Adventures are More Accessible Than Ever

Accessible Options for Adventure, Lodging, and Attractions

Bryson City is known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains and is committed to creating a welcoming environment for people of all abilities to enjoy outdoor activities. Explore the accessible options for outdoor adventures, lodging, and attractions in Bryson City.

Spend some time exploring and downtown Bryson City. Accessible parking spaces are available at the Swain County Visitor Center, with easy access to all of the downtown restaurants, breweries, and shops. And don’t forget to hit up Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee for some fun.

Accessibility Options on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

All aboard a scenic excursion through the mountains and valleys aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. If you require accessibility accommodations, please book through a reservation agent by calling (800) 872-4681. The first-class cars can be accessed via a mobile ramp, and there is an actual mechanical lift ramp for the open-air cars. They also offer boarding assistance with golf carts to accommodate guests with limited walking or standing capabilities, which must also be arranged in advance. Learn more.

Trails and Waterfalls

Deep Creek Trail to Tom Branch Falls - this .2 mile section of the Deep Creek Trail is not considered accessible, however with some advance planning, could be navigable in most cases with a wheelchair suitable for dirt trail terrain. The trail is dirt and rock, with some navigation around puddles or dips. This is a wide trail, as it was formerly a logging road.

The Oconaluftee River Trail has easy walking conditions, beautiful river views, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly elk. It is relatively flat with a few small hills. This trail is not paved, and rainy conditions may cause mud and puddling.

The Road to Nowhere trail leads through an abandoned tunnel. It is not paved, but is fairly level. Flashlights are necessary when approaching the middle section of the tunnel.

The Nantahala Bikeway Trail is a flat paved trail in the Nantahala Gorge. Although earmarked as a bike trail, it is also used by those with strollers and wheelchairs.

Soco Falls - Enjoy viewing this double waterfall from a platform adjacent to a small parking area

Whitewater Falls - This 0.6-mile out-and-back trail takes you to a platform overlook of Whitewater Falls. The trail surface is paved asphalt and smooth. It is typically at least 4 feet wide. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category but there are steeper sections from about 0.1-0.2 miles when going north. Trail goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections or to avoid them for safety. There are benches along the route for resting.

Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls - Both of these waterfalls are within one mile of each other on Highway 64 in the Cullasaja Gorge just outside of Highlands, NC. There's roadside parking at Bridal Veil Falls and it is accessible to wheelchairs, scooters and strollers. Dry Falls is a 75-foot cascade with a nicely sized parking area, accessible bathrooms, and a viewing platform that is handicap accessible.

Looking Glass Falls is one of the most photogenic and beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. And it's perhaps the easiest to view  From the parking lot, you can get a nice view of the falls without having to walk down any stairs, making this handicap accessible.

Accessible Options in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy it from their vehicles, and the park has accessible facilities and programs. Activities range from viewing scenery to exploring historical structures and accessible exhibits. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite wheelchair accessible destination because it allows wheelchair users to get out and explore nature. Vehicles with valid, state-issued disabled placards or license plates are exempt from the parking tag requirement.

The Sugarlands Valley Accessible Nature Trail is a paved ADA-accessible trail through a cove hardwood forest with streamside views, rock walls, and historic stone chimneys on this half-mile (0.8 km) loop trail.

• Some of our favorite scenic spots can be viewed right from the parking lot at these locations:
• Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies. And although the observation tower is not accessible due to a steep path, fabulous views can be seen from the parking lot. Accessible parking spots are available. Sunrises and sunsets from this location can be amazing.
• Cades Cove Loop Road: Most of the historic buildings along the loop road are not accessible due to steps, lack of hard-surfaced walkways, and distance. However, many of the exteriors can be viewed from your vehicle. The John Oliver Cabin and the Cades Cove Visitor Center ARE accessible to wheelchairs.
• Camping Reservations for an “accessible unit” (wheelchair accessible) can be made for campsites in three campgrounds: Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Cades Cove and Smokemont have accessible sites year-round, while Elkmont's accessible sites are seasonal. Accessible sites are generally level and located adjacent to accessible restrooms. The campsites have been modified with paving, specialized tables, and fire grills. For reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov.

Take a look at more accessible options in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including overlooks along Newfound Gap Road:

Blue Ridge Parkway

Wheelchair Accessible Highlights

Also known as America's Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers miles and miles of long-range mountain views right from your vehicle. An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. The restrooms, visitor center, information kiosks, and exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchair Accessible Fishing Piers

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins:

ADA Accessible Hotels and Motels