Accessible & Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are for everyone. Whether you have small children and have a stroller, or have limited mobility and utilize a wheelchair, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve put together a list of accessible hiking trails for your convenience. There are also several areas that you can drive in for picturesque beauty.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail—Strollers & Wheelchairs

This trail is designated as the only official accessible trail. It’s only a half-mile loop, but is flat and completely paved with a bridge. The trailhead is just over a quarter-mile south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you can pick up the audio tour. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail has separate parking, off US-441 South. Several chimneys are the only visible remnant of the people that made this area home. It is open throughout the year. If you want to get into nature with kids, this option is perfect for those with shorter attention spans. If you’re lucky, you might even see a wild turkey!

Gatlinburg Trail—Strollers

Pick up the trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center (fully accessible and open yearly, except for Christmas) and enjoy beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River’s West Prong. The 1.9-mile trail (one-way) is mostly flat. The trail is also open to dogs and bicyclists. You might also see the foundations and chimneys of old homesites along the trail. The trail is gravel, with some paved areas and a wooden pedestrian bridge.

Oconaluftee River Trail—Strollers and Wheelchairs (some areas)

You can pick up the trailhead at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC. Restrooms are available at both ends of the trail. This hiking trail is a bit shorter than the Gatlinburg Hiking Trail, at three miles round-trip. The paths are hard-packed dirt, so wheelchairs might have some difficulty. This trail is another location in the park that allows dogs and bikes. You’ll find it is a relatively flat trail, but offers great views of the Oconaluftee River. On the trip, you’ll find exhibits with Cherokee artwork and quotes, and you’ll be able to learn about their traditions. The Smoky Mountains were sacred to the Cherokee people. If you are able, visit the Mountain Farm Museum (hard-packed gravel paths), where you can explore a log farmhouse, springhouse, apple house, barn, and working blacksmith shop. While you can easily view most of the buildings from the doorways, there is ramp access to the house.

Cades Cove—Strollers and Wheelchair (some areas)

The 11-mile road is a hot-spot for drivers who wish to take the auto tour, but the Cades Cove Visitor Center (open daily except for Christmas) is accessible, including the restrooms and drinking fountains. In the Cades Cove area, the Becky Cable House has a wheelchair ramp, as does the Cable Mill. The trails that take you past the historic buildings are hard-packed gravel, but they are a level surface.

We hope you enjoyed our list and plan to visit some of these pieces of history and beautiful views and scenery provided by the trails. There are plenty of other places to explore if you are willing to push yourself through steeper grades of elevation and rougher terrain. While you are still planning your vacation, check out the activities we offer. A lack of mobility doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a rafting adventure! We are the only outfitter with a wheelchair shuttle bus for our guests. If you’re looking into other fun activities on your trip,  consider adding Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. You can buy a Ripley’s package or add it when you book with Rafting in the Smokies.