Trail Accessibility Information

The following trails have been measured with a High-Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) to collect objective trail information. The equipment consists of a pushcart with sensors that collect data like grade, slope, width, and GPS coordinates. Use the descriptions, maps, and photos to determine which hikes are suitable for you.

 

Reserve a mobility device for your Smokies adventure

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

• Gatlinburg Trail (2 miles, one way)
• Little River Trail to Husky Gap Trail (2.7 miles, one way)
• Cataract Falls (side route: half a mile, one way)
• Sugarland Valley Nature Trail (paved ADA Accessible loop trail, half a mile total)
• 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 (quarter mile, one way)
• Elijah Oliver Trail (half a mile, one way)
• Cooper Road Trail from Abrams Creek Campground (1 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

Ask at Sugarlands Visitor Center for additional details or reserve your chair online June through September (Reservations will resume spring 2025).

 

 

The Bradley Fork Trail begins at the far end of Smokemont Campground.

NPS Graphic

Bradley Fork Trail, NC

Length: 3.9 mi (6.3 km)
Elevation Gain: 845.8 ft (257.8 m)
Elevation Loss: 94.1 ft (28.69 m)

Take a leisurely stroll on the Bradley Fork Trail to enjoy scenic streams and expansive forests. The initial 3.9 miles (6.3 kilometers) gently follow an old road along the Bradley Fork of the Oconaluftee River. Wide and gravely, this trail includes multiple water crossings with wooden bridges and boasts assorted wildflowers in spring.

The typical grade, or slope, of the first 3.9 miles is 4.5% with a maximum of 17.6%. The typical cross slope, or grade in the trail side-to-side, is 2.8% with a maximum of 17.1%.

The typical width is 10.9 feet (3.33 meters) with a minimum of 2.0 feet (0.61 meters). The trail surface is composed of aggregate material and gravel. The Bradley Fork trail continues at the 3.9 mile mark, but becomes steeper and narrower.

 

Bradley Fork Trail Images

10 Images

A mixture of scenic views and obstacles one might encounter on the Bradley Fork Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These photos are helpful in determining if this trail meets your accessibility needs.

 

Little River Trail, TN

Length: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain: 160.5 feet (48.9 meters)
Elevation Loss: 1.6 feet (0.48 meters)

The Little River Trail follows its namesake waterway, offering a wide, easily navigable path through the inviting forest. Picturesque boulders scatter the river year-round and wildflowers bloom abundantly in spring.

In the first 0.9 miles measured with the HETAP device, the typical slope is 3.2% with a maximum of 21.7%. The typical cross slope, or grade in the trail side-to-side, is 2.0%, with a maximum of 19.1%.

The typical width of the measured section is 10.6 feet (3.22 meters) with a minimum of 3.3 feet (1.02 meters). The trail surface is composed of aggregate material and gravel. The trail continues for another 1.5 miles to a junction with the Cucumber Gap Trail.

 

The Little River Trail begins at the far end of Elkmont Campground.

NPS Graphic

 

Little River Trail Images

10 Images

Views and trail features one might encounter on the Little River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These photos are helpful in determining if this trail meets your accessibility needs.