Breaking Barriers: How Southern National & State Parks Are Expanding Accessibility

For too long, outdoor spaces have remained inaccessible to many individuals with disabilities, limiting their ability to experience the mental and physical benefits of nature — but that’s changing.

Across the Southern United States, national and state parks are making groundbreaking strides in accessibility, ensuring that everyone — regardless of mobility, vision, or other limitations — can explore, adventure, and connect with the great outdoors.

From adaptive mountain biking in the Smoky Mountains to all-terrain wheelchairs on trails across Georgia, these efforts are redefining what it means to experience the natural world.

Looking for an accessible location for your next weekend getaway? Here are some of the best…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Bryson City, NC

Tucked alongside the country’s most-visited national park, Bryson City is a hub for accessible outdoor adventures in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Adaptive Mountain Biking. A partnership between Catalyst Sports and the park offers ranger-led adaptive bike rides in the scenic Deep Creek area. Participants can borrow an adaptive mountain bike or bring their own for an unforgettable ride.

• Accessible Train Travel. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad features an open-air gondola with a hydraulic lift, allowing for seamless wheelchair access. It also provides handicap-accessible restrooms and golf cart assistance for easy boarding.

• Barrier-Free Fishing & Water Recreation. At Fontana Lake, visitors will find accessible fishing piers and adaptive kayaking equipment, ensuring that everyone can enjoy time on the water.

• Navigable Downtown. Bryson City’s sidewalks, ramps, and ADA-compliant businesses make exploring, dining, and shopping easy for all visitors.

Georgia State Parks: Pioneering Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

Georgia’s State Parks are making major advancements to ensure visitors of all abilities can explore forests, rivers, and trails with ease.

• All-Terrain Wheelchair Adventures. Now available to rent for free at 19 Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, all-terrain wheelchairs empower individuals with mobility challenges to explore rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and natural wonders.

• ADA-Friendly Accommodations. Many state parks feature ADA cabins, complete with accessible showers, doorways, and ramps, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay.

• Accessible Water Activities. At Hard Labor Creek State Park and Jack Hill State Park, guests can use ADA kayak launches, allowing for a safe and easy transition into the water.

• Equestrian Access for All. Don Carter State Park features an ADA horse ramp, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate in adaptive horseback riding experiences.

• Guided Sensory Experiences. Georgia park rangers offer adaptive guided tours, including Braille materials, sign language interpretation, and auditory aids, so visitors with hearing or vision impairments can fully engage with nature.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

• Accessible Thermal Bathing. The historic Buckstaff and Quapaw Bathhouses offer ADA-compliant hot spring bath experiences, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy the therapeutic waters.

• Wheelchair-Friendly Trails. The Grand Promenade Trail is fully paved and accessible, allowing all visitors to experience the scenic beauty of downtown Hot Springs and its surrounding nature.

• Visitor Center & Park Access. The Fordyce Bathhouse, which serves as the park’s visitor center, is fully ADA accessible, and the park provides accessible parking and ramps throughout.

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

• Accessible Cave Tours. The Mammoth Cave Accessible Tour is designed for visitors with mobility impairments, providing a barrier-free route through the world’s longest cave system.

• ADA-Friendly Nature Trails. The park’s Echo River Spring Trail features a smooth, compacted surface, allowing wheelchairs to access its serene river views.

• Accessible Lodging. The Mammoth Cave Lodge offers ADA-accessible rooms, making overnight stays comfortable for all guests.