Counterflow- Wild Access Collective

Wild Access Collective

where the pavement ends…

The Wild Access Collective is a low-tread, community-centered, participatory effort to promote and increase mobility access to unpaved nature trails.

Starting in Western North Carolina & East Tennessee, USA…

We invite you to join us in making unpaved wild spaces more accessible through participatory design & our trail survey.

Trail Survey

Hitting the Trail? Take our Survey

Completing our simple survey during or after an unpaved outing will help us gather and assess information about what trails may be more accessible to those with disabilities or mobility challenges.

This survey tool helps document trail conditions specifically for individuals with disabilities or mobility considerations, focusing on unpaved trails that are often overlooked in traditional accessibility assessments. Your careful observations will help others make informed decisions about which trails they can access, and what to expect when they do.
Do you share our ideal of an inclusive community where everybody can explore and adventure together? Then let’s build it together! By participating and crowd-sourcing information, we can break down barriers, increase accessibility awareness and aim for more inclusive wild spaces.
Surface Conditions: Pay special attention to:
- Trail width (note sections narrower than 32 inches)
- Surface material (gravel, dirt, rocks, etc.)
- Stability of the surface
- Obstacles or barriers
Grade and Cross Slope:
- Note any challenging inclines
- Identify areas where the trail tilts sideways
- Mark locations where extra assistance might be needed
Access Points:
- Document parking area conditions
- Note distance from parking to trailhead
- Identify any barriers at the trailhead (gates, steps, etc.)
Rest Areas:
- Mark locations of benches or natural resting spots
- Note shade availability
- Document distance between rest areas
Safety Considerations:
- Cell phone coverage
- Emergency access points
- Distance from facilities or assistance
- Other safety considerations such as road crossings
Please email us at wildaccess@counterflowasheville.com

Meet the Team

Matt Lee

Born and raised in Western North Carolina. Sustained a C6-C7 spinal cord injury as a teenager from a high impact fall. Matt loves traveling, gardening and the outdoors. Recently went skydiving for the first time to face his fear of falling. He started adaptive mountain biking a few years ago to venture deeper into the forest wilderness and is planning to customize his own bike in the near future. Lifelong Tar Heel.
Natalia Crisanti

Loves sea swimming and outdoor adventuring of all kinds, especially in warm climates. Currently living in England where fair weather is elusive, so having to just neoprene up and keep going in the the English Channel. Enjoys exploring woodlands, river paths and coastlines with friends and her ever-curious and energetic twins.
Ryan Duckworth

Ryan grew up on a farm in the Piedmont of NC, where open land and hard work shaped his connection to the outdoors early on. Today, that connection runs deep — he is passionate about making natural spaces accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds. Whether he's trail running through Pisgah, grinding gravel on his bike, or swimming in mountain lakes, Ryan believes time in nature is healing, empowering, and something everyone deserves.
Anna Pizzo

Grew up in the San Francisco area, with regular forays to Yosemite National Park before moving to the DC Area. Moved to Asheville 12 years ago and enjoys the areas million acres of public lands and wilderness. At age 40 she started mountain biking which quickly became one of her favorite ways to get outside, along with hiking and backpacking.
Daniele Pizzo

Grew up in the foothills of the Italian Alps and the rolling green hills of England. Discovered ultra running while working as the Asst. Director of Outdoor Education at Georgetown University in DC. His current obsessions are wild swimming and playing, watching and coaching his daughter’s football teams (aka "soccer" in one country).

MOBILITY RESOURCES

Waypoint Adventure

Waypoint Adventure is “challenging people with disabilities to discover their purpose, talents, and strengths through the power of adventure.” They have a wide variety of off-road wheelchairs available for rental as well as programs that make all types of outdoor adventures more accessible to those with a wide range of disabilities.

More Info
Catalyst Sports

A non-profit organization giving people with physical disabilities access to the life-changing impact of adventure within a supportive and inclusive community in 14 locations across the Southeast, USA.

More Info
Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks are striving to identify and eliminate barriers that limit access to enjoying the natural, cultural, and recreational offerings at our parks. This includes all terrain wheelchairs that can be reserved free of charge.

More Info
Joëlette

The Joëlette is an all-terrain wheelchair with a single wheel, which allows any person with a disability to go hiking with the help of at least two guides.

More Info
NC Trackchair Program

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offers eight Action Trackchairs® (Model ST20) across the state to provide greater access to the outdoors.

More Info

More Resources

Wild Access Collective is developing a comprehensive Resource List to support adventurers of all abilities and anyone working to improve outdoor accessibility. Check out our Resource Guide. We welcome your suggestions through our "Share a Resource" form below.

“It inspired me to reconnect with my friends and go out and make a difference”

Ryan is a former gym owner who found running, biking and hiking the unpaved trails of Western North Carolina to be both therapeutic and exhilarating.

It wasn’t until he had the opportunity to go mountain biking with Catalyst Sports and some friends, he realized the freedom that accessible bikes and equipment can offer.