Autism Nature Trail in Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York has made a major step forward to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone. The first of its kind Autism Nature Trail (ANT) is a one-mile-long loop with eight stations, designed especially for visitors on the autism spectrum. Each station offers a selection of experiences for adults and children alike.

Since it opened, the trail has already received thousands of people and has attracted a lot of attention from other national parks in the country, interested in setting up a similar trail.

How the Autism Nature Trail began

The ANT concept is the brainchild of Loren Lamy Penman, Susan Hernstein and Gail Serventi. The ladies came up with the idea in 2014, after noticing young people on the spectrum enjoyed visiting Letchworth. They found the young people were calmed by their experience in nature.

Penman said they thought this was more than a coincidence, so they started researching the park. Their research found the combination of deep nature, moving water and pine trees could have a positive effect on the children. They started planning how to make a more formal space for children on the spectrum. Meanwhile, it would anyone else who might want to spend time in this special environment.

What does the Autism Nature Trail offer?

The three women worked with legendary scientist and autism spokesperson, Dr. Temple Grandin, along with park officials to develop eight distinct areas in a more secluded area of the park. The trail provides activities, aimed at encouraging sensory perceptions. Meanwhile, this is done with a series of safe and fun activities to suit all ages and accessibility levels.

Among the activities, one station is a Sensory Station, where a selection of natural objects is available to handle and smell. There is also a simple maze with a viewing platform, as well as three cuddle swings, an obstacle course, plenty of space to run, and an “Alone Zone” where people can quietly sit in solitude, as well as other fun activities and specialized activities.

Who can explore the Autism Nature Trail?

While the nature trail is designed for those on the autism spectrum, anyone can use the nature trail. In fact, the park estimates that the ANT has received more than 4,000 visitors, many of whom were adults.

Speaking of the trail’s wider appeal, Penman explained that the most common users of the trail are senior citizen couples.

Future plans for Autism Nature Trails

A number of other national parks across the US are now considering setting up their own ANT. According to Penman, there’s another park in New York State that is serious about trying to replicate the trail. Meanwhile, other parks in British Columbia, Virginia and Pennsylvania are also interested in setting up an Autism Nature Trail.

“But what we’ve been saying is don’t copy ours exactly… take some of the parameters and apply them to your own situation,” Penman said, which will obviously add a variety of experiences across the country for those on the spectrum.

The Letchworth State Park and Penman now hope that the success of the ANT will encourage more accessibility for people on the spectrum. It is hoped the nature trail will be helpful to everyone with disabilities, and not just in other US parks, but around the world.

Read more about the Autism Nature Trail on the official website. The video below shows the official opening of the trail in October 2021.