Trail Accessibility Information

Alex checked-out a GRIT Freedom off-road wheelchair from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to explore the Little River Trail.

NPS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of hiking experiences. Trail accessibility varies based on factors such as elevation gain, surface type, trail width, grade, cross slope, overall distance, and individual abilities. Each visitor’s abilities and needs are unique, we encourage you to review detailed trail descriptions, photos, and maps to determine which trails are best suited for your experience and equipment.

Improving Access

To expand access, the park offers a mobility device checkout program featuring the GRIT Freedom Chair—an all-terrain wheelchair suitable for select park trails. Adult and child-sized chairs can be used by individuals with core body strength and head control. GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for checkout, at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis at Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconaluftee Visitor Center from November to April, or by reservation at [e-mail], from May through October, made three to 30 business days in advance.

Additionally, Great Smoky Mountains provides a variety of free ranger-led interpretive programs that use adaptive equipment which occur throughout the year. These experiences include guided hikes, bike rides, kayaking excursions, and even overnight backpacking trips.

ADA-Accessible Trail

The park currently features one trail that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards:

• Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail – A paved, half-mile loop located near Sugarlands Visitor Center. This trail offers a peaceful woodland experience along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

 

Adaptive Equipment and Trails

 

Reserve a mobility device for your Smokies adventure

Individual mobility device checkout is available on approximately 14 miles (one-way) of trails in the park. Click on each trail name below to view detailed trail and accessibility information and photo galleries specific to that trail.

• Gatlinburg Trail (2 miles, one way)
• Little River Trail to Husky Gap Trail (2.7 miles, one way)
• Cataract Falls (side route: half a mile, one way)
• Sugarland Valley Nature Trail (paved ADA Accessible loop trail, half a mile total)
• Bradley Fork Trail to Backcountry Campsite #50 (1.3 miles, one way)
• Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles, one way)
• Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls (1.1 miles, one way)
• Middle Prong Trail (1.3 miles, one way)
• John Oliver Trail (quarter mile, one way)
• Elijah Oliver Trail (half a mile, one way)
• Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground (1 mile, one way) to Backcountry Campsite #1
• Hazel Creek Trail to Lakeshore Trail (1.5 miles, one way). Visitors may only access this section of trail via a boat shuttle from Fontana Marina.
• Sugarlands Visitor Center area, including the short trail to Cataract Falls. 
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center area, including access to the Mountain Farm Museum. 
• Cades Cove Visitor Center area, including access to the Cable Mill historic area. 

GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for checkout at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis at Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconoluftee Visitor Center, or by reservation, from May through October, made three to 30 business days in advance. Offroad-capable wheelchairs are designed to navigate uneven terrain, including rock, roots, and unpaved hiking trails. Adult and child-sized chairs are available for individuals with core body strength and head control. Weight is limited to 250 pounds or less. A park volunteer, friend, or family member must accompany chair users.

 

Learn more

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  Attend an Adaptive Program

  Learn more about our current adaptive programs.

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  Article on Adaptive Programming

  Explore an article on the foundation of adaptive programming in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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  Reserve an Adaptive Wheelchair

  Reserve an adaptive wheelchair to take on approved trails in the Smokies.

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  Accessibility

  Learn more about accessibility in the Smokies.