Lee McCune Braille Trail
Trail Quick Facts
About the Lee McCune Braille Trail
The Lee McCune Braille Trail on Casper Mountain stands as Wyoming’s first and only trail specifically designed for visually impaired visitors. Created in 1975 through the vision of educator Ed Strube and built by the Casper Mountain Lions Club with Wyoming Field Science Foundation students, this pioneering accessible trail has provided multisensory outdoor experiences for five decades.
Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1976, the Lee McCune Braille Trail offers a unique opportunity for all visitors—both sighted and visually impaired—to experience nature through touch, sound, and smell. The trail winds through diverse forest ecosystems along Elkhorn Creek, crossing bridges and traversing varied terrain including a bog area, all while maintaining accessibility through continuous guide ropes and 36 interpretive stations featuring both Braille and standard text.
Historical Significance
The trail is named after Lee McCune, whose family provided significant financial support for the trail’s construction. McCune was a lifelong friend of Ed Strube, the visionary educator behind the project. The trail’s development involved collaboration between the Casper Mountain Lions Club, Wyoming Field Science Foundation, and dedicated teachers including Ed Strube, Dana Van Burgh, and Maria Katherman.
Over its 50-year history, the trail has survived numerous challenges including vandalism, severe weather events (snowstorms and flooding), and even a tornado. The community’s dedication to maintaining this resource has resulted in multiple reconstruction efforts, most recently in 2024-2025 when all three bridges were replaced following flood damage.
The Multisensory Experience
What makes the Lee McCune Braille Trail unique is its emphasis on non-visual sensory engagement. The trail was deliberately sited in an area chosen for its exceptional diversity of plant life, providing rich opportunities for tactile and olfactory experiences. Visitors can hear the babbling of Elkhorn Creek, feel the rough bark of various tree species, smell the pine forest and wildflowers, and experience the textural differences between forest floor, bridges, and bog environments.
For sighted visitors, the trail offers vision-blocking glasses at the trailhead, allowing them to experience the trail as a visually impaired person would. This innovative educational approach has helped thousands of visitors develop empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by those with visual impairments while navigating the world.
Trail Route & Highlights
Trail Overview
The Lee McCune Braille Trail is a 1,900-foot (0.36-mile) out-and-back accessible path that follows Elkhorn Creek through a diverse mountain forest ecosystem. The trail maintains a gentle grade suitable for all abilities and features continuous guide ropes along its entire length.
Trail Segments & Features
Trailhead Area (Mile 0.0): The journey begins at the signed trailhead off Strube Loop where visitors will find the trail register, a porta-potty, and a box containing vision-blocking glasses for those wishing to experience the trail without sight. The first interpretive station introduces the trail’s purpose and provides instructions for using the guide ropes.
Forest Section (Miles 0.0-0.15): The initial trail segment winds through dense mountain forest with interpretive stations identifying various tree species, their bark textures, and ecological roles. The guide rope leads visitors from station to station, each featuring Braille signage and encouraging tactile exploration. Listen for birdsong and the sound of wind through the pines.
Creek Crossings (Miles 0.10-0.25): Three newly constructed bridges span Elkhorn Creek at different points along the trail. These crossings provide opportunities to hear the flowing water and feel the temperature change near the creek. Several stations near the water discuss aquatic ecosystems and the importance of mountain streams.
Bog Area (Mile 0.15-0.20): A boardwalk section traverses a wet bog environment, providing unique tactile and olfactory experiences. The footing changes from forest floor to wooden planking, offering contrast in texture and sound. Interpretive stations explain wetland ecology and the diverse plant species adapted to boggy conditions.
Return Journey: The trail is an out-and-back route, meaning visitors return along the same path, allowing them to revisit favorite stations or explore features they may have missed on the initial journey.
