Volume 13, No. 2, Spring 2005	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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Delaware Offers a Wealth of Outdoor Opportunities

Dan Fendler, AT Specialist, Sussex County ATRC

As I sit and write this, it is the beginning of March and it feels like winter will never end. But, each day gets a little longer and warmer and it will soon be nice enough to comfortably get back outdoors. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few accessible options for those readers who need them.

The Junction and Breakwater Trail

Good news for Sussex County residents—a new bike trail has opened that will eventually connect Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The 12-foot wide, crushed stone trail is designed for bicycles, but the surface is suitable for wheelchairs and battery operated devices such as scooters.

The trail can be accessed several ways. There is a parking lot (56 car capacity) at the northern trailhead off of Wolfe Neck Road (Route 1 to Munchy Branch Road). There is also a trailhead off of Holland Glade Road with parking located behind the Tanger Outlets Seaside shopping area.

The trail is absolutely stunning. It is artfully constructed to wind through farmlands, woodlands, wetlands, and more. There are a few spots along the trail where the view will take you back to a time before Delaware became the First State. From the trailhead, the trail connects to the old railroad bed alignment, which it follows for 5/8 of a mile, as it gradually rises above the surrounding wooded area, to the existing Holland Glade Bridge. This former railroad bridge spans 80 feet and was built in 1913. The existing concrete bridge abutments and steel girders were rehabilitated and a new wood deck, scenic overlooks, and railing were installed. The trail departs from the old railroad alignment just south of the bridge and meanders through woodlands and farmlands until it crosses Holland Glade Road. If you continue across Holland Glade Road, you will travel through more woodlands and come out on Hebron Road, just east of the carwash.

Before you venture out on any trail, there are some important safety considerations to address, particularly for wheelchair users. Make sure that your chair is in good working order. For power chair or scooter users, make sure that your battery pack is fully charged. In case of an emergency, bring along a fully charged cell phone and a friend or two. Parts of the trail are remote and it is always advisable to use the buddy system.

Kent County—Off the Beaten Path

I wanted to give readers in the northern counties at least one outdoor option to consider. The parks I visited in Kent and New Castle Counties did not have accessible trails. If you would like to experience nature from the comfort of your vehicle, the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area is certainly worth checking out.

Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, Photo by Dan Fendler

Known primarily to hunters and bird watchers, the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area is located just south of the Dover Air Force Base off of Kitts Hummock Road. Not all of the roads in the wildlife area are paved, but they are certainly passable. From the comfort of your vehicle, you will have access to a wide variety of views, and ample opportunity to see migrating birds. The Delmarva Ornithological Society lists the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area as one of the birding hotspots in Delaware. Here is an excerpt from their website, www.dosbirds.org, relative to the Ted Harvey area:

There is a private house about 1/4 to 1/2 mile down the road. Here a side road runs to the left and goes to the Bay. Either or both roads may be closed on any given day. There is good land birding along the side road, and excellent shore-birding at the end along the Bay shore. Near the end there is a small sign on the left forbidding further passage by car. Although there is no gate, the rule is enforced. Park here and walk along the causeway to the beach (100 yards or so). Walk south along the shore of the Bay from the end of the road. Return to the house and turn left on the main road. Where the road takes a sharp left (with a smaller road going straight) take the left fork. The impoundment at the end of this road is excellent. The rare-to-casual White-winged Tern has been seen more frequently at this impoundment than anywhere else in Delaware.

If you would like to do some fishing, there is also a small accessible fishing pier in a pond within the Wildlife Area.

If you are a hunter, there is an organization that helps hunters with disabilities. Known as Buckmasters American Deer Foundation (BADF), a Disabled Services program was established in 1993 to provide hunting opportunities to people with disabilities. According to BADF, an estimated 1.7 million people with severe physical disabilities enjoy hunting and shooting sports in the United States. The organization feels that there are many people with disabilities who would get involved in shooting and hunting sports if only given some encouragement and an opportunity. For more information about the program at the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, visit BADF's website, www.badf.org, follow the "Disabled Hunters" link and select "Regulations & Accessible Locations in Your State," then select Delaware. There are also links to adaptive hunting equipment on the BADF website.

Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, Photo by Dan Fendler

Wherever your interests lie, we certainly hope that you have a wonderful summer season. As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Assistive Technology Resource Center.