Accessible outdoors

Immerse yourself in the outdoors! Western North Carolina and East Tennessee offer great opportunities to enjoy nature. From accessible camping to historic trails, the blue ridge mountains host a multitude of activities for the disabled. Check out amazing locations below!

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Arbor Crest Gardens

50 acre botanical specimen garden featuring nearly 2,500 specimens and working vegetable garden. Arbor Crest is the life long achievement of Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Stanley. Breathtaking, unbelievable and a treasure of botanical knowledge.

Magic is the only word that fits. The garden is accessible with a few areas of exception. All of the pathways are paved and smooth. Individuals using mobility devices without motors should bring a friend for the steep areas. Some portions of the paths are quite steep. Power wheelchairs and scooters are an advantage here. The garden also provides specialized shuttles to all individual's who prefer not to walk. Shuttle holds eight passengers and is driven by a tour guide. You must be able to transfer into the shuttle by yourself or with the help of your personal attendant. Garden staff may not transfer you due to insurance liability. For more information click the link below.

A smiling man with a beard and glasses in a motorized wheelchair, wearing a cap and a blue shirt, seated outdoors overlooking a terraced garden with trees, bushes, and flowers on a hillside with a mountain and blue sky in the background.

A lush garden with a winding pathway, vibrant flowering bushes, and tall trees under a bright blue sky with a few white clouds.

A winding driveway through a colorful, landscaped garden with trees, shrubs, and flowers on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

House on a hillside surrounded by landscaped garden with trees and shrubs, under a blue sky with some clouds.

Moses H. Cone Estate Manor House, Bass Lake and Carriage Trails

An extraordinary opportunity for people of all abilities! Situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the estate offers 25 miles of carriage trails for every skill level. The manor house is fully accessible and home of the Southern Highlands Craft Gallery. Bass Lake offers visitors a majestic stroll through the heart of the mountains and features a new accessible access and accessible bathrooms. Additionally, the carriage trails provide hiking for all skill levels. Personally, this is my favorite place to do wheelchair hiking! A power wheelchair is definitely an advantage! Always be prepared. Mountain terrain and weather can change rapidly! Dress appropriately!

Two men enjoying a walk in a scenic mountainous area on a clear day. One man is standing, wearing sunglasses and a dark t-shirt, while the other is seated in a power wheelchair, also wearing sunglasses and a jacket. The background features a winding gravel path, rolling hills, and distant mountains under a bright blue sky.

A large white Victorian-style house with multiple porches, balconies, and a mansard roof, surrounded by greenery and a white fence in the foreground.

A peaceful lake surrounded by green trees and hills under a partly cloudy sky with a few white clouds.

Grandfather Mountain

It was my privilege to grow up in the shadow of the grandfather. A spiritual and breathtaking destination! Many areas of the mountain are wheelchair accessible including the mile high swinging Bridge, several picnic areas , the restaurant and visitor center as well as the museum and gift shop on top of the mountain . If you want to get high on a mountain, this is the place. Highly recommended.

A smiling man in a wheelchair wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a blue shirt with a scenic mountain landscape, trees, and parked cars in the background, along with a deer near greenery.

A man with white hair and beard wearing sunglasses and a blue shirt, sitting in a motorized wheelchair outdoors on a stone pathway, with mountains and lush green trees in the background.

Metal bridge with a green sign indicating 1 mile, 5,280 feet.

People on a suspension bridge over a lush green forest with mountains in the background, at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.

Price Lake Campground and picnic area

Situated beside scenic Price Lake, the campground offers accessible campsites along with an accessible bathhouse. This is a perfect spot for day camping or an overnight excursion! Each campsite is complete with a tent platform, fire pit and picnic table. Be aware! The weather is very dynamic and temperatures can change rapidly. Follow all the rules and guidelines for a premium experience.

Man in a motorized wheelchair sitting outdoors at a picnic table with food, a dog lying nearby, and trees in the background.

Sunset over a mountain lake with a forested shoreline and a partly cloudy sky reflected in the calm water.

A park scene showing a grassy area with multicolored trees, a clear blue sky, and a walking path shaded by trees on the right.

Brookshire park, Boone nc

Situated along the New River, Brookshire park offers a totally accessible walking path along the river as well as covered picnic area with grill and accessible bathrooms. As always, be ready for unexpected obstacles and changes in weather. A great place to spread out your blanket and play Frisbee!

An elderly man in a wheelchair blocking a dirt path with a fallen tree across it, in a scenic outdoor setting with green grass, trees, and distant mountains.