Fall Fun for Everyone

When Bob Reichel and his wife, Debby, opened Huckleberry Trail Farm – which was named after Bob’s son, Robert’s (now 21) favorite bedtime story – six years ago off Route 64 in Siler City, Bob had a dream that one day the farm he and his family loved so much would be accessible to all.

A childhood memory of meeting a young girl in a wheelchair guided his mission. “I believe in God and believe He puts things in your life for a reason,” says Bob, adding, “I was determined to create things on the farm for people that have challenges walking or are wheelchair bound.”

Fast forward to 2017 and several attractions at the farm full of fall fun are disability friendly.

Every October, visitors are invited to explore the farm’s 25 acres, including pumpkin and cotton patches. The corn maze is divided into two sections, with one side flatter and more level than the other. Specially sized picnic tables that allow wheelchairs to fit underneath are available throughout the site. The hayride, which has a low-step threshold to enter the trailer and a portable ramp, is a highlight, too, and there’s even a pretend milking cow with extra-long legs so people in wheelchairs can reach under to milk also.

And now, with Huckleberry Trail Farm’s HAPpy (Huck Accessibility Project) initiative – which kicked off last year – Bob and Debby have been able to create an accessible parking area and wheelchair ramp.

Bob, a computer network consultant by trade, says the farm is an investment in his future. “This farm is my retirement. I’m 52 and plan on doing this for another 20 years. I’m a pumpkin farmer.” He hopes to expand the farm’s offerings, including summer camps and retreats to make it a year-round destination.

For now though, the farm is open to the public every Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (1-6 p.m.) from September 30 through October 29.