Interpretive Stations
All 36 interpretive stations along the trail feature dual-format signage (Braille and standard text) and are positioned at consistent intervals marked on the guide rope. Stations cover topics including:
- Tree species identification and bark texture exploration
- Forest ecology and wildlife habitat
- Aquatic ecosystems and stream ecology
- Wetland plants and bog environments
- Sensory awareness and navigation techniques
- Local geology and Casper Mountain formation
- Seasonal changes in the mountain ecosystem
Typical Hiking Time
Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes on the trail. However, the trail is designed to be experienced slowly and mindfully. Visitors using the vision-blocking glasses or thoroughly exploring each interpretive station may wish to allow 60-90 minutes. There are no benches along the trail itself, but the trailhead area offers seating.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The Lee McCune Braille Trail is open seasonally, typically from late May through September, depending on snow conditions. The trail’s 7,800-foot elevation means snow can persist into late spring and return as early as mid-September.
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late May – June | Cool; possible lingering snow patches | Trail may not be fully cleared; check conditions |
| July – August | Peak season; warm days, cool nights | Most reliable access; possible afternoon thunderstorms |
| September | Cool; beautiful fall colors | Early snow possible; check before visiting |
| October – April | Closed due to snow | Casper Mountain receives 120+ inches annually |
Weather Considerations
Casper Mountain experiences a mountain climate with significant temperature variations between day and night, even in summer. At 7,800 feet elevation, conditions can change rapidly.
Summer (July-August): Daytime temperatures typically range from 60-75°F, with nighttime lows dropping to 35-50°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, bringing brief heavy rain, lightning, and temperature drops. Morning visits often provide the most stable conditions.
Shoulder Seasons (Late May-June, September): Expect cooler temperatures (40-65°F during day) with overnight lows near or below freezing. Snow is possible, particularly in early June and after mid-September. Wind can be significant.
High Altitude Considerations: The trail’s elevation is approximately 2,650 feet higher than downtown Casper. Visitors from lower elevations may experience effects of altitude including shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water and take your time.
Directions to Trailhead
From Casper:
- Head south on Casper Mountain Road (Wyoming Highway 251)
- Drive approximately 10 miles up Casper Mountain
- Turn onto Strube Loop (lower end near Skunk Hollow area)
- Look for trail signs and informal dirt parking area on the right
- GPS Coordinates (approximate): 42.797°N, 106.338°W
Alternate Parking: For larger events or when trailhead parking is full, visitors can park at the Casper Mountain Trails Center (former Nordic Center site) off Casper Mountain Road and walk to the trailhead (approximately 0.5 miles).
Drive Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes from downtown Casper. The road is paved and well-maintained but winding with elevation gain.
Permits & Fees
No permits or fees are required to hike the Lee McCune Braille Trail. The trail is free and open to the public during its seasonal operating period. However, donations to support trail maintenance are welcomed and can be made through the Casper Mountain Lions Club.
Facilities
At Trailhead: Porta-potty available; limited informal dirt parking (space for approximately 4-6 vehicles); vision-blocking glasses box; trail information signage
Nearby Facilities: The Casper Mountain Trails Center, located approximately 0.5 miles south on Casper Mountain Road, offers restrooms and additional parking. No potable water is available at either location—bring your own.
Camping & Lodging
While the trail itself is a short day hike, Casper Mountain offers numerous recreation opportunities for extended visits:
Nearby Campgrounds: Beartrap Meadow Campground and other National Forest campgrounds are located on Casper Mountain, typically operating May through September. Reservations recommended for summer weekends.
Casper Lodging: Full range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals available in Casper, approximately 10 miles (20-25 minutes) from the trailhead.
Accessibility Features
Designed for All Abilities
The Lee McCune Braille Trail was specifically designed to provide outdoor experiences for visually impaired visitors while remaining accessible and educational for all. The trail exemplifies universal design principles, demonstrating that outdoor recreation can be inclusive.
Accessibility Features
- Continuous Guide Ropes: Nylon ropes run the entire length of the trail at a consistent height, allowing visually impaired visitors to navigate independently. Knots and markers on the rope indicate upcoming interpretive stations.
