The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, recently announced the addition of a new adaptive mobility vehicle at Lake Guntersville State Park through funding from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The association unveiled the mobile terrain vehicle Tuesday during a news conference at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. The specialized all-terrain mobility vehicle will allow visitors with mobility challenges to explore trails and other areas of the park with greater independence.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority for their generous support in making Alabama’s great outdoors more accessible for everyone,” Alabama State Parks System Director Matthew Capps said. “This mobile terrain vehicle will allow more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park, creating opportunities for adventure, connection and lifelong memories that might not otherwise have been possible.”

Lauren Pelto, Alabama director of government and community relations for TVA, said the agency is committed to expanding access to outdoor recreation.

“TVA is proud to support the expansion of accessible outdoor recreation so everyone can experience the beautiful natural spaces across north Alabama,” Pelto said. “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.”

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the vehicle builds on other accessibility improvements throughout the state park system.

“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. 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 Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association said the new vehicle represents another step toward ensuring more residents and visitors can enjoy North Alabama’s mountains, lakes, trails and other outdoor attractions regardless of mobility limitations.

“Expanding access to North Alabama’s amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities,” association 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.”

Mobile terrain vehicles are designed to give people with mobility challenges access to outdoor areas that can be difficult or impossible to navigate with traditional wheelchairs, including trails, natural landscapes and uneven terrain.

The addition is part of the association’s broader accessibility initiative, which uses strategic partnerships, adaptive equipment, professional accessibility assessments and technology to make North Alabama more welcoming to travelers with disabilities and other accessibility needs.

In October 2025, the association launched a regionwide accessible destination initiative with a new website and travel tools.

The association said it has also donated more than 50 wheelchairs and 15 Meta smart glasses to tourism-related venues and provided a mobile terrain vehicle to Joe Wheeler State Park. The new vehicle at Lake Guntersville State Park expands that effort.

For more information about North Alabama’s accessible travel resources, visit www.accessiblenorthal.com or call Reist at 256-318-4446.