Park Accessibility

Tennessee State Parks is actively working towards providing more accessible facilities, amenities, and programs to accommodate visitors with various needs and reducing barriers to outdoor recreation.

The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is dedicated to supporting Tennessee State Parks fulfill this commitment by providing funding for various initiatives and projects aimed at improving accessibility within the parks. Examples of this funding include:

All-Terrain Wheelchairs

The all-terrain wheelchairs at Tennessee State Parks are free to the public and will allow children and adults to access trails that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.

Support for Henry Horton State Park’s wheelchair provided by Hays Foundation:

Support for Tims Ford State Parks and Radnor Lake State Park’s wheelchairs provided by Tennessee Valley Authority.

Accessible Kayak and Canoe Launches

Tennessee State Parks is installing accessible kayak/canoe launches in several state parks to help make paddling more accessible for people with disabilities.

Support for David Crockett State Park’s kayak and canoe launch provided by Tennessee Valley Authority. Construction for this launch will begin this fall.

Trail Assessments:

Tennessee State Parks aims to undergo trail assessment using assessment tools, enabling one individual to collect detailed and accurate trail and feature data at an average of one mile per hour. The assessment will help trail users know the challenges to trails, which would be appropriate for their skill level and the ones that can be accessed by all-terrain wheelchairs. Tennessee State Parks Conservancy acquired one of these tools this summer for parks’ use. We are hoping to raise the funds for a second assessment tool.

Your donation can help increase access to outdoor recreation so that all individuals can enjoy the natural wonders and recreational opportunities that state parks offer. Make a difference today!