How the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Is Making Tennessee State Parks More Accessible

What does accessibility in nature really look like?

Bradley finally saw the waterfalls at his favorite park, Cummins Falls State Park, thanks to an all-terrain wheelchair and an ADA-accessible overlook.

Carly launched her kayak independently using an accessible parking pad, launch, and transfer system. With the help of a free all-terrain wheelchair rental.

Whitney explored the trails at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. At Natchez Trace State Park.

While Micah and his family can stay longer and enjoy more time together, thanks to the adult changing stations.

These experiences remind us that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy Tennessee’s natural beauty.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is helping make that vision a reality. Through donor support, partnerships, and accessibility initiatives, we are helping Tennessee State Parks become more welcoming and inclusive for visitors of all abilities.

If you believe everyone should have access to Tennessee’s great outdoors, we invite you to support the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and help create a more accessible future.

Creating Accessible Outdoor Experiences Across Tennessee

Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country. From waterfalls and hiking trails to lakes and scenic overlooks, these special places belong to everyone.

However, physical barriers can prevent many individuals from fully experiencing the outdoors.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy supports projects that remove those barriers and create opportunities for more people to connect with nature.

These projects include:

• All-terrain wheelchairs
• Accessibility trail assessments
• Accessible kayak and canoe launches
• Adult changing stations
• Colorblind viewfinders
• ADA parking improvements
• Accessible kiosks and hardscape projects

Together, these initiatives help create more inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities across Tennessee.

All-Terrain Wheelchairs Open New Doors to Adventure

Many visitors dream of exploring Tennessee’s trails but face mobility challenges that make traditional hiking difficult.

All-terrain wheelchairs help change that.

These specialized chairs allow users to navigate natural surfaces such as gravel, dirt, and uneven terrain. They are available free of charge for both children and adults at a growing number of Tennessee State Parks.

Whitney experienced this firsthand at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.

By renting an all-terrain wheelchair at no cost, she was able to explore areas of the park that might otherwise have been difficult to access.

At Cummins Falls State Park, accessibility improvements made Bradley’s lifelong memory possible.

Thanks to an all-terrain wheelchair and an ADA-accessible overlook, Bradley was able to see the falls at his favorite park for the first time.

Moments like these demonstrate the life-changing impact of accessible outdoor recreation. Reserve an all-terrain wheelchair at a Tennessee State Park here.

Accessibility Trail Assessments Help Visitors Plan with Confidence

Tennessee State Parks offers more than 1,400 miles of trails.

Every visitor has different mobility needs and comfort levels. Accurate information helps people choose trails that match their abilities.

The Conservancy supports accessibility trail assessments using High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) technology.

This system efficiently and consistently collects detailed trail data.

The information helps visitors understand trail conditions before they arrive. It also identifies routes suitable for trail-ready wheelchairs and other accessibility needs.

These assessments empower visitors to explore Tennessee’s parks with greater confidence.

Accessible Kayak Launches Expand Recreation Opportunities

Outdoor adventure does not end at the trailhead.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is helping fund accessible kayak and canoe launches throughout the state.

These launches allow more individuals to enjoy Tennessee’s lakes, rivers, and waterways.

For Carly, accessibility features made all the difference.

She used an accessible parking pad, kayak launch, and transfer system to enter a kayak independently.

That independence is exactly what accessibility is about.

By removing barriers, we create opportunities for more people to experience the freedom and joy of being outdoors. Learn more about accessible kayak launches here.

Mobi-Mats Help More Visitors Navigate Uneven Ground

Some outdoor barriers are not long trails or steep overlooks.

Sometimes, the barrier is sand, grass, gravel, or uneven ground.

To help more visitors take part in park experiences, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy purchased a 100-foot Mobi-Mat for Tennessee State Parks.

This portable pathway helps create a more stable surface for visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.

The Mobi-Mat was recently used during the dedication of Cardwell Mountain State Archaeological Park. It helped more people participate in this historic occasion.

This simple tool can make a meaningful difference.

It helps visitors move more safely and comfortably through areas that may otherwise be difficult to access.

Adult Changing Stations Support Families

Accessibility means more than ramps and equipment.

Families caring for loved ones with disabilities often face challenges that many visitors never see.

Adult changing stations provide safe, private, and dignified spaces for personal care needs.

Micah and his family know how important these facilities can be.

They love visiting Natchez Trace State Park and have been able to stay longer and enjoy their visits more because adult changing tables are available.

The stations provide Micah’s parents with a private, comfortable place to assist with his hygiene needs.

These improvements make it easier for families to spend quality time together outdoors. Located adult changing stations in Tennessee here.

Colorblind Viewfinders Help More Visitors Experience Tennessee’s Beauty

Tennessee’s landscapes are known for their vibrant colors.

Yet millions of people experience color blindness and cannot fully see those colors.

The Conservancy has supported colorblind viewfinders at Fort Pillow State Park and T.O. Fuller State Park.

These viewfinders use EnChroma® technology to enhance color perception for visitors with red-green color blindness.

As a result, more people can experience Tennessee’s forests, sunsets, and seasonal foliage in new and meaningful ways. Located Tennessee State Parks with Colorblind Viewfinders here.

Supporting Tennessee’s Vision for Accessibility

In his 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Bill Lee set a goal of making Tennessee home to the nation’s most accessible park system.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy proudly supports that vision.

Through donor support, the Conservancy helps fund projects that increase accessibility and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy Tennessee’s parks.

• Each improvement removes barriers.
• While each project opens new possibilities.
• Moreover, each donation helps create experiences that many families once thought were out of reach.

Help Make Tennessee State Parks Accessible for Everyone

Bradley’s first view of Cummins Falls.

Carly’s independent kayak adventure.

Whitney’s exploration of Meeman-Shelby Forest.

Micah’s family is enjoying more time together at Natchez Trace.

These moments are possible because people care enough to invest in accessibility.

When you support the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, you help create opportunities for more visitors to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty, regardless of age or ability.

Join us in building a future where everyone can enjoy Tennessee State Parks.

Learn more, get involved, or make a gift today and help ensure that Tennessee’s outdoors remain accessible for generations to come.

Pictured are Tennessee State Parks Conservancy’s Senior Advisor Gina Hancock, Executive Director Alex Wyss, and Board Members Robert Becker and Brandon Sanders.