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10 Accessible Tennessee State Parks
At these State Parks, hiking is for everyone.
Hiking for Everyone: 7 Accessible Trails Across Tennessee
TN State Parks
As we get older, the idea of hiking sounds like a daunting task. Unwieldy, uneven paths can make exploring the great outdoors intimidating.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Tennessee State Parks offer various accessible trails and greenways. These 7 parks offer scenery without risk. All of them provide all-terrain wheelchairs, as well as paved trails. Here are ten trails in the state accessible to all.
Reelfoot Lake
Just outside the heart of West Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake offers a unique outdoor adventure. Surrounded by the lake’s 15,000 acres of water, Reelfoot has an expansive ecosystem. Various birds, including bald eagles, call the park home. The park provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching.
Laurie Gibbs
The park has paved trails: the Visitor Center Boardwalk and the Walking Loop at Eagle Basin. The park also offers accessible kayaking and canoeing, so all guests can enjoy an experience on the lake.
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Sarah Reid
The site of ancient Native American ritual mounds, Pinson State Park is a perfect outdoor trip for any history fan. Listed as a national historic landmark, the park boasts 15 historic mounds. It also features a museum and a theater, where visitors can learn more about the history of local tribes.
Pinson offers as three accessible hiking trails. The Outer Loop, Inner Loop and Center Mound trail are three short, paved walkways. The park also designates spots for picnicking and features a playground for young children.
Bledsoe Creek State Park
Jeff Law
Once a Native American hunting ground, today Bledsoe Creek State Park serves as a hub for year-round fishing, birdwatching and hiking. Bledsoe is also known for its camping locations. The grounds include a museum and the largest standing log structure in Tennessee.
The Birdsong and Mayo Wix Trails are short, paved trails accessible to all.
Radnor Lake
Steve Ward
Just outside of Nashville, Radnor Lake specializes in interactive outdoors experiences. Led by rangers, the park hosts various educational opportunities such as wildlife hikes and birding. Additionally, the park has an aviary education center.
Its Otter Creak Trail is an accessible, paved walkway, featuring a look at the beaver dam and the lake. A colorblind view finder ensures everybody can see the beauty of the park.
Seven Islands State Birding
Steve Ward
East of Knoxville, the Seven Islands State Birding Park boasts over 220 species of birds. The park blends aquatic and grassy landscapes, and it runs along the French Board River. Hikers and birders alike come to this park for a riveting outdoors experience.
The park includes accessible paddling and the Bob White Accessible Trail.
Red Clay
Peggy Yaeger
The Cherokee National Government used the land of Red Clay Park as their last political center before being displaced from the land. The park’s connection with the trail of tears makes it both an outdoor and historical venture.
The park delivers an experience that focuses on history with minimal hiking. It features a welcoming picnic area and a visiting center with a gift shop.
Fall Creek Falls
For those looking for gorgeous views without the strenuous hikes, Fall Creek Falls provides that experience. The popular state park is famed for its waterfalls. Visitors can also boat and visit the nature center.
Chad A. Steed
The Fall Creek Falls waterfall can be seen from the accessible overlook. A paved trail leads to a view of the waterfall, with little hiking involved.
Olivia Young
The adventure of exploring a Tennessee State Park is available to all. All-terrain wheelchairs, paved paths and accessible boating make a visit to these parks a fun-filled day. Even if your body can’t do everything it used to. Visit the Tennessee State Parks accessibility page to discover more accessible ways to get outdoors this summer.
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