Wheelchair Friendly and Accessible Travel in Tennessee

• Nearly every location along the Northeast Tennessee Night Sky Trail offers some level of ADA-friendly accessibility.
• These accessible sites make it possible for virtually anyone to enjoy a night under the twinkling Milky Way Galaxy, helping position the trail as a collection of standout wheelchair accessible travel destinations.
• Locations range from panoramic mountain vistas to serene lakesides, observation decks and historic downtowns.
• Each stop offers accessible ways for nature lovers to experience the incredible beauty Tennessee has to offer.
• Some trails recommend the use of all-terrain wheelchairs.
• Others are generally wheelchair friendly, including select portions of the Appalachian Trail.
• Parking availability varies by location along the trail, depending on whether the site is a state park, overlook, downtown area or public facility.

• Tennessee Riverpark offers an accessible outdoor experience for visitors who prefer paved paths over rugged terrain.
• The park features 13 miles of paved, ADA-friendly trails with scenic river views and picnic areas throughout.
• It’s an ideal daytime outing in the Scenic City, combining fresh air with easy accessibility.
• The riverwalk connects directly to nearby attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Bluff View Art District and the Battery Place neighborhood, all of which are wheelchair accessible.
• Coolidge Park, located on the city’s North Shore, is also along the riverwalk, featuring green spaces, an interactive water fountain and military memorabilia.
• Parking: Public parking lots, garages and street parking are available along the riverwalk, with ADA-accessible spaces near major access points.
• Make sure to check out Curb Free with Cory Lee for more accessible outdoor adventure ideas in Chattanooga.

• Lodge Museum of Cast Iron stands out for its interactive, all-ages experiences celebrating cooking, history and food culture.
• It’s an ideal stop for visitors who love culinary heritage, hands-on learning and even a few impressively oversized skillets.
• All areas of the Factory Store, Museum and on-site restaurant follow ADA standards, making it a standout destination for wheelchair accessible travel.
• Museum exhibits explore the art and science of cast iron, the heritage and legacy of Lodge Cast Iron and the role cast iron has played in Southern food culture.
• Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the World’s Largest Cast Iron Skillet, measuring more than 18 feet from handle to handle and large enough to fry 650 eggs at once.
• Parking: Free on-site parking is available, including designated ADA-accessible spaces near the entrance.

• Dollywood offers thoughtful accommodations for guests who may need a break from the many sensory experiences common in theme parks.
• The park features a Calming Room, designed as a quiet, private space where guests or loved ones can center themselves and recharge.
• The room is equipped with sensory-support items and is reserved for one family at a time to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Dollywood also offers sensory-sensitive hours and events, which are listed on the park’s seasonal calendar.
• These offerings further position Dollywood as one of Tennessee’s standout accessible travel destinations for families and visitors with diverse needs.
• Parking: Multiple parking areas are available on-site, including designated ADA-accessible parking spaces near park entrances.

• Creative Discovery Museum was planned and built with kids’ input, creating a hands-on, interactive experience full of wonder for children and adults alike.
• The museum features engaging spaces such as a recording studio, Excavation Station, theatre and Visual Arts Gallery, offering endless fun for families.
• Younger children can join in with age-appropriate areas like the Little Yellow Garage and the infant-friendly Little Yellow House garden.
• For children who prefer a calmer environment, Sensory Nights are held on the first Thursday of every month.
• During regular visits, the museum also offers sensory bags equipped with noise-dampening headphones, fidget toys and other supportive items.

• Rotary Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, spanning more than 111 acres of secluded natural area.
• The park features miles of trails, including a wheelchair-friendly trail, making it a great option for an accessible outdoor adventure.
• Visitors will find a variety of amenities throughout the park, including three pavilions, picnic tables and grills.
• Additional features include an outdoor exercise area, playground and an ADA-accessible amphitheater, making the park welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities.

• Tennessee State Museum offers ample accessibility options for visitors interested in learning more about Tennessee’s important role in history.
• All public entrances are accessible, and elevators provide access to second-floor exhibitions.
• Standard and large wheelchairs are available at no cost upon request.
• The Children’s Gallery offers an ASL interpreter during storytime on the fourth Saturday of every month.
• The museum is conveniently located next to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, which features a paved walking trail.
• Visitors can also easily walk to the Nashville Farmers’ Market for a variety of dining options nearby.

• Adventure Science Center sits atop a hill overlooking downtown Nashville and has inspired curiosity in science and technology for decades.
• The museum features live science demonstrations, a state-of-the-art planetarium and interactive learning exhibits for visitors of all ages.
• Because some exhibits can be highly stimulating, the museum has introduced the EY Sensory Room, offering a calming space for guests who may feel overstimulated.
• Additional accessibility supports include sensory bags, social stories and trip-planning aids to help families prepare for their visit.
• The center also provides wheelchair rentals at no cost, an adult-sized changing table and enhanced exhibition accessibility developed in collaboration with the Nashville ADA office.

