Great Smoky Mountains National Park

About

Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, protecting over 800 square miles of ancient mountains, old-growth forests, and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America. It's the most visited national park in the country, and for good reason: the beauty here is immense, varied, and surprisingly accessible.

Visitors can experience the park in many ways. Scenic drives like Newfound Gap Road wind through the mountains, offering breathtaking overlooks without ever leaving your vehicle. Historic areas like Cades Cove feature an 11-mile loop road through a stunning valley where wildlife sightings are common, especially at dawn and dusk. You might spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and countless wildflowers depending on the season.

The park is home to more than 800 miles of trails, ranging from short, paved paths to rugged backcountry routes. Several trails near visitor centers are flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for visitors with mobility considerations. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and the Gatlinburg Trail are among the most popular accessible options, offering gentle grades and paved or packed surfaces.

Beyond hiking, the park hosts ranger-led programs throughout the year, including adaptive outdoor adventures developed in partnership with Catalyst Sports. These programs run from April through October and include activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and backcountry camping, all designed to be inclusive.

Whether you're watching the sunrise paint the ridgelines in gold, wading in a cold mountain stream, or simply breathing in the fresh air from a quiet overlook, the Smokies offer something deeply restorative. The park charges no entrance fee, making it one of the most welcoming and affordable outdoor destinations in the country.

Accessibility

Vehicles displaying valid, state-issued disabled placards or license plates are exempt from the park's parking tag requirement. Accessible parking is available at major visitor centers and trailheads with paved lot surfaces.

Several trails offer accessible options. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and the Gatlinburg Trail are among the most wheelchair-friendly, with paved or packed surfaces and gentle grades. Some trails may require all-terrain tires or adaptive and motorized equipment depending on surface type and grade. The park provides specialized off-road wheelchairs that can be reserved from May through October, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis year-round for use on select trails.

Accessible restrooms are available at the park's main visitor centers, including Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. The official NPS mobile app provides additional accessibility information for specific facilities and trails throughout the park.

During summer months, the park offers accessible ranger-led programs. In partnership with Catalyst Sports, the park hosts seven adaptive program days from April through October, featuring guided hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and backcountry camping designed for visitors with disabilities.

For the most current accessibility details, including trail conditions and wheelchair availability, contact the park directly at (865) 436-1200 or visit the accessibility section on the official National Park Service website.

More accessible places in Tennessee

• Ober Mountain Ski Resort & Adventure Park (Gatlinburg)
• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg)
• Adventure Science Center (Nashville)
• Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)
• Andrew Johnson National Historic Site (Greeneville)
• Obed Wild and Scenic River (Wartburg)