Rathdrum Mountain Trail will soon be more accessible to visually impaired

RATHDRUM — Hikers with visual impairments will soon have a new way to explore Rathdrum Mountain, thanks to a mobile app being implemented by the parks and recreation department.

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Singer described the project as "pretty unique and great for the community." The app, called RightHear, will provide audio descriptions delivered directly to smartphones or tablets, enabling visually impaired hikers to navigate the trail more safely and independently.

"As people walk past each beacon, they put out information through the app to the visually impaired hiker as they're walking along," Singer explained. The small beacons, which he noted are "about the size of a C battery," will be strategically placed along the trail.

The project emerged after a request from Rathdrum's ADA coordinator. The parks department worked with RightHear to map the trail and create audio markers at various waypoints. Trail users will be able to download the app to receive specialized descriptions of wildlife, scenery and tree varieties.

Originally planned for installation before winter, the project was delayed. The beacons will now be installed on trail posts in the spring, with the department finalizing the waypoint information at that time.

RightHear app for the visually impaired will be installed on Rathdrum Mountain to create a more inclusive trail option.

    RightHear app for the visual impaired