Smokies begins adaptive programming
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin its 2026 season of adaptive programming this spring with ranger-led experiences designed for visitors with limited mobility and their families.
This year’s lineup includes hiking, biking, fly fishing and one overnight backcountry camping trip:
• May 9: Fly fishing with Trout Unlimited (Tennessee)
• June 5: Night hike on Little River Trail (Tennessee)
• June 20: Hike on the Oconaluftee River Trail (North Carolina)
• July 11: Bike Deep Creek and Indian Creek Trails (North Carolina)
• Sept. 16: Bike Cades Cove Loop (Tennessee)
• Sept. 26-27: Hike Cooper Road Trail and camp at backcountry campsite No. 1 (Tennessee)
• Oct. 24: Hike on Porter’s Creek Trail (Tennessee)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has offered adaptive ranger-led experiences since 2023 in collaboration with Catalyst Sports, Knox County and Friends of the Smokies. This year’s programming includes a fishing experience in collaboration with Trout Unlimited.
Register for programs at catalystsports.org/great-smoky-mountain-adaptive-hike-bike. Participants must register to ensure equipment and volunteers are available for the programs. Catalyst Sports provides a variety of equipment for participants who do not have their own adaptive equipment to use during the programs.
In addition to these scheduled programs, four GRIT Freedom Chairs, a type of manual off-road wheelchair, will be available for visitors to check out free-of-charge for use on select park trails. Adult and child-sized chairs are available for individuals with core body strength and head control.
