New Resources Available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Visitors with Disabilities

Are you looking for an exciting and inclusive outdoor adventure? Look no further than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This summer, the park is offering new resources to help visitors with disabilities explore hiking trails, go mountain biking, paddle kayaks, and even camp overnight in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Last year, the park launched a program of free, adaptive activities, and due to its success, they are expanding the number and type of excursions available this summer. These programs are designed to allow individuals with disabilities, along with their families and communities, to experience the wonders of the Smokies beyond the pavement.

Emily Davis, a public affairs specialist with the national park, shared that the park receives daily inquiries about the special excursions and adaptive equipment. These messages come from both locals and out-of-town guests planning to visit the park, which welcomed over 13 million visitors last year.

Partnering with organizations like Catalyst Sports, the park is able to provide a variety of adaptive equipment, including hiking chairs, adaptive kayaks, and mountain bikes. These resources cater to a wide range of special needs, ensuring that everyone can participate in the outdoor activities.

The movement towards making national parks more accessible to outdoor enthusiasts with mobility issues is growing. In addition to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, other parks and organizations across the country are also offering adaptive-friendly excursions and equipment.

For individuals like Matt Lee, who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury, these adaptive programs provide a sense of healing and restoration. Matt attended an adaptive mountain bike clinic and participated in hikes at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, experiencing the healing power of nature firsthand.

Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors with adaptive equipment or simply enjoy the beauty of the Smokies, these new resources at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for all. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in one of the country’s most beloved national parks.