GUNTERSVILLE — A new Trackchair mobile terrain vehicle at Lake Guntersville State Park will give visitors with mobility challenges the opportunity to experience the park’s scenic beauty with greater independence.
The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) presented the vehicle Tuesday during a press conference. AMLA is the official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama. Funding was provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
“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 Government and Community Relations. “At TVA, we invest in partnerships that power progress, drive economic growth, protect our environment and improve quality of life in the Tennessee Valley. Every dollar reflects our mission and commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Partnerships Help
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said his department continually works to make state parks accessible for everyone.
“I am so excited for the new Trackchair at Lake Guntersville State Park. I appreciate our partnership with TVA and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association that made this possible,” he said. “We have invested in accessible playgrounds, paved ADA trails and parking areas, scenic overlooks and ADA cabins, hotel rooms, and other facilities. I look forward to more projects and partnerships like this all across Alabama.”
The mobile terrain vehicle is designed to provide access to outdoor areas that are often inaccessible to traditional wheelchairs. This includes trails, natural landscapes and uneven terrain.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and TVA for their generous support,” said Matthew Capps, director of Alabama State Parks. “This mobile terrain vehicle will allow more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park. It will create opportunities for adventure, connection and lifelong memories that might not otherwise have been possible.”
Accessibility: Top Priority
The Trackchair will help more residents and visitors enjoy the park’s mountains, lakes, trails and outdoor attractions, regardless of mobility limitations.
“Expanding access to North Alabama’s amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “Thank you to TVA’s generous support. This adaptive mobility vehicle will help remove barriers and provide more opportunities for people with different mobility needs to experience the beauty of our state park.”
The addition is part of AMLA’s ongoing accessibility initiative to make North Alabama a more welcoming destination. This is done through strategic partnerships, adaptive equipment, professional accessibility assessments and innovative technology that enhances the visitor experience.
In October 2025, AMLA launched a region-wide accessible-friendly destination initiative with the unveiling of a new website and travel tools. AMLA continues to prioritize accessible tourism with the recent donation of more than 50 wheelchairs and 15 Meta Smart Glasses to tourism-related venues.
A Trackchair mobile terrain vehicle was donated to Joe Wheeler State Park and now at Lake Guntersville State Park. These efforts help ensure North Alabama remains a welcoming destination for travelers with disabilities, limited mobility and sensory sensitivities.
