Great Smoky Mountain Adaptive Hiking/Biking Days
Join a Ranger to learn about the natural and cultural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
During this 3 part series of inclusive programs we will visit a variety of trails around the park. Limited adaptive equipment will be available for use during the program. Inquire at Sugarlands Visitor Center about adaptive equipment.
Saturday July 22, 2023 (HIKE)
Time slots: 9:00 am -11:00 a.m. and 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
**Volunteer Training**
Oconaluftee Visitor Center from 10:00 -12:00 Saturday July 15, 2023. 1194 Newfound Gap Rd. , Cherokee, NC 28719
The volunteer training is for staff and volunteers that will be assisting with the adaptive programs with Catalyst Sports/Knox County in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is geared towards getting staff and recruiting volunteers to give them awareness of disability etiquette, and an overview of adaptive sports equipment that will be used during the hikes and bike rides in the park. Information will be sent out to all registered volunteers.
**Close out of the pop-up box and complete registration**
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Directions to Trail
From Cherokee, NC, take US Route 74W to Exit 67 (Veterans Blvd) into Bryson City. Turn right on Main Street and left on Everett Street. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right on Depot Street. At the stop sign, turn left onto Deep Creek Road. Go approximately 2.5 miles to the Deep Creek Park entrance. Stay straight, pass Deep Creek Campground and Picnic area on the right. Drive 1/10 mile and park at the Deep Creek Trail parking lot.
Saturday September 9, 2023 (HIKE)
Where: Little River Trail, near Elkmont Campground,
Time slots: 9:00 am -11:00 a.m. and 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
**Close out of the pop-up box and complete registration**
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Directions to trail
The Little River Trail is located near Elkmont Campground. Drive south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) for 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road towards Cades Cove. Proceed approximately 5 miles to Elkmont Campground Road, then turn left for the campground. Go 1.4 miles, turn left just before the campground office sign. After crossing the bridge, continue straight on the paved road until you reach the second paved parking area adjacent to Jakes Creek Trailhead. the Jakes Creek Park are is approximately 1/10 mile past Little River Trail parking area. (The nearest street address is 500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN).
Rain Date, Saturday, September 30, 2023 (TBD, if needed)–To be determined based on make-up site location.