NORTH ALABAMA–OCTOBER 2025–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 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.

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, sensory kits and quiet spaces to ensure everyone can 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 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 directly in front of the building 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. 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.

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.

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ST. MARYS, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2025–On Georgia’s Southeastern coast, St. Marys is an idyllic small town popular with those who enjoy coastal charm, outdoor activities and a fresh take on local cuisine. Located less than an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida, off I-95, St. Marys is easy to get to and, more than ever, it is easily accessible for visitors of all abilities.

Downtown

Downtown St. Marys has a unique mix of locally owned retail shops where collections of specialty retail, local art, vintage décor and more line the aisles. The sidewalks are well-kept and are ten to twenty feet wide in some areas. The crosswalks have wheelchair cutouts for easy use. While uneven surfaces, mainly due to tree root systems, are present, sidewalks are passable for users of all wheelchair or scooter type chairs.

There are also golf cart rentals available, making cruising around town a fun part of the visit. Carts are delivered right to a visitors’ location for use during the stay. For an exclusive tour and a look into area history and lore, private golf cart tours of St. Marys Historic District can be scheduled in advance.

St. Marys Waterfront Park (100 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558), with its ancient oaks and beautiful river views is a favorite spot to enjoy downtown. There is a fountain, boardwalk, gazebo, picnic areas and public restrooms. There is ramp access from the street and there are sidewalks throughout the park that make it completely accessible. Both the gazebo and the amphitheater are accessible and are great places to get out of the sun and enjoy the views of the river. 

Attractions

Among St. Marys’ top accessible attractions is Cumberland Island Museum (129 Osborne Street, St. Mary, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336). The museum showcases a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island including stories of the famed Carnegie family and remnants of the Timucuan Indians who once inhabited the island. The “Forgotten Battle” exhibit demonstrates the dramatic events that occurred during one of the last battles of the War of 1812, fought here. The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and for the visually impaired and restrooms are also handicap accessible.

The St. Marys Submarine Museum (102 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-2782) is a Georgia WWII Heritage Trail site and is a must-see attraction. Its vast collection includes uniforms and submarine models and a host of exhibits chronicling the extensive activities of the “Silent Service” in area waters. The museum is filled with a wide variety of exhibits, pictures, models, artifacts and rare historical documents, along with local activity accounts. Visitors can view the St. Marys waterfront through a real submarine Type 2 periscope. A chair lift is available for access to the 2nd floor.

St. Marys Aquatic Center (311 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-673-8118) has a variety of ways to enjoy the water, including a thrilling water slide, a calm, lazy river and a fun splash pad. There are steps at the entry and both the lazy river and children’s pool have zero entry access. The lap pool offers a chair lift for pool entry. Patrons can relax in the sun or lounge under umbrellas and when it’s time for a break, the park’s snack bar offers a variety of tasty treats from ice cream to pizza.

Parks

Crooked River State Park (6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-5256) is a 500-acre park and the perfect spot for enjoying pinewood flats, salt marshes and maritime forest. There are four hiking trails, three kayaking routes and picturesque fishing spots, along with a boat ramp. The nature center features fish, snakes, turtles and other animals native to coastal Georgia. While trails are not paved or hard-packed surfaces, there are all-terrain track chairs available for reservation. The Visitor Center, Nature Center and the bait shop are wheelchair accessible and there are several accessible amenities and facilities in the park. 

Cumberland Island National Seashore is a treasure just off the mainland and is a popular day trip for St. Marys visitors. The island encompasses more than 9,000 acres which includes pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and vast marshes. The island is accessible only by ferry, with reservations, and the excursion starts at the Visitor Center (113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-882-4336) on the waterfront. Visitors check in here for their ferry ride to the island and both the center and the ferry are wheelchair accessible. All island trails are sand and weather conditions impact the ease of movement on them. All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available upon request. These non-motorized wheelchairs are designed with balloon tires for ease of movement in sand. There are also two all-electric all-terrain track chairs available, by reservation, through a pilot program. The park maintains a listing of facilities and services at Cumberland Island National Seashore that are accessible for people with mobility, vision and/or hearing limitations.

St. Marys has a host of independent lodging options, each with a personality of its own. Visitors are encouraged to discuss specific accessibility needs when making reservations to enjoy a visit to St. Marys.

Where to eat

St. Marys’ restaurants offer excellent fare that comes in a variety of flavors. There are those who specialize in local seafood, of course. They are joined by a variety of other specialties and the combination is a satisfying mix of flavors that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Locals Dockside (307 West St. Marys Street, St. Marys Georgia 31558; 912-510-8577) is a favorite seafood and steak spot. There are creative preparations of fish, scallops and oysters as well as succulent steaks and outstanding desserts.

The Firefly Taco Cantina (609 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558; 912-623-8226) has outdoor seating, an upbeat atmosphere and a menu filled with tasty items for brunch, lunch, happy hour and more.

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