Another Year of Adventure for All: Waypoint Adventure NC, NC State Parks, and Friends of State Parks Continue Accessible Outdoor Programming
Waypoint Adventure North Carolina is thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with North Carolina State Parks, made possible by the generous support of North Carolina Friends of State Parks. Together, we’re launching another year of fully accessible adventure programming and inclusive training opportunities – ensuring that people with disabilities can experience the life‑changing power of the outdoors.
This partnership began in 2023 and has grown stronger each year, rooted in a shared belief that North Carolina’s state parks should be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.
The goals of this partnership are threefold:
- Welcome people with disabilities into North Carolina State Parks
- Equip park staff with the tools, skills, and confidence to support inclusive recreation
- Deliver high‑quality adventure programming that transforms lives and shifts community perspectives
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Waypoint Adventure NC was honored to support this vision by delivering 42 disability access trainings and adaptive adventure programs within NC State Parks.
At the end of 2024, this programming was suddenly at risk. The devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene required North Carolina State Parks to redirect significant resources toward cleanup and repairs to safely reopen parks — a process that is still ongoing today.
In a powerful show of commitment to accessibility and inclusion, North Carolina Friends of State Parks stepped in, providing critical funding to ensure this partnership could continue. Their support has kept these programs low‑cost and accessible for the community at a time when they are needed most.
Friends of State Parks is so proud to be funding this partnership within North Carolina State Parks. The Waypoint program has been beyond successful. So many Waypoint participants have reached back out to State Park leadership to say this is a program they deeply value – and want to advocate for as a permanent part of the state park system for years to come.
—Michelle Leonard, Executive Director, NC Friends of State Parks
As we move into 2026, we’re excited to expand this work even further. This year alone we will be able to run 33 adaptive adventure programs and trainings, giving people with disabilities access to activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing – experiences that build strength, confidence, connection, and joy.
We know the profound physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor recreation. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often excluded from these opportunities. Waypoint Adventure exists to change that. It’s been an honor to work alongside North Carolina State Parks and Friends of State Parks to move the needle, change the narrative, and open the door wider so that people with disabilities can recreate in these amazing mountains, lakes, and rivers that we all treasure.
—Adam Combs, Director, Waypoint Adventure North Carolina
We can’t wait for another year of meaningful, inclusive adventure on the trail, on the water, and in our communities and we would love to have you join us!
Participate on a program (Dates added frequently)
Make a donation (80% of program costs covered by donors like you!)
All other questions or inquiries, contact us: nc@waypointadventure.org
