Embrace the charm and accessibility of Chattanooga with our curated list of the, in no particular order, top 10 wheelchair-accessible activities, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with exploration, comfort, and fun!

1. All-Terrain Wheelchair at Booker T. Washington State Park

All-terrain wheelchairs are available at Booker T. Washington State Park, located on Chickamauga Reservoir, northeast of downtown Chattanooga. All-terrain wheelchairs are designed to easily traverse tough outdoor terrains, providing a means to reach areas of the park not suitable for a traditional wheelchair. State parks visitors can view specific park accessibility options at this link. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to reserve free of charge.

 

2. Tennessee Aquarium

All exhibit galleries at the Tennessee Aquarium are wheelchair accessible. Manual wheelchairs as well as electric wheelchairs and scooters are welcome. The Aquarium has a limited number of manual wheelchairs available for complimentary use on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

3. Chattanooga Zoo

The Zoo offers wheelchair accessible pathways, facilities and exhibits across the majority of the park. There is also wheelchair access on the "ZooChoo" train, wheelchair accessible restrooms, and reserved handicap parking spaces. Wheelchair rentals are available for purchase. 

 

4. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway + Point Park

Due to their new car design, wheelchairs are now permitted on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Enjoy the view on ride up the Incline Railway to Point Park. Touring is conducted along a rock and paved path around the perimeter of Point Park. The Ochs Museum and Observatory is the only area of Point Park that is not handicapped accessible.

 

5. Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

Cross Chattanooga's ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge from downtown to Frazier Avenue, where you can explore charming shops along the street or wander down to Coolidge Park where paved pathways meander along the Tennessee River.

Learn More About This in Samantha Brown's Places to Love Chattanooga Episode:

 

6. Rock City

Rock City is partially handicap accessible. The entrance at Gardens Gateway leads to an ADA ramp that takes guests to Legacy Lane. This portion of the Enchanted Trail allows guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility access to enjoy the overlook at Lover’s Leap and the Seven States Flag Court. The round trip distance is about 1/2 a mile. Check out their park map to see what's accessible.

 

7. Creative Discovery Museum

The entire Museum is wheelchair accessible except for the tower located on the second floor, the upper levels of Tennessee RiverPlay, and the upper level pods in TreeHouse Adventure. There is a ramp located on the front of the building for access to the Museum and an elevator located by Dino-Mite Café for access to the second floor.

 

8. Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Visit the, fully accessible, Bessie Smith Cultural Center to learn about Chattanooga's African-American history & events with exhibits on civil rights, jazz & local figures.

 

9. Chattanooga Theatre Center

See a show at the Chattanooga Theatre Center, where they have reserved spaces in both of their theaters for wheelchairs or those in need of special accommodations. In addition to these spaces, there are “companion” seats available so parties can sit together. There are no stairs between the lobbies and the theaters. However, seating in the Circle Theatre is installed on risers, with the first row on the ground level, not requiring the use of steps or stairs.

 

10. Escape Experience

Challenge yourself with one-hour team breakout games. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, but make sure to call beforehand to discuss which experience is best for your particular situation/needs.

 

Want more to do?

  • Cory Lee is know for his "Curb-free" series, documenting travel experiences from a wheelchair user's perspective. Check out his own "Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do In Chattanooga, Tennessee."
  • Take advantage of Downtown Chattanooga's Carta electric shuttle for FREE. Electric buses run daily from the Chattanooga Choo Choo to the Tennessee Aquarium with stops at every block in between. Convenient access to the attractions, convention center, shopping, hotels & employment sites in the Downtown area. All Shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • A content creator living with cerebral palsy, Chelsea Bear, filmed a two-part YouTube series, highlighting her experience with accessible travel in Chattanooga. Watch Part One and Part Two  for her insights.
  • Check out our full 3-day Accessible Itinerary here.