The very idea that mountains could be an accessible for mobility challenges seems false, but in the case of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it's true.
The park has several fully paved trails, and it offers a fantastic mobility option: the GRIT Freedom Chair.
These all-terrain manual wheelchairs are free to use — first-come, first served Sundays through Wednesdays at the Sugarland Visitors Center.
The park has some key paved trails suitable for any kind of wheelchair.
* Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, near Gatlinburg: This is the park's flagship fully paved, ADA-accessible trail'a gentle 0.5-mile loop through a cove hardwood forest with stream views, rock walls, historic stone chimneys, and benches (many with paved pull-offs for wheelchairs). Designed for all abilities.
* John Oliver Cabin Access Trail, Cades Cove: A newer half-mile paved path (nearly 8 feet wide) leading to the historic John Oliver Cabin. Great for all devices.
* Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail (at the highest point): A paved (asphalt) path to the tower with a cement ramp at the end. It's steeper than the others, so a powered wheelchair or scooter with good battery/motor power is ideal.
Check the official NPS accessibility page (nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm) or call Sugarlands Visitor Center for the latest on trails/GRIT chairs.
– For motorized devices: Confirm battery range, and bring extras if needed'no charging stations on trails.
– Park rules: Mobility devices are permitted on accessible paths; service animals too.