Opening the Trail: Accessibility in the Cumberland Gap Region made possible with a grant from the National Park Foundation

Envision It.

For centuries, the Cumberland Gap has been a gateway—first for wildlife, then for Indigenous peoples, settlers, and travelers moving west. Today, the trail forward is about inclusion.

The Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance is building an Accessibility Program designed to help more people experience the landscapes, history, and sense of belonging that trails provide. Whether navigating with limited mobility, recovering from injury, or exploring the outdoors later in life, this program is about removing barriers and opening doors—one trail experience at a time.

This project was made possible with a grant from the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.

What the Accessibility Program Does.

Trails tell stories, but they only matter if people can reach them. Our Accessibility Program focuses on practical, on-the-ground solutions that expand access to outdoor recreation in and around the Cumberland Gap.

The program includes:

• Adaptive mobility equipment that allows users to explore unpaved trails and natural terrain
  • EcoRover Tracked Chairs
  • GRIT Freedom Chairs
• Community demonstrations and outreach, helping families, caregivers, and partner organizations learn what’s possible
• Education and stewardship, ensuring accessibility is paired with responsible trail use and conservation
• Partnership-driven access, working alongside parks, healthcare providers, and community groups

This work is funded by the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.

Why Accessibility Matters Here.

The Cumberland Gap has always been shaped by movement—migration routes, military roads, wagon trails, and parkways. Accessibility is the next chapter in that long story.

Outdoor access supports physical health, mental well-being, and social connection. For many people, adaptive equipment is not a luxury—it is the difference between watching from a distance and participating fully. Our goal is to make sure the outdoors reflects the diversity of the people who care about it. The National Park Foundation funded this work to help ensure more people can connect meaningfully with public lands.

How the Grant Makes an Impact.

This project was made possible with a grant from the National Park Foundation, which supports efforts nationwide to ensure America’s national parks and surrounding landscapes are preserved, protected, and accessible for present and future generations. 

The grant allows the Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance to:

• Strengthen long-term accessibility planning across the region
• Expand access to adaptive equipment
• Build sustainable, community-based programming
• Train volunteers and partners in inclusive trail use

Who the Program Serves.

This program is designed for:

• Individuals with mobility limitations
• Veterans and people recovering from injury
• Older adults seeking safe outdoor experiences
• Families and caregivers exploring adaptive recreation together
• Community organizations interested in inclusive outdoor programming

If the trail has ever felt just out of reach, this program exists for you thanks to our grant from the National Park Foundation.

Get Involved.

Accessibility is strongest when it’s shared.

Whether you are interested in using the equipment, partnering on programming, volunteering, or supporting inclusive trail initiatives, we welcome your involvement. Together, we are working to ensure the Cumberland Gap remains accessible and welcoming—for everyone.