Accessibility in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers accessible options so visitors of all abilities can explore the most visited national park in the United States. From sensory-friendly paths to wheelchair accessible trails and facilities, there are many ways to experience the beauty of the Smokies with comfort and ease.

Whether you prefer to enjoy the park from your vehicle or explore the natural beauty in your mobility device, this guide highlights accessible trails, facilities, and experiences to help you plan your Smokies adventure.

For additional details, visit the official park website to learn more about accessibility services and programs.

Explore accessible facilities, trails, and areas throughout the park below.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers accessible parking spaces and ADA-accessible restrooms. The information desk, book sales area, and exhibits are all located on one level, allowing visitors of all abilities to explore comfortably.

Located along the Cades Cove Loop Road, the Cades Cove Visitor Center is open year-round (except Christmas Day) and features accessible parking near a sidewalk leading to ADA-accessible restrooms. A ramp provides easy entry into the center, where visitors can find information and browse a small bookstore.

Sugarlands Valley Trail is one of the most popular wheelchair-accessible trails in the Smokies, and the only Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail that meets ADA accessibility standards. It includes a scenic waterfall and numbered interpretive signs along the partially paved and nearly level half-mile path. Visitors can also enjoy accessible ranger-led programs and a closed-captioned film about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Visitors of all ability levels can enjoy a paved trail leading to one of Cades Cove’s most historic homesites, the John Oliver Cabin. The half-mile John Olive Cabin Access trail is nearly eight feet wide, smooth, and level for easy wheelchair use. The Cades Cove area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing.

Those with sensory disabilities may enjoy one of the National Park’s many Quiet Walkways, which are not accessible by car and offer a more secluded way to explore the park. Marked with brown signs along the park’s main roads, most of these trails are less than a mile, with some as short as 100 yards. Many feature flat, wide gravel or paved paths that often lead to scenic spots like rivers or creeks.

Accessible camping is a great option for visitors who want to experience the Smokies overnight with added convenience. Wheelchair-accessible campsites are available at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Sites are typically level, located near accessible restrooms, and include features like paved surfaces, specialized tables, and fire grills. For reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov.