More visitors will be able to explore the trails and natural areas at Lake Guntersville State Park with the addition of a new all-terrain mobility vehicle.

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association unveiled the Trackchair Tuesday at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. The specialized vehicle, funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority, is designed to help people with mobility challenges navigate trails and uneven terrain that may be inaccessible with a traditional wheelchair.

“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, TVA Alabama director of government and community relations.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the Trackchair builds on accessibility improvements throughout the state park system, including accessible playgrounds, paved ADA trails, scenic overlooks, cabins and hotel rooms.

“I am so excited for the new Trackchair at Lake Guntersville State Park, and I appreciate our partnership with TVA and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association that made this possible,” Blankenship said. “This new mobile terrain device continues our commitment to make our Alabama State Parks accessible for all.”

The addition is part of AMLA’s broader effort to make North Alabama tourism more accessible to visitors with disabilities, limited mobility and sensory sensitivities.

“Expanding access to North Alabama’s amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities,” AMLA President and CEO Tami Reist said. “Thanks 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.”

AMLA launched its region-wide accessibility initiative last year and has since donated more than 50 wheelchairs and 15 Meta Smart Glasses to tourism-related venues. The organization also previously provided a mobile terrain vehicle to Joe Wheeler State Park.

Lake Guntersville State Park is now the latest North Alabama destination in that effort, opening more of its trails and scenery to visitors regardless of mobility limitations.

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