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.

Completing our simple survey during or after a unpaved outing in Western North Carolina (WNC) will help us gather and assess information about what trails may be more accessible to those with mobility challenges.
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This survey tool helps document trail conditions specifically for individuals with 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.
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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 more inclusive wild spaces.
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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
Starting in Western North Carolina, USA and Kent, England…
We invite you to join us in making unpaved wild spaces more accessible through participatory design.
Want to get more involved? Email us today.
Meet the Team
“It inspired me to reconnect with my friends and go out and make a difference”
Ryan is a former cross-fit fanatic 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.
MOBILITY RESOURCES
