Wheel Hike Together: Adaptive Hiking at Thunder Mountain

Wheel Hike Together, an adaptive hiking event will take place Oct. 3-8 at Marinette County’s Thunder Mountain Overlook Park.

Wheel Hike Together participants and their companions can reserve outdoor all terrain track chairs in one-hour increments, to explore the park’s trails and scenic overlook. In place of wheels, the electric motorized chairs operate on a track system and offer a placement option for a companion to control the chair. There is no cost to reserve a chair, however regular park entry fees apply.

“We’re pleased to provide accessibility on the park trails to individuals who might not have the mobility to hike them,” commented Martin Keyport, director of Marinette County Parks and Facilities.  “It’s a great chance for families and friends to include loved ones in an autumn hike.”

All-terrain outdoor wheel chairs will be available by reservation, for individuals who need them due to temporary or permanent respiratory or physical ability. No residency requirements apply.  Participants with care needs must be accompanied by a companion.  Registration is available on a first come-first-served basis by visiting ExploreMarinetteCounty.com.  Limited quantities of supportive gear such as seatbelt extensions, vests, and a headrest will be available, however participants are encouraged to bring required care equipment, including transfer equipment.  All transfers must be conducted by companions; event staff will not be available to assist.

Thunder Mountain is located at W14000 Thunder Mountain Road, approximately 17 miles northwest of Crivitz, WI, and offers almost 3 miles of mowed, well-marked hiking trails and scenic views of western Marinette County.  During Wheel Hike Together, the park will remain open to other park visitors.  Thunder Mountain is one of the stops on Marinette County’s Fall Colors Tour.

The event is organized by the following Marinette County departments: Aging and Disability Resource Center, Parks & Facilities and Development & Tourism, as well as Options for Independent Living. Options for Independent Living is a non-profit organization committed to empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives in their community through advocacy, the provision of information, education, technology and related services. Outdoor wheel chairs are provided courtesy of TSS Equipment Company, Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve and Options for Independent Living.

Marinette County Parks day passes are $5 and available at self-service stations located at park entrances.  Annual or day passes can also be purchased online by visiting marinettecounty.com/parks/ .  For more information or to reserve an all-terrain chair for Wheel Hike Together visit ExploreMarinetteCounty.com.

Individuals with limited mobility can reserve all terrain track chairs to explore the trails and scenic overlooks at Marinette County’s Thunder Mountain Overlook Park, as shown in this photo from the 2022 event.