Accessibility

The WNC Nature Center wants to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests. Please call 828-259-8080 or email admin@wildwnc.org with any questions you may have before visiting, so that we can accommodate you to the best of our ability.

ADA Accessibility

The WNC Nature Center is ADA compliant. Please keep in mind that we are located in the mountains, so our park is naturally hilly. All paths except for Trillium Nature Trail are paved or boardwalk.

Accessible parking spaces are available with a valid license plate or hangtag at the Front Entrance parking lot. There is also an accessible drop-off point at the Front Entrance for guests who have limited mobility.

Motorized personal mobility devices are allowed but are not available to rent directly from the Nature Center.

We encourage guests to bring their own strollers. A limited number of Wild Wagons are available for rent at the Nature Center Gift Shop located near the Front Entrance.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted to enter the Nature Center. A service animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for and to assist an individual with a disability.

All other animals, including emotional support, comfort, therapy, or companion animals are not considered service animals according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals should remain on a leash or harness (no retractable leashes) and under control of the owner at all times – meaning your service dog should not excessively bark and must be housebroken. You may be asked to leave if your service animal’s presence is creating excessive stress to the animals under our care.

Sensory Sensitivity

We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Sensory Bags

We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards, will also be free to borrow for all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Visit the Nature Center Front Ticket Office at the Front Entrance to check out a sensory bag.

Designated Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones

Signs are posted throughout the Nature Center designating areas that usually have less activity around them (Quiet Zones) and areas that can be more crowded with increased noise (Headphone Zones).

Social Story and KultureCity All-Inclusive App

Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App below to get your social story to help you enjoy your visit to the WNC Nature Center: