Its border comes within four miles, as the crow flies, from downtown Chattanooga. In recent years, citizens of Chattanooga and surrounding areas have grown increasingly aware of the outstanding recreational potential that exists in Marion County, Tennessee. Located in the heart of the southern Cumberland Plateau and bisected by the Tennessee River and Sequatchie Valley, Marion County boasts a variety of scenic landscapes.
Soon after the Tennessee River leaves Chattanooga, it enters Marion County by way of the spectacular 25,000 acre Tennessee River Gorge. About two thirds of this biologically diverse area is now protected by the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. Bordering the gorge to the north is the 27,000 acre Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area. Its 100 miles of dirt roads and trails are suitable for ATV use and horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. There are also about 30 miles of the Cumberland Trail within its boundaries.
South of the river gorge is TVA's Raccoon Mountain, fast becoming a very popular destination for mountain biking. SORBA Chattanooga, the local mountain bike club, has built about 17 miles of singletrack there, with more still being constructed.
Nearly 50 miles of the river itself, from Chattanooga to Nickajack Dam, has been designated as the Tennessee River Blueway. With five primative campsites along the way, the blueway provides a scenic route for the growing sport of flat-water paddling.
Rock climbers from around the country have discovered great climbing at places such as the Tennessee Wall in the river gorge, and Foster Falls. Part of the South Cumberland State Recreation Area, Foster Falls has become one of the South's premier climbing destinations. It's also a trailhead for the nationally known 13 mile Fiery Gizzard Trail.
On Marion County's western border, the lesser known Franklin State Forest contains over 7,000 acres of plateau, forests, gulfs, and bluffs. Twenty-four miles of singletrack trail provide great hiking, mountain biking, and horsback riding.
Near Nickajack Dam, TVA's Little Cedar Mountain now has about four miles of new hiking trails, allowing visitors to experience the mountain's unique geology, plant communities, and abundant wildlife, along with several great views of Nickajack Lake. Across the lake, Nickajack Cave is known for its impressive bat population. The public recreation area at the dam provides camping facilities, boat ramps, and fishing access, and connects to the less developed 500 acre Lower Sequatchie Management Area, which offers opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing.
This is just the beginning of the potential opportunities for outdoor recreation in Marion County. Growing interest from nature enthusiasts drives continuing efforts to accomodate recreation in an environmentally responsible way. Formed in 2005, the Marion County Greenways and Trails Committee has worked to develop plans for possible trail routes, which will provide better access to publicly owned lands. Currently, the Greenways and Trails Committee, SORBA Chattanooga, and other outdoor organizations are working with the Tennessee River Gorge Trust to develop a comprehensive recreational plan to help the Tennessee River Gorge realize its potential as a top outdoor recreational destination. The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program has officially become involved, helping to facilitate the project.
With today's economic uncertainties, people are looking for recreational outings closer to home. Citizens of the Chattanooga area are blessed with many outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby Marion County.
This was adapted from an article by The Nickajack Naturalist which appeared in the October 2008 issue of Natural Awakenings magazine.