• Leiper’s Fork Distillery celebrates the history and heritage of small-batch whiskey production in Williamson County.
• Using primarily locally sourced ingredients, the distillery crafts spirits with a distinctive, signature taste.
• Its low volume, low impact production model ensures each batch maintains a premium level of quality.
• Guided tours, limited to up to 24 guests, walk visitors through the start-to-finish distilling process.
• Private tours are also available upon request.
• The tours, gift shop and visitor center are wheelchair friendly, making the experience accessible to a wide range of visitors.
• Parking: On-site parking is available for visitors, including accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

• Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum explores the birth of rock and soul music in a must-see Memphis experience.
• The exhibit, researched and developed by the Smithsonian Institution, traces the origins of rock ’n’ roll and soul music from their Blues roots.
• The museum is fully ADA accessible, with spacious pathways and accessible restrooms throughout.
• For additional Memphis accessibility tips, check out Kristin Secor’s World on Wheels blog post for more ADA-friendly recommendations.
• Parking: Public parking garages and surface lots are available nearby, including ADA-accessible spaces within walking distance of the entrance.

• Drummonds Park spans 30 acres and offers a peaceful setting for visitors seeking a leisurely time in nature.
• Located less than 40 minutes north of Memphis, the park features lighted and paved wheelchair-friendly nature trails that wind through woodlands rich with wildlife.
• Guests can attend events at the ADA-accessible amphitheater, enjoy a picnic or explore the playground area designed for three different age groups.
• The park’s layout and amenities make it an inviting option for visitors of varying ages and abilities.
• Parking: On-site parking is available, including designated ADA-accessible spaces near main park amenities.

• Memphis Zoo offers sensory-inclusive experiences designed to create a more comfortable visit for guests who may need a calmer environment.
• Zoo employees are trained by leading medical professionals to support visitors with sensory needs.
• Because certain exhibits and areas can include loud noises or high stimulation, sections that may be louder are clearly marked so guests can prepare accordingly.
• Through a partnership with KultureCity, sensory bags are available at Reception and include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads.
• These thoughtful accommodations help ensure a more inclusive and welcoming experience for families of all abilities.
• Parking: On-site parking is available, including designated ADA-accessible spaces near the zoo entrance.

• Discovery Park of America lives up to its name with immersive experiences ranging from antique cars and dinosaurs to a historic train depot and a 20,000-gallon aquarium.
• Visitors can explore more than 10 unique indoor galleries, along with a working gristmill, agriculture exhibits and beautifully maintained outdoor gardens.
• The park is committed to providing an accessible experience for guests of all ages and abilities.
• Wheelchairs and scooters are available at no extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All floors are accessible by elevator, and large restrooms are available throughout the facility.
• Visitors on the spectrum may request a visit before or after regular operating hours with advance notice for a more comfortable experience.
• Parking: On-site parking is available, including designated ADA-accessible spaces near the main entrance.

Tennessee State Parks continues to expand accessibility initiatives to ensure nature experiences are welcoming to all visitors.

All-Terrain Wheelchairs

• The park system’s all-terrain wheelchair program allows visitors to navigate trails alongside friends and family.
• Guests may request an all-terrain wheelchair prior to visiting select parks.
• Participating locations include Booker T. Washington State Park, Radnor Lake State Park and Chickasaw State Park.

Colorblind Viewfinders

• Many parks offer a Colorblind Viewfinder, created in collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and EnChroma® lenses.
• These viewfinders allow guests with colorblindness to experience the vibrant hues of fall foliage and the rich greens of spring and summer landscapes.

Accessible Kayak and Canoe Launches

• Tennessee State Parks is actively installing accessible kayak and canoe launches across the system.
• Accessible launches are currently available at nine state parks. 

Adult-Sized Changing Tables

• 19 state parks have installed an adult-sized changing table in restroom facilities.
• All adult-sized changing tables in Tennessee State Parks utilize a remote to adjust height, lowering to approximately 12 inches off the ground and raising to 39.5 inches.
• Designed to enhance accessibility, these tables support the diverse needs of visitors and help ensure a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities.

• In 2022, work began to install adult-sized changing tables to each of the state’s Welcome Centers and rest areas.
• Many music, performance and event venues provide services for the deaf and hard of hearing community. These vary and can include ASL interpretation or assistive listening devices. It is best to reach out to each venue for more information, however, the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Symphony, Bonnaroo Music Festival, The Bijou Theatre, The Orpheum Theatre and Tivoli Theatre are just a few examples.