Accessibility at Fall Creek Falls
Notification Alert

Trail Closures

Fall Creek Falls State Park

In August 2023, Fall Creek Falls State Park was impacted by a tornado. Please see the updates below regarding the current status of park availability due to past storm damage.

The following areas remain closed:

  • Piney Falls Trail (FCF parking lot to Piney Falls parking lot)
  • Millikan's Overlook Trail (overlook is open, trail is closed)
  • view of lake with trees in the distance and buildings to the right
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    Accessibility at Fall Creek Falls

    At Tennessee State Parks, we serve a variety of visitors, including individuals with physical disabilities and those who may face other barriers to outdoor recreation. With a focus on accessibility, we continually strive to enhance our parks to better accommodate all visitors. Learn more about accessible features, amenities, programs, and services offered.

    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. Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers trail experiences that can accommodate this specialized wheelchair. The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults. The chairs can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control.  

    To help us serve our visitors better, we kindly ask that you give us advance notice if you’d like to use a wheelchair. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that the chair may already be reserved for another guest. Advanced requests ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable. 

    Reserve an All-Terrain Wheelchair
    • An adult-sized changing table is open in a private restroom. The restroom has gray walls and a green floor.

    Adult-Sized Changing Table

    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.   

    Located at the Betty Dunn Nature Center, the table at Fall Creek Falls State Park utilizes a remote to adjust the height of the table. This table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised.   

    Learn more about adult-sized changing tables at Tennessee State Parks by clicking the link below.

    Explore Changing Tables

    Accessible Paddling

    Paddle Fall Creek Lake by utilizing the accessible paddling launches at the park. Each launch is fitted with features that make entering and exiting a kayak, canoe, or SUP easier, including a tiered transition bench, roll cage with overhead grab bars, hand straps, and pull bars for entering the water. One launch is located at the boat dock, which is staffed daily. Please note that the parking lot at the boat dock has a high grade. Paddlers can bring their own kayak or rent one. If you would like more information about renting a kayak from the park, go to the paddling page. 

    Another accessible paddling launch is located by the dam and off the paved Lake Bike Trail. This launch is recommended to visitors who do not need to rent a kayak. While the parking lot is gravel, it has a flat grade with plans to pave it in the future. 

    Learn more about accessible paddling launches by clicking the link below. 

    Explore Paddling Launches

    Accessible Overlooks

    Enjoy stunning views at three wheelchair-friendly overlooks across Fall Creek Falls. 

    • Fall Creek Falls Overlook: view the park's namesake, a 256-foot waterfall located just off the Paved Bike Path. Parking is available, and a paved path leads to the overlook. 
    • Millikan's Overlook (includes Colorblind Viewfinder): view the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau. This overlook is located on the back side of Scenic Loop Road.
    • Colorblind Viewers

    Accessible Facilities

    • Framed pictures and documents on easels against a stone wall.
    • Store interior with colorful t-shirts on the wall, hats on a rack, and neatly folded sweaters on shelves. Three people browse, creating a lively, casual atmosphere.

    Betty Dunn Nature Center

    The Nature Center offers an immersive learning experience with many interpretive displays. Enjoy daily programs during the summer and, by arrangement, other times of the year.  

    The Nature Center is wheelchair-friendly and offers several amenities, including a gift shop, restrooms, and an adult-sized changing table. Wheelchair-friendly parking is available, with sidewalk access to the building.  

    Picnic Areas

      • Pathway through forest with autumn leaves, leading to a modern building.
      • Outdoor patio with wooden tables, blue umbrellas, and autumn trees surrounding.
      • Ramp and stairs amidst autumn trees and metal railings.

      Taft Village and Snack Bar

      The picnic area at the Taft Village and Snack Bar is wheelchair friendly with sidewalk access and available on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring an ADA table. Wheelchair-friendly restrooms are located in Taft Village.  

      Please note that parking is not wheelchair-friendly at the Taft Village and Snack Bar.

      • Cluster of small daisy-like flowers in soft focus, with one flower sharply in the foreground.

      Pavilion at General Store

      The pavilion at the General Store is wheelchair friendly and available on a first-come, first serve basis. The General Store is open year-round, and offers groceries, produce, camping supplies, souvenirs, unique gifts and other items. Wheelchair-friendly restrooms are available nearby. 

    Overnight Accommodations

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

    • Modern building at dusk with large windows, flagpole, and landscaped path.
    • Modern café interior with large windows and two women chatting at the bar against a nature backdrop.
    • Outdoor balcony with a chair and table, overlooking a parking lot and wooded area.
    • Modern hotel building with lit balconies and outdoor seating at dusk.

    The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls

    Reserve a room at the lodge to enjoy picturesque views of Fall Creek Falls Lake atop the rugged Cumberland Plateau. The lodge has a gift shop, restaurant, meeting rooms, exercise rooms and an indoor and outdoor pool. For those who require a wheelchair-accessible accommodation when staying overnight at the Lodges at Tennessee State Parks, it is important to make a specific request when booking a reservation. Keep in mind that there are limited numbers of wheelchair-accessible lodge rooms available, so it is best to make reservations as far in advance as possible.   

    To ensure you have the best experience possible, it is recommended to contact the lodge directly to reserve a wheelchair-accessible room. 

    Book a Stay

    Cabins

    Cabins at Fall Creek Falls provide visitors an opportunity to relax and unwind among this 29,800-acre oasis. Cabin 10 is a Landside Cabin that is ADA accessible, offering a gas fireplace and a patio, picnic table, and grill for cooking and dining outdoors. Cabin 27 is a Fisherman Cabin located directly on the lake and ADA accessible. This cabin features a back porch atop Fall Creek Lake. 

    For additional fun, the Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist-led programs. Whatever your adventure, you are sure to find it at the Fall Creek Falls cabins.

    • Wooden chairs on a porch overlooking a tranquil lake.
    Book a Cabin