Join a Ranger to learn about the natural and cultural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During these inclusive programs, adaptive equipment is welcome. Limited adaptive equipment will be available for use during the program. Inquire at Sugarlands Visitor Center about adaptive equipment.
Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 (HIKE)—Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, TN, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Time slots: 9:00 am -11:00 a.m. and 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
**Volunteer Training**Oconaluftee Visitor Center from 10:00 -12:00 Saturday July 15, 2023. 1194 Newfound Gap Rd. , Cherokee, NC 28719
The volunteer training is for staff and volunteers that will be assisting with the adaptive programs with Catalyst Sports/Knox County in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is geared towards getting staff and recruiting volunteers to give them awareness of disability etiquette, and an overview of adaptive sports equipment that will be used during the hikes and bike rides in the park. Information will be sent out to all registered volunteers.
**Close out of the pop-up box and complete registration**
Directions to Trail
From Cherokee, NC, take US Route 74W to Exit 67 (Veterans Blvd) into Bryson City. Turn right on Main Street and left on Everett Street. Cross the railroad tracks and turn right on Depot Street. At the stop sign, turn left onto Deep Creek Road. Go approximately 2.5 miles to the Deep Creek Park entrance. Stay straight, pass Deep Creek Campground and Picnic area on the right. Drive 1/10 mile and park at the Deep Creek Trail parking lot.
Sunday, August 27, 2023 (BIKE) —Forge Creek Road, in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, past Townsend, TN
Time slots: 9:00 am -11:00 a.m. and 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Directions to Trail
This site is halfway around the Cades Cove driving loop. From the entrance of Cades Cove, it takes minimum of 30 minutes to drive to the Cades Cove Visitor Center parking lot where the bike program will start.
From Townsend, TN, take TN-73 East into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Turn right onto Laurel Creek Road (or, follow the signs for Cades Cove). Continue on Laurel Creek Road for 7 miles until you reach Cades Cove Loop. Once past the orientation shelter, drive 30 minutes on the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road (roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop) to the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Meet at the end of the parking lot, near the restrooms.
Physical Address: Cable Mill Road, Townsend, TN 37882.
Saturday, September 9, 2023 (HIKE)—Little River Trail, near Elkmont Campground, near Gatlinburg, TN.
Time slots: 9:00 am -11:00 a.m. and 12:00 pm -2:00 pm
Directions to Trail
The Little River Trail is located near Elkmont Campground. Drive south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) for 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road towards Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to Elkmont Campground Road, then turn left. Go 1.4 miles, turn left just before the campground office sign. After crossing the bridge, take the left into the parking lot. Parking for the hike will be on the left. (The nearest street address is 500 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN).
Rain Date, Saturday, September 30, 2023 (TBD, if needed)–To be determined based on make-up site location.