NPS Accessibility in the SmokiesGreat Smoky Mountains National Park can be enjoyed in a variety of ways—whether from the comfort of your vehicle, along scenic trails, at accessible facilities, or through ranger-led programs. From breathtaking mountain views to the stories of the resilient people who once called this wilderness home, there are countless opportunities to connect with the park. During the summer season, visitors can participate in accessible ranger-led programs and reserve specialized off-road wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are available to reserve May – October and on a first come first serve basis year-round. They may only be used on select trails. Explore the sections below to learn more about these opportunities. General Accessibility InformationAccessibility information for facilities and trailsThe official NPS mobile app offers accessibility details for facilities and select trails. Download the free app before your visit to enhance your experience. Accessibility features on our website and social mediaImages on our website and social media include descriptions that can be read by screen readers. Videos are made accessible with English captions and an audio-described version available for users. Service animalsTrained service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are welcome in Great Smoky Mountains and must be leashed at all times. A service animal is defined as a dog trained to perform tasks the individual cannot do themselves—such as providing balance support, carrying gear, or alerting to medical conditions like seizures. Emotional support, therapy, or companion animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed in buildings or on most trails in the park. Learn more about pets in the park. ADA Accessibility by AreaSugarlandsSugarlands Visitor CenterDesignated accessible parking spaces are available at Sugarlands Visitor Center and the restrooms outside of the visitor center are ADA accessible. The visitor center is open year-round, except on Christmas Day, and is ADA accessible. The information desk, book sales area, and exhibits are all located on one level. OverlooksAlong Fighting Creek Gap Road and Newfound Gap Road, a few of the larger mountain overlooks offer accessible ADA parking spaces. Some smaller pull-offs may not have accessible parking spaces. ADA TrailThe Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, located on Newfound Gap Road, just south of Sugarlands Visitor Center, is the only ADA accessible trail in the park and was made possible through a public-private partnership. This loop trail winds through second growth forest along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and offers a quiet woodland experience. Sugarlands Riding StableSugarlands Riding Stable offers ADA accessible restrooms. OconalufteeOconaluftee Visitor CenterADA accessible parking spaces are available at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the restrooms outside of the visitor center are ADA accessible. The visitor center is open year-round, except on Christmas Day, and is ADA accessible. Exhibits, information desk, and book the bookstore are all located on one level. Mountain Farm MuseumThe paths through the nearby Mountain Farm Museum, located behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, are hard-packed gravel. They can be navigated with wheelchair assistance but are not considered ADA accessible. Most buildings can be viewed from the outside through doorways, and a ramp provides access to the historic house. Talks and demonstrations typically take place along the pathway, making them more accessible to visitors. A guide booklet about the historic structures is available for a small fee at the visitor center. Mingus MillMingus Mill is located just half a mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road. ADA accessible restrooms are available next to the parking area. A paved and packed-gravel trail, about 100 yards long, leads to the mill and can be navigated with assistance, though it is not ADA accessible. Inside, the ground floor can be reached by a single step. Smokemont CampgroundSmokemont Campground is located a few miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road. The campground has ADA accessible restrooms and a few ADA accessible campsites which can be reserved on Recreation.gov year-round. ADA accessible sites are generally level and located adjacent to ADA accessible restrooms. The campsites have been modified with paving, specialized tables, and fire grills. The amphitheater at Smokemont Campground has a paved path, however access is steep and not ADA accessible. Smokemont Riding StableSmokemont Riding Stable offers ADA accessible restrooms. Cades CoveCampground, picnic area, and campground storeADA accessible parking spaces are available in the campground and picnic area parking lot across from the ranger station. The Cades Cove Campground Store and adjacent restrooms are ADA accessible. Cades Cove Visitor Center and Cable Mill Historic AreaThe Cades Cove Visitor Center is located half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road and is open year-round, except on Christmas Day. Accessible parking spaces are available at the visitor center near the sidewalk that leads to the ADA accessible restrooms. A ramp provides access to the visitor center where information and a small bookstore is available. Historic StructuresNone of the historic buildings along the Cades Cove Loop Road are ADA accessible. However, many of the exteriors of historic structures in Cades Cove can be viewed from your vehicle. The Cable Mill Historic Area has hard-packed gravel paths which are not ADA accessible but may be traversable in a wheelchair with assistance. While neither are ADA accessible, the Becky Cable House has an access ramp, and the Cable Mill is on one level. ADA Accessibility ParkwideOverlooksAlong park roadways, a few large overlooks offer accessible ADA parking spaces, most smaller pull-offs will not have these parking spaces. Auto ToursThe park’s roads offer a chance to explore remote areas. Self-guided auto tour booklets are available for several popular, and a few quieter destinations in the park including Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork, Tremont, and Cataloochee. All booklets may be purchased at visitor centers. A few auto-tours are also available on the free National Park Service mobile app. CampingReservations for a wheelchair accessible site can be made for campsites in three campgrounds: Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Cades Cove and Smokemont have accessible sites open year-round, while Elkmont is open seasonally. Accessible sites are generally level and located adjacent to accessible restrooms. The campsites have been modified with paving, specialized tables, and fire grills. For reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreaion.gov. Horse CampBig Creek Horse Camp has an accessible campsite and restrooms that are open seasonally. Reservations are required by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreaion.gov. RestroomsMost park restrooms are ADA accessible, including restrooms at visitor centers, campgrounds, and picnic areas. The restrooms at Newfound Gap Overlook can be accessed by a paved walkway, however the walkway is steep and may require assistance. Visitor CentersAll visitor centers are ADA accessible. Trails for Limited MobilityThe Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is the only ADA-accessible trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While there are no additional ADA-accessible trails, visitors who are comfortable walking short distances may enjoy several brief, non-paved trails.
Visit our Trail Accessibility Information page or speak with a staff member at a visitor center for more recommendations. |
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Last updated: January 15, 2026