Accessibility
  • A child in a yellow kayak smiling and holding a paddle above their head while others paddle in the distance on a peaceful river.
    • Wooden pier overlooking a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn trees.

    Accessibility at Tennessee State Parks

    Tennessee State Parks are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, preserved historic sites, and stunning scenery, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, some individuals may face barriers that prevent them from fully enjoying these special places. To ensure that Tennessee State Parks serves all Tennesseans, we proactively identify and eliminate barriers to enjoying the natural, cultural, and recreational offerings at our parks. 

    Accessibility Features

    Some of the accessible features found at our parks include:

    • A red pedestrian bridge spans a calm river, surrounded by lush trees with autumn foliage and expansive, colorful fields under a cloudy sky.

    Wheelchair-Friendly Paved Trails and Overlooks

    Many of our parks have wheelchair-friendly trails and paved walkways that enable wheelchair access. Some of these paths lead to overlooks. All of them provide greater access to many of the beautiful sights, sounds, and experiences in Tennessee State Parks.

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    All-Terrain Wheelchairs

    All-terrain wheelchairs are specialized wheelchairs designed to navigate a wide range of terrains that may be encountered in outdoor environments. These are important to park visitors because they provide individuals with mobility impairments the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreation areas that might otherwise be inaccessible.

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    • Family walking in the forest, child in a wheelchair smiling.
    • Spacious beige-tiled restroom with a wall-mounted adult changing table. A plush chair and black trash can are near the door, creating a functional, welcoming space.

    Adult-Size Changing Tables

    Discover comfort and convenience at Tennessee State Parks with our newly introduced adult-sized changing tables. Designed to enhance accessibility, these changing tables cater to the diverse needs of our visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities. 

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    Accessible Park Features

    From wheelchair-accessible trails and picnic areas to accessible overnight accommodations and activities, we strive to ensure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of our parks without barriers. These pages offer details on ramps, accessible restrooms, parking spots, and more to ensure a barrier-free experience. 

    Plan Your Visit
    • A paved path curves through a green forest, leading to a small wooden overlook with a colorblind viewfinder, surrounded by trees and blooming shrubs.
    • A scenic mountain view with soft autumn colors, featuring a colorblind viewer in the foreground facing the landscape.

    Colorblind Viewers

    Tennessee’s landscapes are filled with vivid greens, fiery reds, warming oranges, and bright yellows. But not everyone can fully experience its beauty. So, the first-ever colorblind viewfinders outfitted with innovative EnChroma® lenses, designed to alleviate red-green colorblindness, were installed by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development at beautiful lookouts across the state, including many Tennessee State Parks.

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    Accessible Paddling Launches

    Tennessee State Parks is installing accessible paddling launches in several of our parks to help make paddling more accessible for people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.

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    • A woman in a life vest sits in a yellow kayak, using a launch mechanism on a dock by a lake. She appears focused, with green trees and cloudy skies in the background.
    • Tranquil scene of a small waterfall flowing into a clear river surrounded by lush, green trees. The calm water reflects the vibrant greenery above.

    Language and Information Access

    Language and information access are crucial for park visitors to ensure access to park resources and opportunities. Providing information in multiple languages, using clear and concise language, and offering accessible formats for people with visual impairments can help eliminate barriers and ensure that all visitors are informed about park rules, amenities, and activities.

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    Reaching Youth

    Transportation should never be a hindrance to educational opportunities. Through our online Education Program Request form, teachers and homeschoolers can apply for funding to cover transportation costs, making it easier than ever to bring students to our parks and engage them in hands-on learning.

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    • Ranger in front of kids sitting down at a amphitheater.
    • Signpost with trail map at a fork in a forested path during autumn.

    Trail Accessibility Information

    Detailed trail information offers an in-depth look into our trails, ensuring an easier trip planning experience.

    When browsing trails at the parks linked below, you will find key data points such as estimated duration, trail surface type, and allowed uses. This information allows you to find the best trail for you and your hiking partner.

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    Every Little Bit Matters

    Every donation helps us to improve accessibility, add new trails, and maintain our trails and services.

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    FAQ

    • How do I book ADA overnight accommodations?

      Every Tennessee State Park with overnight accommodations offers a number of ADA options. ADA-accessible campsites and cabins can be reserved online at reserve.tnstateparks.com.

      For those who require ADA-accessible accommodation when staying overnight, it is important to make a specific request when booking a reservation and contact us (1-888-867-2757) to reserve an ADA-accessible accommodation. For overnight stays at the Lodges at Tennessee State Parks, it is recommended to contact the lodge directly. 

      Keep in mind, there are limited numbers of ADA-accessible lodge rooms, cabins, and campsites available, so it is best to make reservations as far in advance as possible. 

    • Where are the wheelchair-friendly overlooks?

      Wheelchair-friendly overlooks can be found at the following parks:

      1. Cumberland Mountain State Park: Behind the restaurant with a lake view
      2. Cummins Falls State Park: Cummins Falls Overlook
      3. Fall Creek Falls State Park:
        • Fall Creek Falls Overlook
        • Millikan's Overlook (includes Colorblind Viewfinder)
        • Cane Creek Falls (located at Nature Center)
      4. Radnor Lake State Park: Otter Creek Road overlooks a lake view and birding opportunity (includes ADA Accessible Colorblind Viewfinder)
      5. Reelfoot Lake State Park: Boardwalk Lake View
      6. Rock Island State Park: Great Falls
      7. Seven Islands State Birding Park: Bridge (includes birding viewpoints)
      8. Tims Ford State Park: Marble Plains Overlook
    • Service Animal Policy

      Tennessee State Parks permits service animals who are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Requirements (Service Animals | ADA.gov). The Tennessee State Park pet policy rules will apply to service animals with the following exceptions: 

      1. Service animals in a working capacity are generally allowed in all public areas of the park when accompanied by a visitor with a disability.
      2. Service animals shall be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
      3. Service animals may be denied access to certain locations or areas if their presence would significantly change the essential function of a service or program. For instance, they can be restricted from places where the displayed animals are natural prey or predators of dogs, or where the presence of a dog would cause disruptions.

      If there are any questions regarding the Service Animal Policy, please contact the park directly or the Accessibility Team at TNStateParks.Accessibility@tn.gov.

    • How can I support?

      By making a donation, you can play a vital role in expanding access to outdoor recreation and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders and cultural history available at Tennessee State Parks. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is dedicated to supporting Tennessee State Parks fulfill this commitment by providing funding for various initiatives and projects aimed at improving accessibility within the parks. 

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    Contact Information

    • Ryan Jolley, Accessibility Team Coordinator

      Davy Crockett Tower, 8th Floor
      500 James Robertson Parkway
      Nashville, TN 37243
      United States

      TNStateParks.Accessibility@tn.gov
    • ADA-accessible Accommodations
      1-888-867-2757
      Additional Information

      Read Our ADA Transition Plan

    • Lodge Accommodations
      Additional Information

      Contact the lodge directly.