Great Smoky Mountains National Park Expands Accessibility: ‘This is Everyone’s Park’
The National Park Mountains Service has made significant strides in enhancing accessibility at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2023, adaptive programming was launched to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy the park’s natural beauty. This initiative has been expanded in 2024, making it one of America’s most accessible parks.
Expanded Adaptive Programs Enhance Visitor Experience
From June 8 to October 5, the park will offer a variety of adaptive ranger-led programs. These include bike rides, hikes, kayaking, and camping options. One notable activity is a hike combined with a boat tour, offering a unique way to experience the park. The full list of activities is available on Catalyst Sports’ website, a key partner in this initiative.
Carly Pearson, an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator and adaptive recreation ambassador, has personally benefited from these programs. Paralyzed below the waist, she uses an all-terrain wheelchair to navigate trails that were previously inaccessible to her. “Today I can hike up to Cataract Falls with my daughter and share the beauty of nature,” Pearson said.
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Availability of Adaptive Equipment
For those preferring to explore independently, the park provides GRIT Freedom Chairs. These all-terrain wheelchairs are available for checkout at various park locations. There are four chairs in total, including three for adults and one junior chair. These chairs can be used on approximately 12 miles of trails, enabling broader access to the park’s diverse landscapes.
Park ranger Katie Corrigan emphasized the importance of inclusivity. “We want the Mountains park to be an inclusive outdoor community where visitors can enjoy hikes with family and friends, regardless of their abilities,” she said. The chairs require some upper-body mobility to operate. However, levers can be removed for those who need assistance, and all users must have a companion with them.
How to Participate in Adaptive Programming
Interested visitors can register online for the ranger-led programs. These activities are offered in morning and afternoon sessions, accommodating various schedules. The adaptive wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Mondays and Tuesdays. On other days, visitors can reserve chairs in advance. As of October 1, the chairs will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis, though this may change based on demand.
The initial offering of these adaptive programs saw high demand, often exceeding the available resources. “We frequently receive more requests than we have chairs or personnel to assist,” Corrigan noted. Efforts are underway to train more volunteers and acquire additional equipment to meet the growing need.
Cost and Accessibility
One of the most commendable aspects of this initiative is that both the ranger-led programming and the use of wheelchairs are free of charge. This ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to these valuable experiences.
“This is everyone’s park,” Pearson affirmed. “We should all be able to enjoy it and feel included.” The commitment to accessibility reflects a broader effort to make national parks welcoming to all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities.
The National Park Service’s adaptive programming at Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as a model for other parks striving to enhance accessibility. By expanding these initiatives, the park ensures that its natural wonders are accessible to everyone, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and community.