and attractions in 12 of the author’s favorite Florida state parks. This handy resource features:
- Information on accessible trails and boardwalks that are suitable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
- Details on a wheelchair-accessible glass bottom boat tour in the Florida Keys.
- Accessible wildlife viewing opportunities, including the best places to spot manatees.
- Information about barrier-free camping options in the parks, including the site numbers and features of the accessible campsites and facilities.
- Detailed descriptions and lots of photographs of accessible cabins – some with roll-in showers — in the parks.
- Information on how disabled visitors can get discounts on park admission, tolls and campsites.
- The low-down on accessible swimming areas, including a crystal clear spring with a wheelchair lift.
- Accessible trails and attractions near the parks.
- Accessible auto tours, tram tours and pontoon boat tours in the parks.
This guidebook includes detailed access information that will help wheelchair-users and slow walkers get out and enjoy some the author’s favorite Florida state parks. Barrier-Free Travel; Favorite Florida State Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers is a great resource for seniors, parents with stroller-aged children, Baby Boomers, folks who just like to take things a littler slower, and anybody who uses a cane, walker, wheelchair or scooter.
A must have resource for an accessible visit to the Sunshine State.
Preface
Experience the Real Florida
As we cruised slowly down the St. Johns River, our guide reminded us to keep our eyes peeled for bubbles. Specifically we were on the lookout for trails of circular bubbles interspersed with the occasional group of large gaseous-looking bubbles, as these were signs of manatee activity. Even though it was past prime time for manatees in the area, we were still hopeful.
We were a small group – a man from Arizona, two sisters from Maine, and us. And then the Arizona man shouted, “I see bubbles up ahead.” A few minutes later a tannin-stained manatee surfaced, just a few feet from our riverboat. We could see the propeller scars on his back – an all too common wound on the animals – and hear him take a deep breath before he dropped back beneath the surface. It was truly one of those “serendipity moments”. And then we spotted more bubbles up ahead, and yet another manatee surfaced. We lingered there in silence and watched the enormous animals surface every few minutes, as our guide reminded us that this was the real Florida. “A lot of folks come to Florida for the theme parks,” she sighed, “but this is the real Florida experience right here.” And I totally agree.
Apparently the folks at Florida State Parks also agree, as their tagline is “The Real Florida”.
And we had many of those Real Florida moments as we researched this book in the Sunshine State. They ranged from seeing wild pigs rut right outside our cabin, to hearing male alligators bellow out their eerie mating calls. Then there was the sighting of a baby gator, so small that you knew mama was lurking nearby; and then subsequently seeing another gator gulp up a fish on a previously pristine lake. Our bird sightings included close encounters with egrets, herons, ibis and spoonbills; as well as spying some fluffy little limpkin chicks, and a family of Sandhill Cranes with their feathered-out youngster. And then there was that up-close-and-personal encounter with a Pileated Woodpecker. Top it off with a firefly show that was second-to-none, and you have the Real Florida experience.
The good news is, you don’t have to be the Steve Irwin type to experience the Real Florida. And that’s the main reason for this book. I figured that lodging would be the biggest obstacle for wheelers and slow walkers who want to spend some time in the state parks, and I was thrilled to find that some Florida State Parks offer fully-equipped cabins. I was even more thrilled to discover that some of them are also wheelchair-accessible — of course their access varies, and to be honest no two are exactly identical. Again, another reason for this book – to describe their access so you can decide what will work best for you. And you’ll find lots of photos and detailed access descriptions of the cabins in this book.
Alternatively, if you want to rough it and sleep out under the stars, I’ve also included some campground information, and even details about a primitive camp site in the Florida Keys that may work for some people. On the other hand, if you’re just up for a day trip, and really don’t want to overnight in the park, I’ve included a few parks that are good for a day visit too.
