Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Wheelchair Program

​GRIT Freedom Chairs are available for checkout at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis at Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconoluftee Visitor Center, or by reservation from May through October, made three to 30 business days in advance. Offroad-capable wheelchairs are designed to navigate uneven terrain, including rock, roots, and unpaved hiking trails. Adult and child-sized chairs are available for individuals with core body strength and head control. Weight is limited to 250 pounds or less. A park volunteer, friend, or family member must accompany chair users.  

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Please call the visitor's center at (865) 436-1200 with any questions or to reserve a chair!

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Eligibility requirements: 

• Users must be able to transfer into/out of the GRIT chair independently or with assistance from a companion. Park staff/volunteers are not trained to safely assist with transfers.

• Users must be able to maintain upright sitting posture with good head control, with only a lap belt. Users who require head support or a chest harness will not be safe or comfortable in the GRIT chair.

• To ensure safety, users must have a companion with them while renting a GRIT chair. You may bring a friend or family member to hike with you, or a park volunteer will be available to join you. 

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Cost: Free ​

 

​​​​​​​​​​​Please watch the videos below to learn more about the GRIT Freedom Chair. 

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Trail Information: 

Individual mobility device checkout is available on approximately 14 miles (one-way) of trails in the park including:

 

• Gatlinburg Trail (2.0 miles, one-way)

• Little River Trail to Huskey Gap Trail (2.7 miles one-way)

• Cataract Falls (side route- ½ mile one-way)

• Sugarland Valley Nature Trail (paved ADA Accessible- ½ mile loop)

• Bradley Fork Trail to Backcountry Campsite #50 (1.3 miles, one-way)

• Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles, one-way)

• Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls (1.1 miles, one-way)

• Middle Prong Trail (1.3 miles, one way)

• John Oliver Trail, (1/4-mile, one way)

• Elijah Oliver Trail, (½ mile, one way)

• Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground (1.0 mile, one-way) to Backcountry Campsite #1

• Hazel Creek Trail to Lakeshore Trail (1.5 miles, one-way) and areas around Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove Visitor Centers

 

For more detailed trail information, please check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trail Accessibility webpage or contact the Sugarlands Visitor Center for more information. Be sure to check back soon for updates on trail information.  The park continues to assess and update trail information and hopes to expand this list of trails.​​​​

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