Accessible adventures in Tennessee

Tennessee is evolving into a destination where everyone can access adventures of all kinds.

According to the Center for Disease Control, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. It’s a sizable market, with MMGY research reporting travelers with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion per year on travel.

In recent years, communities, outdoor spaces and attractions across the state have introduced a diverse range of programs and initiatives that seek to improve accessibility to the very best of Tennessee.

Discover ways Tennessee is pioneering in the accessible travel space.

Colorblind Viewfinders

Installed at 15 scenic lookouts across Tennessee, the state was the first to outfit colorblind viewfinders with innovative EnChroma lenses, making it easy for even more travelers and residents to enjoy the state’s scenic beauty. These first-of-their-kind devices alleviate red-green colorblindness, enabling people with colorblindness to see a broader range of colors. The viewfinders are especially useful during fall, when the changing colors of Tennessee’s foliage are spectacular.

All Terrain Experiences: Tennessee’s State Parks

Exploring Tennessee’s state parks just got easier for wheelchair users, who can request an all-terrain wheelchair prior to their visit to select state parks. Participating parks include Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga, Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville and Chickasaw State Park in Henderson. Each park with an all-terrain wheelchair offers specific trail experiences that can accommodate these specialized wheelchairs, which are free to the public. They are available for both children and adults.

The Northeast Tennessee Night Sky Trail

Accessibility in Tennessee doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Nearly every location on the Northeast Tennessee Night Sky Trail offers some level of ADA accessibility. From panoramic vistas on mountains, serene lakesides, observation decks, and historic downtowns these locations offer optimal conditions. While some trails recommend all-terrain wheelchairs, others are generally wheelchair friendly, including those on the Appalachian Trail.

Waterways: Tennessee Riverpark

“Chattanooga is a wonderful, wheelchair accessible destination,” writes accessibility travel expert Cory Lee — and one of the best places to enjoy the city is Tennessee Riverpark. With 13 miles of paved trails, river views and several picnic stops, this city park offers easy access to such attractions as the Tennessee Aquarium, Bluff View Art District and the Battery Place neighborhood. There are seven wheelchair accessible restrooms available at RiverFront Park.

Ride Accessibility Center: Dollywood

Dollywood wants everyone in the family to enjoy the park, designing experiences for people with differing abilities. The Ride Accessibility Center is a frontline resource for guests to ask questions in a private setting about what they can enjoy. Additionally, Dollywood’s Splash Country offers Accessibility Tubes and Aquatic Transfer Wheelchairs, enabling guests with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy water attractions.

Dollywood also created a Calming Room for guests to recharge. This private space comes equipped with sensory items designed for relaxation. The theme park also offers sensory-sensitive hours and events, which can be found listed on the seasonal calendar.

Zoo Knoxville

Another one of Knoxville’s top attractions — Zoo Knoxville — works to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy fun experiences. A KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue, the Zoo provides accessible facilities throughout the park, along with KultureCity Sensory Bags. These bags contain fidget tools, headphones and more, all designed to help those with sensory issues feel comfortable as they visit the animals.

Sharp’s Ridge Veterans’ Memorial Park

Boasting 111 acres of forest, Sharp’s Ridge Veterans’ Memorial Park is one of Knoxville’s natural gems — and is home to the Independence and North Ridge adaptive multi-use trails. Unveiled in 2020, the trails accommodate adaptive mountain bikes and adaptive wheelchairs, which can be rented via local outfitter Catalyst Sports. The mountain bikes are suited for experienced athletes and the wheelchairs can be self-powered or can be pushed like a traditional wheelchair.

Adventure Science Center

Nashville’s Adventure Science Center is serious about providing inclusive experiences throughout its 44,000 square feet space. Guests with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other sensory concerns will find an array of resources here, including a sensory map that highlights auditory, tactile and visual experiences. Free sensory kits with fidget toys, sunglasses, stress balls, and noise-minimizing headphones can be checked out from guest services. The EY Sensory Room provides a relaxing space with calming textiles, subdued lighting and other sensory-friendly elements.

The Great Stone Door

Located in South Cumberland State Park, the Great Stone Door is one of Tennessee’s most interesting geological attractions. This 10-feet-wide by 100-feet-deep crack looks like a giant door left ajar, opening dramatically into the gorge below. From the Stone Door Ranger Station there is a wheelchair accessible paved path that leads to the Laurel Gulf Overlook with a wonderful view. Additionally, a wheelchair accessible 125-yard-long walkway passes through heavy timber, across a small creek and a meadow, ending with a spectacular view of Foster Falls.

Shelby Farms Park Conservatory

With 4,500 acres of green space and 10.65 miles of urban trail, Shelby Farms Park Conservatory offers visitors a natural escape in Memphis. The attraction features several ADA trails, including the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10-mile rails-to-trail experience that winds from Midtown Memphis through Shelby Farms Park to Cordova. The Woodland Discovery Playground was designed for kids of all abilities, ages 12 and under, with slides and swings that meet the needs of children who may require assistance while they play. The park also features concrete pathways at Weems Fishing Pier and at Beaver Lake Pavilion.

Drummonds Park

Located less than 40 minutes north of Memphis, Drummonds Park delivers serenity and handicap accessibility throughout its 30 pristine acres. The ADA accessible, lighted and paved nature trails take visitors through natural woodlands that are filled with opportunities to view wildlife. The park’s ADA accessible amphitheater hosts regular educational sessions.

Visit TNvacation.com for more information. 

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