But lodging is just part of the equation, as visitors also have to be able to get out and see the Real Florida, on the trails, boats and tours in the state parks. To be honest I found a fair amount of access information online, but not all of it was factually correct. Upon further investigation I discovered some accessible trails and sites that weren’t listed on websites, as well as some sites and tours that were listed as “accessible”, that didn’t quite make the grade. So, as I do in all of my books, I described the access I found, so you can determine if the trail, tour or boat will work for you. After all, everyone has different access needs.
Finally, I need to point out that this is not a comprehensive guide to all of Florida’s state parks – it’s a collection of some of my favorites. Truly there were some that we visited that just didn’t make the cut either access-wise or content-wise, and those of course were not included. But I do have very specific reasons for including every chosen park, and those reasons are detailed in the book.
In the end, I encourage you to get out and explore the Real Florida, and I offer this book up as a starting point for your incredible journey. So give it a shot, and let me know what you think. Truly, it’s probably more accessible than you imagine.
Candy Harrington
candy@EmergingHorizons.com
www.EmergingHorizons.com
Facebook: Candy Harrington
Twitter: Candy B. Harrington
Pinterest: Candy Harrington
Contents
- Preface
- Experience the Real Florida
- The Basics
- Manatee Springs State Park
- Fanning Springs State Park
- Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
- Weeki Wachi Springs State Park
- Myakka River State Park
- John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Blue Spring State Park
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
- Suwannee River State Park
Author Q & As
How did you pick out the parks that you covered in the book?
First and foremost, the parks had to have a reasonable number of accessible activities or attractions to be included; and if the park also had an accessible cabin that usually pushed it over the top. But there is a specific reason that I included each park in the book. For example, I included John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park because of the accessible glass bottom boat and snorkeling excursions; while Suwannee River State Park made the cut because of the nice accessible cabin with the Old Folks at Home feel. I pointed out the reason for choosing each part at the beginning of every chapter.
How did you research the book, and how long did it take?
Basically we packed up the car and hit the road for Florida. We circled the state and checked out the included parks, as well as some that didn’t really make the cut. We put a lot of miles on the car, and the Florida road trip took about two months. My bed felt really good when we got home!
Did you run into any problems or encounter any obstacles on your research trip?
Outside of a particularly aggressive woodpecker and some overly inquisitive wild pigs, we really didn’t run into any major roadblocks along the way. That said, we did hit a large rain storm in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. When it rains in Florida it comes down in buckets, and we barely made it to our cabin before the heavens unleashed a gully washer. And then an hour later it was over and the sun was out. That’s Florida weather.
Did you visit all of the cabins that you included in the book?
Absolutely. I feel it’s important to personally inspect everything I cover, so I can accurately describe the access to my readers.
What is your favorite park?
Gosh, that’s a difficult one — it’s almost like asking someone to pick their favorite child. I really enjoyed all the parks that I included — that’s why they’re in the book — but if I had to pick one I would say Myakka River State Park. It boasts several nature trails, a pontoon boat and a tram tour, all of which are wheelchair-accessible. We had some great wildlife sightings there, including alligators, osprey and even bald eagles. And I absolutely love their recently renovated accessible cabin.
What was the most surprising thing — access-wise — that you discovered in the Florida State Parks you visited?
I was pretty wowed by a wheelchair lift into a natural spring at Wekiwa Springs State Park. That’s something that you don’t exactly see everyday.
What’s the best time of the year to visit the parks?
Peak season in the southern part of the state is from November to March, while the north sees more visitors from June to August. I prefer to go in the shoulder seasons, to dodge the crowds. We visited in April, and although a few of the minor park concessions were shut down, we had good weather and the prices were lower than they were during prime time.
Where is the best place to see alligators?
Boy, we saw them just about everywhere, and on one hike at Myakka River State Park we got a little too close to one guy for my comfort. We also saw a fair amount of alligators on the pontoon boat tour at Blue Spring State Park, and from the boardwalk at Manatee Springs State Park. We had out best alligator sightings in the mornings — they seemed to be more active then.
What was the most memorable animal sighting that you had in the Florida State Parks that you visited?
