Accessibility at Panther Creek
Warning Alert
Temporary Road Closure
NOTICE: The park road leading to the Smallman Shelter and overlook will be closed to vehicles from March 1, 2026, through May 15, 2026, while extensive renovations to the Lake Observation Platform are performed. The road to and around the first picnic area island will remain open to visitors and vehicular traffic. Foot travel beyond the closed area is permitted but visitors will not be permitted in the immediate area of the construction site.
Major Improvements at the Park
A capital improvement project to construct a day-use recreation lodge and new playground will begin at the park on Monday, April 13, 2026. The swimming pool parking lot, playground, playground restrooms, beach volleyball and basketball courts will be closed to the public during construction, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027.
The tennis courts and disc-golf course will remain open but parking for these amenities will be limited to the lots adjacent to the visitor center and Spoone shelter. This project will significantly enhance the quantity and quality of recreational opportunities provided by the park. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this exciting new project for the benefit of our visitors.
Playground Closed For Renovation
The park playground will be permanently closed to the public beginning Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The existing playground will be removed, and a new playground will be constructed at the park. The new playground is scheduled to be completed by mid-year 2027 and will be a tremendous improvement over the existing playground.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve the park for our visitors. If you have any questions, please contact the park office.
Panther Creek Accessibility
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 that Panther Creek State Park has to offer.
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 specializedwheelchair. 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.
Have Questions? Need Accommodations?
We're here to help.
If you have any questions, comments, or require special accommodations or assistance with interpretive services and events for someone in your party, we're here to help.
To fulfill reasonable requests for assistance, we kindly ask that you reach out to the Park Office at least 10 days before your visit. This will enable us to make the necessary arrangements to provide you with an enjoyable park experience. Provide us with details about your needs so we can be well-prepared.