Trails for All

TVA and partners work to ensure locals and visitors can experience the natural beauty of north Alabama’s parks and public lands

In autumn there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a soft breeze or the warmth of the sun, as leaves crackle underfoot. And thanks to an effort led by TVA, more people, regardless of physical ability, will experience the joys of nature.

“There are people who’ve never been on a trail or haven’t been on a trail in 20 years and now they can,” said Jonathan Gruber, Assistant Superintendent of Lake Guntersville State Park.

To make outdoor recreation even more accessible for families and visitors, TVA has partnered since 2025 with organizations across north Alabama to provide all‑terrain vehicles at the Bear Creek Collaborative, Joe Wheeler State Park, and Lake Guntersville State Park. These vehicles are designed to help ensure that public lands remain truly public for every age, ability, and experience level.

"TVA is proud to support the expansion of accessible outdoor recreation so everyone can experience the beautiful natural spaces across north Alabama," said Lauren Pelto, Alabama Director of TVA Government and Community Relations.

Designed by TerrainHopper, the newest all‑terrain vehicle will be housed at the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge and available, free of charge, to both visitors and local residents, who can reserve it for use along the park’s trails. While it can’t navigate every inch of the park’s 36‑mile trail system due to narrow sections, it is well‑suited for paths at least 21 inches wide and easily reached from the lodge.

The vehicle features a padded, comfortable seat with secure straps, a handlebar or joystick for operation, headlights for low‑light conditions, and the ability to drive both forward and in reverse. It can take on inclines up to 45 degrees and descend slopes up to 35 degrees, opening the outdoors to users who might otherwise be unable to explore these landscapes.

TVA partnered with the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA), which has an ongoing region-wide initiative to increase access to outdoor recreation and remove barriers for people with different mobility needs.

"Expanding access to north Alabama's amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities," said Tami Reist, AMLA President and CEO.

As helpful as technology is, its impact is best understood through the experiences of those who’ve already used a TerrainHopper.

During the unveiling event at Lake Guntersville this summer, Reist shared the story of Serenity Hartman, a teenage girl whose birthday wish was to become a junior ranger. Much of Serenity’s like had been spent in hospitals, with little opportunity to experience the outdoors. For her 16th birthday, her mother brought her to Joe Wheeler Park, hoping for a meaningful outdoor experience. Thanks to the support of park staff and a grant from TVA, Serenity used a specialized TerrainHopper to navigate trails that had previously been out of reach.

"For the first time, she was fully able to experience the outdoors and not just from the sidelines, but immersed in it,” Reist said.

As emotion filled her voice, Reist said stories like Serenity’s are the reason AMLA continues to push for accessibility. “She was able to get on the trails, to hear the birds, and see the rabbits, and feel the peace, even for a moment. This is why accessibility matters. That’s why we work at AMLA and are pushing for accessible trails for people like Serenity.”

At the Bear Creek Collaborative in Hodges, Alabama, accessibility is also transforming how people connect with nature. In the spring of 2025, the Bear Creek Education Center received an all-terrain vehicle, donated by TVA, to support its year-round specialized programs for children and adults in northwest Alabama.

“It pretty much gets used at almost every camp we have,” said Bethany Oliver, Bear Creek Collaborative Executive Director of Funding and Project Development. “One of things that’s been the biggest game-changer for us is the universal design. Maybe there’s not someone who has a disability, but they have other reasons they need to use it, and it’s opened the door for them.”

Approximately 100 of the 400 total acres on the property, which includes many hills, are used for activities at Bear Creek. Having the mobile vehicle available helps staff cater to the wide variety of groups that request to use the property, including schools, college and universities, sports teams, leadership organizations, churches and scout groups. And, Oliver said, access isn’t the only benefit.

“This summer, through TVA, we were able to bring in four non-profit organizations from northwest Alabama to the education center,” she said. “A lot of the kids aren’t being exposed to a lot of this stuff. Seeing them get outside and out of their comfort zone, it’s a confidence builder too.”

As accessibility expands, so does the joy of exploring Alabama’s natural beauty for more people. And as National Public Lands Day reminds us of the collective responsibility to care for our shared spaces, efforts like these ensure that public lands remain welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable for all who wish to experience them.