Get Out On the Trails with the Terrain Hopper

Written by Arash Bayatmakou, Executive Director of NorCal SCI

Getting my manual wheelchair right up next to the TerrainHopper made for an easy transfer

As a lifelong hiker and backpacker before my own spinal cord injury in 2012, it was a difficult realization for me to think that I would never be able to get out on hiking trails and enjoy some of my favorite places and ways to access nature. That’s why I was thrilled when I found out a few months ago that there was a new program available at Marin County Parks that would allow wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to use an off-road device called the TerrainHopper (TH) on some of the most popular – and scenic – hikes in Marin county.

The program started a few months ago and allows anyone who meets the conditions to sign up for a slot and use the TerrainHopper for free on one of several beautiful hikes throughout Marin. The TerrainHoppers were purchased and belong to the county parks department and are a great example of how investing in equipment and opportunities for all abilities can benefit the greater community.

I decided I wanted to try the device myself so I contacted Kevin Wright, at Marin County Parks, and scheduled to meet him for a “hike” at Alta Trailhead in Marin City, above Sausalito.

A pleasant surprise and something I noticed right away was how easy it was to approach and transfer onto the TH. I could roll my wheelchair right up next to the seat and easily transfer on. I used the controls right on the handle but there is an option to use a joystick that’s mounted on the armrest as well.

The seat was padded and quite comfortable and I didn’t feel the need to bring my own cushion. This proved to be the right decision for the nearly 2 hours I spent on the TH (I have full sensation throughout my body and would have felt discomfort).

The hike started immediately on an uphill and I was impressed with how easily and smoothly the TH hopped up a curb and went uphill onto the dirt trail. We hiked for an hour and I felt very secure and safe on the TH. During that time, we were passing other hikers and bikers and I was thrilled with the idea of being out on the trail, far from cars and roads, and feeling like I was hiking again. It was a very cold and foggy day on the coast but the views on a sunny day would have been amazing.

Overall, the TH was fantastic. It handled all types of terrain: uneven terrain, rocks, twigs, steep climbs and descents, was easy to use and – most of all for me – felt very safe. The max speed could keep up with fast hikers so it’s the perfect tool to take with able-bodied friends and experience a hike together. The only significant challenge I found was that the handlebars were a bit heavy and difficult to turn, especially if you don’t have a strong upper body.

I can’t speak highly enough about this one-of-a-kind program and am so grateful for the Marin County Parks for taking the initiative to purchase these THs and make hiking accessible to all abilities. The program has been hugely successful and slots book up very fast so if you’re interested, sign up HERE or reach out to Kevin Wright with questions: Kevin.Wright@marincounty.gov

Hiking with Kevin Wright from Marin County Parks