- Dual-Format Signage: All 36 interpretive stations feature information in both Braille and standard printed text, ensuring accessibility for all visitors regardless of visual ability.
- Vision-Blocking Glasses: At the trailhead, sighted visitors can borrow glasses that simulate visual impairment, allowing them to experience the trail as a blind person would and develop empathy for navigation challenges.
- Gentle Grade: The trail maintains an accessible grade throughout its length, with minimal elevation change suitable for visitors with mobility considerations.
- Stable Surface: The hand-dug trail provides a relatively stable walking surface, though natural terrain means some irregularities exist.
- Bridges: Three new bridges (installed 2024) provide safe, stable creek crossings with appropriate handrails.
- Boardwalk: A wooden boardwalk section through the bog area provides firm footing through wet terrain.
Multisensory Design
The trail’s location was deliberately chosen for its diverse plant life and natural features that engage multiple senses:
Touch: Visitors are encouraged to feel various tree bark textures, moss, leaves, and other natural materials identified at interpretive stations. The guide rope itself provides constant tactile feedback.
Hearing: Elkhorn Creek provides auditory orientation throughout the hike. Birdsong, wind through trees, and changes in sound quality as the trail moves through different environments all contribute to the sensory experience.
Smell: Pine forest, wildflowers, wet soil near the creek, and the distinctive scent of the bog area all provide olfactory navigation cues and rich sensory experiences.
Temperature & Air Movement: Changes in temperature near the creek, shade vs. sun exposure, and air movement provide additional sensory information about the environment.
Visiting with Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are welcome on the trail. The trail’s continuous guide rope system allows handlers to navigate while maintaining their dog’s leash. Dogs must remain on leash at all times. Be aware that dogs may be interested in the creek and surrounding forest—maintain control at all times.
Group Visits
The Casper Mountain Lions Club welcomes group visits and can provide guided tours by arrangement. Educational groups and organizations serving visually impaired individuals are particularly encouraged to contact the club in advance. Contact information is available through Natrona County Parks (307-235-9325).
Safety & Trail Conditions
General Safety Considerations
While the Lee McCune Braille Trail is designed to be accessible and safe, visitors should observe standard outdoor safety practices:
- Check current trail conditions before visiting, especially in shoulder seasons
- Be prepared for rapid weather changes typical of mountain environments
- Stay on the designated trail to protect both yourself and the ecosystem
- Use the guide rope system as intended—it is designed for safety and navigation
- Supervise children at all times, particularly near creek crossings
- Keep dogs on leash and under control
- Bring adequate water—none available on trail
Altitude Awareness
At approximately 7,800 feet elevation, visitors from lower elevations may experience altitude effects including shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or light-headedness. These effects are typically mild on such a short, gentle trail, but individuals with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their physician before visiting. Stay well-hydrated and rest if needed.
Weather Hazards
Lightning: Afternoon thunderstorms are possible during summer months. If you hear thunder or see lightning, leave the trail immediately and descend to your vehicle. Do not shelter under isolated trees.
Cold & Snow: Even in summer, temperatures can drop rapidly, especially during storms. Carry layers. Snow can occur in June and September—check conditions before visiting.
Heat & Sun: At elevation, sun exposure is more intense. Wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses even on cool days. Stay hydrated.
Wildlife
Casper Mountain supports diverse wildlife. Animals you might encounter include mule deer, elk, various bird species, and small mammals. Wildlife rarely poses danger but should be observed from a distance.
Black Bears: While uncommon on the trail itself, black bears do inhabit Casper Mountain. There have been sightings in the area. Make noise while hiking, keep dogs leashed, and never approach wildlife. Bear spray is generally not necessary for this short, well-used trail but may provide peace of mind.
Mountain Lions: Mountain lions have been spotted on Casper Mountain but encounters are extremely rare. Travel in groups when possible and keep children close.
