The Parnitha Mobility Trail

The First Accessible Forest Hiking Trail in Greece

The Parnitha Mobility Trail is the first forest trail in Greece specially designed to be accessible to people with disabilities and limited mobility, allowing everyone to enjoy nature and its restorative benefits. The trail promotes both physical and mental well-being, strengthens social inclusion, and offers equal access to the natural environment.

Who is it for?

The trail is intended for all individuals who face mobility challenges—minor or significant—and who require suitable walking surfaces and assistive features in order to access specific outdoor spaces and natural areas.

Where is it located?

The Parnitha Mobility Trail is located within the Parnitha National Park, in its forest area, near the Bafi Mountain Refuge.

📍 Exact location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t26aA7PNpHqRSMG4A

Length and technical features

The trail consists of two interconnected routes:

• A circular route of 435 meters
• A linear route of 107 meters

The trail was built based on a detailed technical study using environmentally friendly materials and methods, and in full alignment with European accessibility standards for people with disabilities or limited mobility, with or without assistive devices. Features include appropriate inclines at uneven crossings, small bridges and handrails at suitable heights, and surface materials that facilitate the movement of wheelchairs and rollators.

Responsible organizations for design & implementation

The project was conceived, designed, and implemented through the collaboration of:

• Access to Nature NGO
• Hellenic Mountaineering Association of Athens

These organizations were responsible for the concept, project coordination, study design, fundraising, and overall implementation.

Project timeline

• 2019: Concept conceived by the team at Access to Nature.
• 2020: Research on best international practices & European accessibility standards / needs assessment.
• 2021: Memorandum of Understanding between Access to Nature and the Hellenic Mountaineering Association of Athens.
• 2021: Trail design study conducted by the experienced forestry engineering firm (Ecomind – Environmentalist Eleftherios Karapidaki.
• 2021 to 2025: Approvals obtained from relevant authorities — Parnitha Forest Service, Directorate General of Forests and Forest Environment (Ministry of Environment & Energy), and the Hellenic Hiking Advisory Committee (SEPOD). The Ministry confirmed that no additional environmental study was required.
• 2022 to 2024 summer: Launch of crowdfunding campaign https://gogetfunding.com/μονοπάτι-κινητικότητας-πάρνηθας-το-π/.
• 2024 summer: Search for additional funding sources.
• 2024 autumn: Kaizen Foundation assumes the main part of funding for the trail’s construction, sponsoring the amount of 150,000€.
• 2025: Funding approval from the Ministry of Tourism for part of the project.
• 2025 summer: Construction works begin.
• To date: Ongoing trail construction.

Supporters & partners

• Kaizen Foundation: Main sponsor, funding main part of the Trail's construction.
• Ministry of Tourism: Funding part of the Trail's construction and its supporting infrastructure
• LDK Consultants: Funded the trail design and construction study.
• Trekking Hellas: Supporting promotion and fundraising through bookings of outdoor activity packages.
• Parnitha Mountain Refuges: Supporting construction's team.
• The Stone Age: Website design, development and hosting.
• All crowdfunding contributors.
• Parents and children of the CGS School Christmas Fair.
• Volunteers: Giannis, Giorgos, Eleni, Evi, Katerina, Myrto, Stefanos, Christos, Christina — and many more who continue to dedicate their time, energy, and passion to the project.

How to contribute

Every contribution — no matter how small — helps create a trail where everyone can enjoy nature! You can support the project by:

• Donating through the crowdfunding campaign: https://gogetfunding.com/μονοπάτι-κινητικότητας-πάρνηθας-το-π/
• Making a bank transfer (reference: “Contribution to the Parnitha Mobility Trail”):
  • Bank name: OPTIMA BANK
  • Swift Code: IBOGGRAA
  • Account name: ACCESS TO NATURE
  • Account number: 0599027197
  • IBAN: GR26 0340 0330 0330 0859 9027 197
• Offering a corporate donation/sponsorship as part of your CSR program (contact: cloukoutou@gmail.com)

Long-term goal

Our long-term goal is to promote the construction of accessible trails throughout Greece, creating a nationwide network of inclusive nature paths.

Together, we can pave a path for everyone!