I think we can all agree: Tennessee’s state parks are gorgeous, and one of the best parts of living here. Tennessee is one of only seven states that offers free access to state parks, and now they’re getting more accessible. Thanks to a TVA grant and donations from several community organizations, Tennessee State Parks has partnered with Sunrise Medical to bring all-terrain wheelchairs to 22 state parks, 11 of which are located in Middle Tennessee.
Regular wheelchairs are extremely difficult to navigate over uneven terrain, making wood chip, dirt, or gravel trails often impossible to maneuver for wheelchair users and people with mobility disabilities. Some state parks have wheelchair-friendly paved trails, but that still limits the park experience. These all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to handle a range of outdoor terrains so everyone can experience our state parks.
♿ More Details About the All-Terrain Wheelchairs
The all-terrain wheelchairs are free, open to the public, and available for children and adults. They can be operated independently or with caretaker control. If you want to use one of the wheelchairs, give the park advanced notice so they can reserve a chair.
A great blue heron sunbathes at Radnor Lake, one of the 22 state parks where all-terrain wheelchairs are available. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
🏞️ Which Local Parks Have All-Terrain Wheelchairs?
- Cedars of Lebanon State Park
- Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
- Cumberland Mountain State Park
- Cummins Falls State Park
- David Crockett State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Henry Horton State Park
- Long Hunter State Park
- Radnor Lake State Park
- Sgt. Alvin C York State Historic Park
- Tims Ford State Park
Tennessee State Parks Conservancy is actively working on expanding access to their all-terrain wheelchairs and making their parks more accessible. If you’d like to help, donate!