Trail Maintenance & Closures
The Casper Mountain Lions Club maintains the trail regularly. Occasional closures occur for maintenance work, bridge repairs, or following severe weather events. Check the trail’s Facebook page or contact Natrona County Parks (307-235-9325) for current status before visiting.
Leave No Trace Principles
Help preserve this special trail for future generations:
- Pack out all trash—leave no trace of your visit
- Stay on the designated trail; shortcutting causes erosion
- Do not remove or damage Braille signage or interpretive stations
- Respect the guide rope system—do not remove or damage ropes
- Leave natural and cultural features as you find them
- Dispose of waste properly—use restroom before hiking
- Be considerate of other visitors, particularly those using the trail as designed for visual impairment
- Keep noise levels moderate to allow sensory focus
What to Bring
Essential Items
Despite the trail’s short length and easy accessibility, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Water: Minimum 16-32 ounces per person. No water available on trail.
- Appropriate footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good tread. The trail surface can be uneven with roots and rocks. Hiking shoes or trail runners recommended.
- Layers: Even in summer, bring a light jacket or fleece. Temperature changes rapidly at this elevation.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. UV exposure increases with elevation.
- Snacks: Optional but recommended, especially for longer visits or children.
- Camera/phone: To document your experience (but focus on sensory engagement!).
- Small daypack: To carry water, layers, and personal items.
Optional Items
- Trekking poles (though guide rope serves this purpose)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes and other insects present in summer)
- Rain jacket (for afternoon thunderstorms)
- Binoculars (for birdwatching)
- Field guides (plants, birds, trees of Wyoming)
- Notebook (for recording observations or journaling about sensory experiences)
What NOT to Bring
To preserve the sensory experience and accessibility of the trail:
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes that might interfere with natural scents
- Minimize loud music or devices—the trail’s auditory experience is important
- No bicycles or wheeled devices other than wheelchairs
For Visually Impaired Visitors
The trail provides all necessary navigation aids (guide ropes, Braille signage). However, visitors may wish to bring:
- Personal white cane (though guide rope system makes this optional)
- Comfortable gloves if preferred for rope handling
- Guide dog (welcome on trail)
- Companion if desired, though the trail is designed for independent use
Photography Considerations
While photos are welcome, remember that the trail’s primary purpose is sensory engagement beyond sight. When photographing, be respectful of others’ experiences. Some visitors may be wearing vision-blocking glasses—please be courteous and avoid disrupting their sensory journey.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. The trail was specifically designed for visually impaired visitors and has successfully served this community since 1975. The continuous guide rope system allows independent navigation, all interpretive stations feature Braille signage, and the trail’s multisensory design provides rich experiences through touch, hearing, and smell. Many visually impaired visitors navigate the trail completely independently, while others bring companions. The trail has been recognized nationally for its accessibility and remains Wyoming’s only trail specifically designed for the blind.
Everyone is welcome on the Lee McCune Braille Trail! While designed for visually impaired visitors, the trail offers unique experiences for all. Sighted visitors are encouraged to try the vision-blocking glasses available at the trailhead to experience the trail as it was intended. This provides valuable perspective on how people with visual impairments navigate the world. Even without the glasses, the trail’s interpretive stations, natural beauty, and sensory richness make it worthwhile for anyone interested in accessible outdoor recreation or a mindful nature walk.
The trail operates seasonally, typically from late May through September, depending on snow conditions. Casper Mountain receives approximately 120 inches of snow annually, and at 7,800 feet elevation, the trail is usually snow-covered from October through April or May. Peak visiting season is July and August when conditions are most reliable. To confirm current accessibility, contact Natrona County Parks at 307-235-9325 or check the Lee McCune Braille Trail Facebook page before visiting, especially in May, June, or September when conditions can be variable.
Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on the Lee McCune Braille Trail. Guide dogs are especially welcome and can navigate the trail alongside their handlers using the guide rope system. All dogs must remain on leash at all times to respect other visitors (particularly those navigating by sound) and to protect local wildlife. Keep dogs under control near the creek crossings and be mindful that the trail can be narrow in sections where passing other visitors may be necessary.
Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes on the trail, though time can vary significantly based on pace and level of engagement with interpretive stations. Visitors using the vision-blocking glasses or carefully exploring each of the 36 sensory stations may wish to allow 60-90 minutes. The trail is designed to be experienced slowly and mindfully rather than hurried. There’s no “right” amount of time—take as long as you need to fully engage with the sensory experiences offered.
Yes, the trail is excellent for families with children. The short distance (0.36 miles) is manageable for most ages, and children often enjoy the hands-on sensory experiences and bridges. The vision-blocking glasses can be particularly educational for older children, helping them understand accessibility challenges. Supervise children closely, especially near the creek crossings and when using vision-blocking glasses. The trail provides an excellent opportunity to teach children about accessibility, empathy, and experiencing nature through multiple senses.
The trail features gentle grades suitable for many mobility levels, but it is not paved or specifically wheelchair-accessible. The hand-dug natural surface includes some irregularities including roots, rocks, and uneven terrain that may be challenging for standard wheelchairs. The bridges and boardwalk sections are level and stable. Visitors with mobility concerns should assess their individual abilities and may wish to explore just the initial section of trail. Contact Natrona County Parks (307-235-9325) for specific questions about current trail conditions and accessibility for various mobility devices.
No. The Lee McCune Braille Trail is completely free to access with no permits or fees required. Parking is also free at the informal trailhead lot off Strube Loop. However, the trail is maintained entirely through volunteer efforts and donations. The Casper Mountain Lions Club welcomes donations to support ongoing maintenance, bridge repairs, signage replacement, and improvements. Donations can be made through the club or via fundraising campaigns (check the trail’s Facebook page for details).
No, the trail is closed during winter months due to heavy snow accumulation. Casper Mountain receives significant snowfall (120+ inches annually), and the trail typically remains snow-covered from October through April or May. Winter conditions make the guide rope system and Braille signage inaccessible, and the area is used for cross-country skiing and other winter recreation. Plan your visit for the summer season (late May-September) for the best experience. The trail usually reopens once snow has melted sufficiently, typically late May or early June depending on the winter’s snowpack.
Experience Nature Through New Senses
The Lee McCune Braille Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural world in a way you may have never considered—through touch, sound, and smell rather than sight alone.
Whether you’re visually impaired or sighted, this trail invites you to:
- Slow down and engage mindfully with nature
- Experience the forest through multiple senses
- Understand accessibility challenges and innovations
- Support a pioneering trail maintained by dedicated volunteers
- Enjoy a peaceful walk through beautiful Casper Mountain
Plan your visit to this special Wyoming treasure and discover why it has served the community for 50 years. The trail is free, accessible, and waiting to share its sensory wonders with you.
Sources & Verification
All information in this guide has been verified through multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy. We prioritize official agency information, established outdoor recreation platforms, and reputable news sources.
Primary Sources Used:
- Natrona County Parks – Official Lee McCune Braille Trail Page
- National Recreation Trails Database – Lee McCune Braille Trail
- Oil City News – 50th Anniversary Coverage (July 2025)
- Casper Star-Tribune – Trail Reopening Article (July 2025)
- American Trails – Braille Trail Resources
- Lee McCune Braille Trail Official Facebook Page
- Wikipedia – Casper Mountain Information
- Visit Casper – Weather & Climate Information
Information Verification Process:
Trail length, designation dates, accessibility features, and historical information were cross-referenced across multiple sources. Where sources provided slightly different measurements (e.g., “half-mile” vs. “1,900 feet”), we used the most specific and frequently cited measurement from official sources. Casper Mountain elevation data comes from USGS sources and regional tourism authorities. Weather information reflects typical patterns for the elevation and location based on National Weather Service data and local reporting.
Last Updated: October 2025