Adaptive outdoor activities in the Finger Lakes region offer a unique and accessible getaway for travelers with mobility challenges. Content creator Tara Shetterly, known as @tara_shett on Instagram, shares her experiences exploring this area of New York State.
Visitors can begin their journey at Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian-friendly shopping area with flat surfaces and step-free entrances. During the summer months, live music is available through the CFCU Summer Concert Series.
Dining options in Ithaca are diverse, featuring local ingredients. Simeon’s offers Italian-inspired dishes in an accessible historic building. For dessert, Purity ice cream shop provides a taste of local history.
The second day includes visits to Taughannock Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Both parks have accessible paths to view stunning waterfalls. Cornell Botanic Gardens also offer mixed terrain paths for exploration.
Day three starts at the Ithaca Farmers Market before heading to Lime Hollow Nature Preserve. This preserve offers trails suitable for wheelchairs and two all-terrain Action TrackChairs for deeper exploration. The day continues with wine tasting at Billsboro Winery and concludes with dinner at New York Beer Project in Victor.
On day four, visitors can explore Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park or enjoy crepes at Simply Crepes in Canandaigua. Lazy Acres Alpacas offers tours on gravel paths, while Motion Junction Playground provides inclusive play opportunities.
The final day features kayaking on the Erie Canal with adaptive equipment available from Erie Canal Boat Company. Visitors can also try adaptive mountain biking through Victor’s trail system.
Accommodation options include Canopy by Hilton Ithaca and Holiday Inn Express Victor, both offering accessibility features such as roll-in showers and ADA-compliant routes.
Travelers interested in additional activities may consider kayaking on Cayuga Lake or participating in Ithaca Gallery Night.
Transportation options include nearby airports like Ithaca Tompkins International Airport and Frederick Douglass International Airport, as well as bus services and Amtrak routes connecting to Syracuse and Rochester stations.