We had a lot of animal sightings on the trip, but I think my most memorable one was of a mom and baby manatee at Blue Spring State Park. It was just a special moment.
Do the Florida state parks offer a discount on entrance fees for disabled people?
Not across the board, but disabled veterans can get a free military pass, and Florida residents who are 100% disabled get 50% off campsites in the parks.
So, what’s next for you? Are you planning another Barrier-Free Travel book?
I will continue travel and write about my accessible finds on www.EmergingHorizons.com. And yes, I’m already working on my next book, Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. It’s a huge project and it will be released in July 2017.
Travel Tips
Are You Eligible for a Florida Disabled Toll Permit?
If you’re planning a road trip to Florida, and you have a significant dexterity disability, you may be eligible for a Florida Disabled Toll Permit, which gives you a free pass on the toll roads in the Sunshine State. The Florida Disabled Toll Permit saves drivers both time and money; and although it’s often overlooked by visitors, it’s easy to obtain if you meet the minimum qualifications.
In order to qualify for a the permit you must have:
- A valid driver’s license
- An upper limb or dexterity disability that prevents you from tossing coins into a toll booth basket
- An adapted vehicle
Applications for a the permit can be found at www.fdot.gov/ctd/toll-permit. The permit is valid for five years, and it can be used at manned toll booths throughout the state. Just show the toll booth operator your permit, and you’re good to go.
Once you receive your Florida Disabled Toll Permit, you can also apply for a Sun Pass non-revenue mini transponder. There is a $4.99 fee for this electronic device that attaches to the windshield and allows users to pass through unmanned toll booths at no charge.
Applications for a Sun Pass non-revenue mini transponder can be found at www.fdot.gov/ctd/toll-permit. For more information about the Sun Pass non-revenue mini transponder call (561) 488-5312.
So plan ahead and save a few bucks on your next Florida road trip!
Veterans Discounts at Florida State Parks
If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State and you served in the armed forces, then check out these veterans discounts at Florida State Parks.
Veterans with a Service Connected Disability
Veterans with a service connected disability are eligible for a free Annual Entrance Pass, which is good for admission to all Florida State Parks. This lifetime pass is valid for park admission of up to eight people, except at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, where it’s good for up to two people.
Proof of identification, service-connected disability and honorable discharge are required. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Valid driver’s license
- Documentation from Department of Defense or another appropriate agency of service-connected disability
- Form DD 214 showing honorable discharge
Active Duty and Honorably Discharged Veterans
Veterans Discounts at Florida State Parks are available to active duty and honorably discharged veterans. They can receive a 25% discount on a Florida State Park individual or family pass. These passes are valid for one year, and are good for admission to all Florida state parks.
Proof of identification and an honorable discharge are required. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Valid driver’s license
- Form DD 214 showing honorable discharge
Surviving Spouses and Parents of Deceased Veterans
Surviving Spouses and parents of US military members who died in combat are eligible for a free lifetime Annual Entrance Pass. Proof of identification, proof that the spouse or child was killed in combat, and proof of spousal or parental relationship are required. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Form DD 1300 showing the date and place of casualty
- Marriage certificate of birth certificate showing spousal or parental relationship
All of the military passes are available at the park entrances. And if you don’t qualify for any of those passes, but you plan to visit a number of Florida State Parks, you can still save some money buy purchasing an individual or family annual pass. These passes are good for one year and they can be purchased at any state park entrance. The individual pass is priced at $60, while the family pass costs $120.
So plan ahead, bring your documentation, and rack up some savings at Florida’s state parks.
Updates
St. Johns River Cruise
Blue Spring Adventures has replaced St. Johns River Cruises as the concessionaire in Blue Spring State Park. The accessibility on their river cruise and the boarding lift remains unchanged. For more information about their tours, visit www.bluespringadventures.com
Let me know of any changes you find, so I can update my readers.
Barrier-Free Travel
Favorite Florida Parks
for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
