Want to experience Tennessee's natural beauty with the whole family? From secluded rocks overlooking vast valleys to scenic boardwalks beside lakes, every region of the state offers state parks with accessible viewpoints that welcome wheelchairs and strollers. Check them out below!
Scenic State Park Overlooks in Tennessee
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Boardwalk Lake View
West TN—Reelfoot Lake is a shallow natural lake filled with stunning cypress trees and a wide variety of birds ranging from bald eagles to waterfowl. Behind the visitor center, a 0.45-mile elevated boardwalk traces the lake's edge, offering scenic views of wetlands and wildlife. It's an ideal spot to watch the sunset's vibrant colors reflect on the water.
Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls Overlook
Middle TN—Cummins Falls, one of Tennessee’s largest waterfalls, cascades down 75 feet into a deep gorge. Visitors can enjoy this iconic view from a paved, accessible overlook atop the bluff. The overlook is reached via the 0.4-mile Falls Overlook Trail. Those with limited mobility can use the access road to reach wheelchair-accessible parking.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls Overlook
Middle TN—Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The Fall Creek Falls overlook, accessible from Scenic Loop Road, provides views of both the towering falls and the surrounding gorge. A short path leads from the parking lot to the overlook, where visitors can photograph and admire the dramatic plunge.
Millikan's Overlook
Middle TN—Millikan's Overlook, another gem along Scenic Loop Road, offers breathtaking views of the deep gulf below. The overlook features convenient parking and a spacious wooden platform perfect for taking in the scenery.
Radnor Lake State Park
Otter Creek Trail
Middle TN—Radnor Lake, a natural haven within Nashville, features a pristine lake and abundant wildlife, including nesting bald eagles. The paved, stroller-friendly Otter Creek Trail provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forests.
Cumberland Mountain State Park
Restaurant at Cumberland Mountain Overlook
Middle TN — Crab Orchard stone bridge rests atop Byrd Lake and is the park's most notable feature. This stunning bridge is the largest masonry structure ever built by the CCC.
Rock Island State Park
Great Falls Overlook
Middle TN—Great Falls, a 30-foot horseshoe waterfall, cascades below Great Falls Dam on the Caney Fork River. The overlook, situated next to a 19th-century cotton textile mill, is a short walk from available parking. Nearby, visitors can explore a castle-like spring house that once supplied the community's water.
Tims Ford State Park
Marble Plains Overlook
Middle TN—The Marble Plains Overlook trail, a 1.1-mile paved path, leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Tims Ford Lake, its scattered islands, and rolling hills. The trail begins at the nature center, where visitors can explore the gift shop, learn about the park, and visit the aviary.
Seven Islands State Birding Park
French Broad River Bridge
East TN—The Bobwhite Accessible Trail, a 0.9-mile paved path, connects the parking area to the French Broad River. At the river, a large bridge serves as an excellent vantage point for enjoying the surrounding landscape and watching birds.