Another State Park Takes a Big Step Toward Accessibility
Quick answer
The Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire now offers a free all-terrain wheelchair that any visitor can borrow to explore the park’s coastal trails, rocky shoreline, and salt marshes. The program was funded by a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. No advance reservation is required — just ask at the front desk.
Free All-Terrain Wheelchair Now Available at Odiorne Point State Park
For many people, a walk along a rocky shoreline is something they take for granted.
For others, it’s an experience that can feel completely out of reach.
That’s why we’re excited to see another public destination investing in adaptive outdoor access. The Seacoast Science Center, located within Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, has announced the availability of a free all-terrain wheelchair that visitors can reserve and use while exploring the park. The initiative helps make miles of coastal trails, scenic overlooks, and natural habitats more accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.
Odiorne Point State Park is one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Visitors can explore woodlands, salt marshes, rocky shoreline environments, historic military sites, and an extensive trail network that winds through more than 300 acres of protected land. Many of the park’s trails are already designed with accessibility in mind, making it an ideal location for adaptive mobility equipment.
The all-terrain wheelchair at Odiorne Point State Park is available free of charge to both visitors and members of the Seacoast Science Center. The program was made possible through a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. Guests interested in reserving the chair can inquire directly at the Seacoast Science Center upon arrival at the park.
The Seacoast Science Center itself is a beloved destination within the park, offering hands-on exhibits about the marine environment, guided naturalist programs, and access to the rocky intertidal zone. Its commitment to inclusive programming makes it a natural partner for this kind of initiative—ensuring that the full experience of Odiorne Point State Park, from the museum to the shoreline, is open to everyone.
Access Changes Everything
When adaptive equipment is available, the question shifts from “Can I go?” to “When do we leave?”
That distinction matters.
Too often, outdoor recreation programs focus on accessibility inside buildings while overlooking the experiences that happen beyond the parking lot. Parks, beaches, trails, and nature preserves represent some of the most meaningful places people gather with friends and family, yet many remain difficult or impossible to navigate using a standard wheelchair.
Programs like this help remove those barriers.
Whether it’s watching waves crash against the shoreline, exploring tide pools with grandchildren, or simply enjoying a walk through nature, access creates opportunities for experiences that many people have never had the chance to enjoy.
A Growing Movement
Across North America, parks, municipalities, nonprofits, and recreation organizations are beginning to recognize the value of adaptive outdoor equipment. The goal isn’t simply compliance or accommodation—it’s participation.
We’re seeing a growing number of organizations investing in all-terrain wheelchairs so visitors with mobility limitations can enjoy the same adventures as everyone else.
Every new program helps demonstrate what’s possible.
Every successful implementation creates momentum for the next park, trail system, or recreation area.
The Future of Outdoor Access
At Extreme Motus, we believe the outdoors should belong to everyone.
The addition of adaptive mobility equipment at destinations like Odiorne Point State Park is another reminder that meaningful accessibility isn’t about creating separate experiences. It’s about making great experiences available to more people.
We applaud the Seacoast Science Center and Odiorne Point State Park for taking this step and helping ensure that more visitors can experience New Hampshire’s incredible coastline.
Because everyone deserves the chance to explore.
And because adventure should never be limited by mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Odiorne Point State Park Wheelchair Access
Is Odiorne Point State Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, New Hampshire is designed with accessibility in mind. Many of the park’s trails are paved or have hard-packed surfaces suitable for standard wheelchairs. The Seacoast Science Center, located within the park, now also offers a free all-terrain wheelchair for visitors who want to explore the rocky shoreline, salt marshes, and natural landscapes that standard wheelchairs cannot easily navigate.
How do I reserve the free all-terrain wheelchair at Odiorne Point State Park?
The free all-terrain wheelchair at Odiorne Point State Park is available through the Seacoast Science Center. Visitors and members can inquire directly at the Seacoast Science Center upon arrival at the park. No advance reservation is currently required — just ask at the front desk when you arrive.
Who paid for the all-terrain wheelchair at Odiorne Point State Park?
The adaptive all-terrain wheelchair program at Odiorne Point State Park was made possible through a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to curing spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility challenges.
What is an all-terrain wheelchair?
An all-terrain wheelchair is a specialized mobility device designed to navigate surfaces that standard wheelchairs cannot handle — including sand, gravel, rocky terrain, grass, and trails. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, all-terrain models typically feature wide, balloon-style tires or tracks and rugged frames built for outdoor adventure. They allow people with mobility limitations to explore beaches, nature parks, hiking trails, and coastal environments like those found at Odiorne Point State Park.
Are there other state parks that offer free all-terrain wheelchair loans?
Yes — the trend of offering free all-terrain wheelchair loaner programs at parks and nature destinations is growing across the country. Notable examples include Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in Illinois. Many of these programs are funded through grants or nonprofit partnerships, similar to the Odiorne Point State Park initiative.
What can wheelchair users do at Odiorne Point State Park?
With the new all-terrain wheelchair, visitors with mobility challenges can explore a wide range of experiences at Odiorne Point State Park, including the rocky shoreline, salt marshes, scenic overlooks, tide pools, wooded trails, and the Seacoast Science Center’s exhibits on marine life and coastal ecology. The park covers more than 300 acres and is one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
Source: “Free all-terrain wheelchair offered at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye” — Staff Reports, Portsmouth Herald / Seacoastonline, June 23, 2026.
Since 2019, Sam and Ryan have been demonstrating that nature is wheelchair accessible with the Extreme Motus All Terrain Wheelchair. From National Parks to Skateparks, their adventures prove that a manual off-road wheelchair can offer laughter and joy while navigating diverse terrains.
Join us as we continue to share these inspiring journeys.
Light, comfortable, and compact, the Extreme Motus glides over sand, rocks, grass, gravel, and even floats in water.
It’s more than a outdoor wheelchair; it’s your ticket to freedom. Embrace the outdoors with confidence, knowing our off-road wheelchair is engineered for durability and ease of use.
Be the first to hear about new gear, upcoming adventures, and exclusive offers. As a welcome gift, you’ll get a $100 coupon toward the Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair — delivered straight to your inbox.
By subscribing you agree to receive marketing communications from Extreme Motus, including product updates, promotions, and special offers. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.