Accessibility at Tims Ford
  • A paved path cuts through dark green grass under a bright blue sky. The trees line both sides of the path and are just beginning to turn red.
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    Tims Ford 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.  

    • Motorized wheelchair on a forest trail surrounded by green 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 chair can be operated independently and offer the option of allowing caretaker control.

    If someone in your party needs a wheelchair, please use the link below to reserve one in advance of your visit. While it is possible to request a chair upon arrival, there is a possibility that all chairs may already be reserved for other guests. Reservations ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable.

    Reserve an All-Terrain Wheelchair

    Marble Plains Overlook Trail

    This paved trail is 1.1 miles long, with a few rest areas along the way.

    Wander through a mosaic of hardwood timber and native grasslands leading to a gorgeous view of Tims Ford Lake, overseen by the Cumberland Plateau.

    Wheelchair-friendly parking near the trailhead is in the Nature Center parking lot. If you are unable to park in the Nature Center, parking is also available at the Visitor Center, which provides a short, paved path to the trailhead.  

    Distance: 1.1 Miles 
    Surface: Paved

    • Trail leading to the overlook at tims ford. Wooden rails and platform balcony
    • Sunlit path winding through a dense green forest.

    Accessible Facilities

    • Wooden entrance with sloped roofs reading "Nature Center," surrounded by lush greenery and benches, creating a welcoming, serene outdoor atmosphere.
    • Empty handicapped parking space in a park area with trees in the background.
    • Sidewalk leading to a small pavilion surrounded by lush bushes on a foggy day.

    Nature Center and Aviary

    Start your trip at Tims Ford State Park in the Nature Center to view the park's ambassador animals.

    Learn more about the 3,546 acres of vast nature that make up the park and the picturesque Tims Ford Lake, popular for bass fishing. 

    While you're there, stop by the Aviaries to view the park's protected birds of prey up close! These magnificent creatures represent the wild birds of prey that live across Tennessee, using their speed, excellent eyesight, and sharp talons and beaks to survive.

    Wheelchair-friendly parking for the Nature Center is located in front of the building and includes sidewalk access to both features.

    Visitor Center

    The Visitor Center is the perfect place to commemorate your trip to the park with a souvenir.

    Visit the gift shop inside to browse t-shirts, stickers, and more.   

    Wheelchair-friendly restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, with parking in front of the building. This parking lot also provides paved sidewalk access to the Aviary and Nature Center. 

    • A brown, brick building with double doors stands in the middle of a concrete path under a cloudy sky. An accessible parking sign is visible to the right.
    • Picnic area with metal tables under a shelter surrounded by trees.
    • Outdoor picnic pavilion with tables and trash bins, bordered by trees.

    Picnic Areas

    Continue your trip to Tims Ford State Park by having a picnic.

    While lunching at the shelter, enjoy views of the surrounding wildlife, including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and many other animals common to the middle Tennessee area.

    Shelters are reservable and hold a maximum of 75 people.

    Please note that the pavilion, grill, and restroom at Shelter #1 are ADA-accessible. Parking is available at Shelter #1 with sidewalk access that is relatively level. Shelter #2 is not accessible by wheelchair. Also, the trail from the shelters to the water is not wheelchair-friendly.

    Book a Picnic Shelter

    Wheelchair-Friendly Fishing Pier

    This wheelchair-friendly fishing pier is near the Fairview Campground.

    Fish the Tims Ford Lake for various species, such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Please note that the path leading out to the pier has a slight downward slope. 

    • Wooden pier overlooking a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn trees.
    Go to Fishing Page
    • Interior view of a spacious cabin with wooden walls and stone pillars.
    • Wood-paneled indoor space with tile floor, ceiling fans, and an open bar area.

    Venues

    Spencer Hall is ideal for parties, receptions, banquets, small meetings, and other group gatherings.

    The building has two meeting rooms – the large meeting room and the small meeting room. Both spaces are accessed from the main entranceway foyer, which features a lounge area with a large stone fireplace. Entire hall is available to reserve.

    Go to Venues Page

    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 directly at 1-888-867-2757 to reserve an ADA-accessible accommodation.

      • A narrow road leads back through an RV campground during early fall. Several campsites are occupied by vehicles and campers.

      Main Campground

      Overlooking the Tims Ford Reservoir is the Main Campground.

      Camp next to Tennessee’s most picturesque lake in an RV site, including 30-amp electric service and water hookups. RV Sites 51 & 52 RV are wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation. 

      The Main Campground Bathhouse is wheelchair-friendly, directly attached to Site 51, across from Site 52, and can be located on the park or reservation site maps. The shower in the bathhouse is equipped with a bench and grab bars. A non-accessible playground is close by. To book your overnight accommodations and find out more, see the link below.  

      Book a Campsite
      • A serene park scene featuring a gravel campsite with a picnic table, surrounded by lush green grass and tall trees, overlooking a calm lake.
      • Gravel campsite surrounded by lush green grass and tall trees, featuring picnic tables and RVs parked nearby under a clear blue sky.
      • A parking area surrounded by tall trees, featuring accessible parking spaces and a restroom facility in a natural setting.

      Fairview Campground

      Surrounded by Tims Ford Lake, the Fairview campground offers a relaxing stay with hard-packed gravel sites, including access to a fire ring, ADA picnic table, water, and electric hookups.

      RV Sites 27, 48, 59, 63, and 64 are wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation. The wheelchair-friendly bathhouse is in the center of the campground, with parking spaces in front. This bathhouse includes a shower featuring a bench, grab bars, and an adjustable shower nozzle.

      To book your overnight accommodations and find out more, see the link below.

      Book a Campsite
      • A rustic wooden building with a wheelchair-accessible sign in front, next to a sloped trash can.

      Cabins

      Sitting in the shadows of the Cumberland Plateau, the Tims Ford State Park cabins offer an opportunity for relaxation with an overnight stay.

      Standard Cabins 1 & 20 are wheelchair-friendly and should be specifically requested when making a reservation. To book your overnight accommodations and learn more about our cabins, see the link below.

      Book a Cabin
    • A rugged black power wheelchair sits on a winding gravel path in a lush park with tall grass and trees, conveying adventure and independence.

    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.