Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Chair Rental

Great Smoky Mountains National Park now has GRIT Freedom Chairs available for checkout at no charge! Chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis Sundays-Wednesdays at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg OR by reservation, 3 days to 30 business days, in advance. These manual, off-road capable wheelchairs are designed to navigate uneven terrain, including grass, rocks, roots, and unpaved hiking trails.

 

Adult and child-sized chairs are available for individuals with trunk and head control. Weight is limited to 250 pounds or less. Adult chairs are available in 18-inch seat width, and junior chairs have a 12-inch seat width. To ensure safety, users must have a companion with them while using a chair- either a park volunteer, friend, or family member must accompany chair users. ​

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When: Walk-ins available year round at Sugarlands Visitor's Center. Reservations are available from July 1- September 30, 2025. ​

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• Reservations: Monday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, the chairs will be available to reserve for specific trails within the park, on specifics days/times. View availability on the reservation website at the bottom of this page. 

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• Walk-ins: GRIT Freedom Chairs will be available on a first come, first served basis from the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. Please email the National Park Service or call the visitor's center at (865) 436-1200 with any questions.

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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 

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Please note: If you are more than 30 minutes late to your reservation time, your GRIT Chair will be returned to the visitor's center and you will not be able to hike. Please allow plenty of time for traffic in the park as summer can be very busy. 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​Please watch the videos below to learn more about the GRIT Freedom Chair. If you are ready to rent a chair, use the button below to make a reservation!

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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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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Questions about reserving a chair? Email bookings@catalystsports.org or call the Sugarlands Visitor's Center at (865) 436-1200.

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