Blue Spring State Park Rolling Hikes

Schedule a Rolling Hike!

The Rolling Hike Program at Blue Spring State Park is an innovative program intended to help mobility-challenged park visitors navigate some of the park’s hiking trails with the use of an all-terrain tracked chair.

The chair is FREE for park guests to use. Park entrance fees are applicable.

Guests with mobility challenges, vision loss, or otherwise not able to walk on long hikes can explore miles of the park's trails safely and securely using an all-terrain tracked chair. The chair us very easy to use, fun and ADA compliant.

A park volunteer will train the guest on the operation of the chair to ensure the guest is comfortable operating it with an easy-to-grip joystick. If the guest doesn’t want to guide it using the joystick, a park volunteer will guide it with a remote control.

A park volunteer hikes with guests on the rolling hike which can be on nature trails or paved trails. The park volunteer enhances the experience by pointing out animals, birds, animal tracks, flora, and other nature found along the trail.

A friend or family member should accompany guests. Park volunteers cannot assist with transfers in or out of the all-terrain chair. The length of the hike and or time on the trail is decided by the guest. There are multiple trails available to accommodate a guest’s interests and desired terrain. The full hike is about 4 miles and can take up to 3 hours.

The chair cannot be taken on the board walk.

These hikes occur Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. but are flexible with notice.

Moonlight and guided bird hikes are also available. The dates and times of these vary each month. To inquire about rolling hikes for these events, please use the reservation button below.

We have two chairs that are available. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance so that we can schedule volunteers.

To make a reservation, please use the button below.

Please be sure to see the FAQ’s listed below for helpful information about your upcoming Rolling Hike!

FAQs

  • The All-Terrain Tracked Chairs can be utilized by anyone and are specially designed for individuals with vision impairment/loss, balance difficulties, or other mobility challenges.

    The chair’s weight limit is 300 pounds.

    The chairs can be controlled utilizing a simple joystick. Guests may also request to have the park volunteer drive the chair with a remote joystick.

  • Most of the trails are shaded because they are under tree canopy. The dirt pathways have gentle curves that wind through the forest. Other paths are paved allowing guests to have a smooth ride.

    The chair can navigate over roots, sand, gravel, dirt, pavement, and any other trail surfaces.

    You ill be asked if you would like to hike on a dirt or paved nature trail.

    The chair cannot be taken on the boardwalk.

  • Throughout the entirety of the Rolling Hike, a Blue Spring State Park volunteer will accompany your party to help guide the chair and explain Florida's natural wonders.

    A friend/family/care giver should accompany guests who wish to utilize the tracked chair. Park volunteers cannot assist with transfers in or out of the tracked chair.

    Things to Bring:

    • Bottled Water

    • Hat or Sun Visor

    • Sunblock

    • Sunglasses

    • Bug Spray

    • Required Medications

    • Medical Supplies

    • Camera

    Please be sure to check the weather prior to your hike and prepare accordingly.

  • Blue Spring State Park has two (2) all-terrain tracked chairs that can be utilized during a rolling hike.

  • Guests may see small animals, deer and birds hiding in the dense pine scrub and oak hammocks. 

  • Rolling Hikes are completely free to park visitors!

    We ask that you make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance to give our volunteers time to prepare.

Picture features a map of the different Stark Trails

About the Trails

Blue Spring State Park has Two Hiking Trails:

  • Stark Trail

The Stark Trail features a variety of different routes which can be easily adjusted to your comfort level. The mostly-shaded trails cover 3 miles and pass through palmettos, pine scrub, and oak hammock.

  • Pine Island Trail

This trail is 3.6 miles in length (one way) and takes visitors through numerous plant communities from the desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream known as the St. Johns River.

Find the Trailheads

 

Stark Trailhead

 

Pine Island Trailhead

Here’s What People are Saying:

  • "I missed hiking and being in nature. Going through the woods reminded me of how much I missed hiking. It was so quiet and peaceful and solved my yearning for hiking in the woods."

  • "It was Awesome! It was a great experience to be out in nature and to see everything again."

  • "I was thrilled to be back on the trails at Blue Spring. My surgery and recovery won't stop me from seeing the scrub jays!"

Features of the All-Terrain Tracked Chair: