Accessibility at Roan Mountain
  • Aerial view of Miller Farmstead at Roan Mountain with surrounding fields and forest.
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    Roan Mountain 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 offered.  

    • An all-terrain wheelchair sits on a natural-surfaced path that is lined with trees.

    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

    Chestnut Ridge Overlook

    Located near the trailhead of the Chestnut Ridge Trail, the Chestnut Ridge Overlook offers a stunning view of the Highlands of Roan and features a colorblind viewfinder.

    Roan Mountain State Park uses color vision deficiency technology so that more travelers and residents alike can experience the beauty of Tennessee and the park's vast lands. Use our Colorblind Viewfinder to check out the rugged ridges Roan Mountain has to offer.

    The Boardwalk can be reserved through the park as an intimate setting for a small group. If not reserved, the overlook is free to visit with a gravel parking lot available just off the Boardwalk. 

    Visitor Center and Interpretive Museum

    Begin your trip by diving into the historical significance of Roan Mountain State Park and the Southern Appalachian Mountains at the Interpretive Museum located at the Visitor Center.

    Visitors can learn more about the natural and cultural significance of the area at the museum. After exploring the museum, stop by the gift shop to browse Tennessee State Park merchandise and items crafted by local artisans. Wheelchair-friendly parking is available providing sidewalk access to the building.

    Picnic Areas

    Reserve a pavilion and host a scenic picnic at one of our accessible shelters.  

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 1

      Shelter 1 is wheelchair-friendly with a wheelchair-accessible table, two grills, and water. Bathrooms are located next to the pavilion and connected by sidewalk. Two adult changing tables are located within the Shelter 1 bathhouse.

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 2

      Shelter 2 is wheelchair-friendly with a grill and parking at the shelter. No restrooms are available. Closest restrooms are at Shelter 1 and the Conference Center.

      • pavilion surrounded by grass and trees

      Shelter 3

      Shelter 3 is wheelchair-friendly with a grill and parking located at the shelter. Please note that the grill is not accessible by wheelchair. Bathrooms are located next to the pavilion.

    Book a Picnic Shelter

    Conference Center

    Host your next event in our wheelchair-friendly conference center, which can be divided into two smaller rooms.

    This space features a large rock fireplace and a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains. The conference center also includes a game room, lobby area, and restrooms that are wheelchair-friendly and available to the public.

    • Exterior of the Roan Mountain conference center from another angle, showing multiple entrances.
    • Exterior of Roan Mountain conference center with stone and wood construction, surrounded by trees.
    • Front view of Roan Mountain conference center showing large windows and landscaped grounds.
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    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.

    Camping

    RV Campsites 17, 18, 42, 43, 45, and 49 are wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation.

    Each site is paved and equipped with a BBQ grill, fire ring, and picnic table. Campsites 17 and 18 are located next to the wheelchair-friendly bathhouse while the other sites are close by. Campsite 49 sits directly next to the non-accessible bathhouse. 

    Book a Campsite
    • man sitting in all terrain wheel chair that is on a natural trail

    Questions? Need Accommodations?

    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.