Sensory-sensitive hotels and wheelchair-accessible trails lead the way in growing variety of inclusive travel options
NORTH ALABAMA–MAY 2026–The 16-county region of North Alabama is diverse in natural beauty, recreational opportunities and attractions. There are scenic state parks, bustling downtowns, children’s museums, music attractions and even a glimpse into high-tech space exploration. And across this northernmost region of the state there is a dedication to making accessible travel experiences available. From travel resource lists to accessible waterfalls and attractions to sensory-sensitive scheduling, North Alabama is making strides to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible.
North Alabama has a varied collection of lodging options for visitors and a growing list of accessible-friendly accommodations from which to choose. ADA-compliant hotel rooms are only the beginning. There are properties that go beyond the basics and vacation rentals equipped with a variety of features and the combination gives visitors with mobility needs plenty of options. Tourism ALL-a-Bama is a lodging program intended to serve individuals and traveling families with diagnosed sensory sensitivities or who are on the autism spectrum. The number of participating North Alabama hotels continues to grow.
Once settled in, visitors find many of the region’s top attractions are leading the way in accessibility. Many of these locations have recently added to their options for visitors of varying abilities through donations of wheelchairs, Meta Smart Glasses and all-terrain track chairs provided by grants obtained by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. The association has been instrumental in equipping North Alabama with the tools and training to become the first destination in Alabama to achieve “Accessibility Verified” status with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessible travel.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-551-2230) is home to one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world. The Smithsonian Affiliate is also the Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. It features wheelchair-accessible exhibits and also has 25 wheelchairs for visitor use. In addition, Meta Smart Glasses, sensory kits and quiet spaces ensure everyone can better enjoy the wonders of space exploration.
EarlyWorks Children’s Museum (404 Madison Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-564-8100) explores history in a hands-on, interactive museum designed to delight two- to nine-year-olds. EarlyWorks has Meta Smart Glasses available and has designated sensory-friendly days with reduced noise and lighting for a more comfortable experience. It is part of a unique campus that is also home to Alabama Constitution Hall Park.
Alabama has an amazing collection of musical stories that extend from the Shoals, across North Alabama and beyond. The stories of its best and brightest stars are told at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 Highway 72 West, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-381-4417). The museum honors all styles of music and is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the state’s great musical heritage. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has a sensory tool kit as well as a small number of wheelchairs available. With prior arrangements, the museum will open for alternate visitation times to accommodate special needs.
Nearby is the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield, Alabama 35660; 256-978-5151), opened in 1969 by the renowned Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as the Swampers. The musicians, who began working together at FAME Recording Studio (603 Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661; 256-381-0801), were known for playing a unique style of funky R&B with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Etta James. Today, Muscle Shoals Sound’s main studio, gift shop and public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. (There is a basement area that is not wheelchair-friendly.) As the parking lot is gravel, parking near the sidewalk provides the best access for wheelchair entry. FAME’s standard tour can also accommodate wheelchair users.
Enjoying the diversity of North Alabama’s outdoors is no more accessible than at its state parks. From accessible trails to inclusive facilities, the parks strive to provide a welcoming experience. Joe Wheeler State Park (4401 McLean Drive, Rogersville, Alabama 35652; 256 247-5461) is one of several state parks in the region and is dedicated to ensuring all visitors can enjoy the natural beauty, recreational opportunities and amenities the park has to offer. A new TerrainHopper can now be reserved to explore unpaved trails and natural areas. Fishing is popular here and there is an accessible pier in the day-use area and bank fishing can be enjoyed from sidewalks. Wheelchair-accessible cottages and lodge rooms are equipped with ADA-compliant amenities. From the accessible Benny Bobo Trail at Lake Guntersville State Park (1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976; 256-571-5440) and the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail at DeSoto State Park (1299 Blalock Drive NE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967; 256-845-0051) to pre-scheduled golf cart cave tours at Cathedral Caverns State Park (637 Cave Road Woodville, Alabama 35776; 256-888-0230), the parks across the region have an inviting array of amenities, features and trails that can be enjoyed by people of varying abilities.
Noccalula Falls Park (1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35904; 256-549-4663) spans 250 acres and features 15 miles of hiking, biking and running trails, a train ride, petting zoo, botanical garden, pioneer village and mini-golf course. The 90-foot waterfall is the star of the park and is accessible via wheelchair from the parking lot. The paved path to the falls features beautiful views along the way.
Bear Creek Collaborative (2300 Overton Farm Road, Hodges, Alabama 35571; 256- 810-5539) aims to offer barrier-free adventure on approximately 400 acres of land and Bear Creek water access. It is also home to one of the last remaining pioneer villages in the state of Alabama. Bear Creek organizes and facilitates a learning environment that goes beyond a traditional classroom and encourages multi-sensory and multi-modality participation for field trips and other group outings. Advance reservations are required.
Additional attractions that have recently added Meta Smart Glasses to their accessibility offerings include Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, The Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace state Community College (available in the coming months), Jesse Owens Memorial Park, Cook Museum of Natural Science, The Scottsboro Boys Museum, Little River Canyon Center and the Birthplace of Helen Keller (beginning June 15).
Of course, getting around is a key priority and North Alabama has resources to make that easy. Griffin Mobility (213 Chestnut Street NW, Hartselle, Alabama 35640; 256-751-1365) offers wheelchair accessible vehicle rentals, wheelchair and scooter lifts, handicap driver controls and many other products that allow a wheelchair user to drive or transport a wheelchair. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and other equipment can be rented and delivered from Cloud of Goods (407-545-3103) at a variety of locations across North Alabama.