The Tennessee River Gorge, touted as the Grand Canyon of the Tennessee, is a place of extraordinary beauty, rich cultural history, and incredible biological diversity. Roughly situated in southeast Tennessee between the cities of Chattanooga and South Pittsburg, the corridor offers unparalleled opportunities for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Vision
The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Prentice Cooper State Forest, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Marion County together manage nearly 50,000 acres of public lands within the corridor. Recreational amenities include a 30 mile section of the Tennessee River Blueway (paddling), the internationally acclaimed Tennessee Wall (rock climbing), the Cumberland Trail (hiking), the Raccoon Mountain Trail System (mountain biking), and Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area (equestrian, off-highway vehicles, hunting, hiking, and mountain biking).
In order to build upon and promote the tremendous recreational potential that exists in the area, a group of citizens has initiated efforts to explore the possibility of developing an interconnected trails system. The system would circumnavigate the Gorge and provide much needed connectivity between municipalities in western Hamilton and eastern Marion counties. Ideally, the trail system will serve as a connection between the Chattanooga and Marion County greenway systems. In addition, the group seeks to provide access to public lands and waters alomg the Tennessee River from Chattanooga to the Alabama state line.
The Need
Although recreational resources are plentiful within the corridor, an integrated planning effort is needed to enhance these resources, promote their thoughtful stewardship, and ultimately enhance the quality of life of local citizens throughout the region.
Direct benefits to the two county area will include economic development through ecotourism, improved public health by providing accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, an opportunity to engage our youth in non-competitive nature-based activities, and an increased awareness and appreciation of the role of sound stewardship of our area lands and waters.
Strategy---Goals and Accomplishments
Coordination
Serve as an enduring entity for multiple user groups to make recommendations to public and non-profit land-owners along the Tennessee River for improved public access and new trail opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Planning
Develop and implement a River Gorge Recreation Plan that is fair to all user groups as well as the land owners charged with the mission of protecting natural resources while making lands available for public enjoyment.
Partnership
Work with the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Prentice Cooper State Forest, municipalities, and the public to implement a recreation and trail plan that includes the improvement of existing trails and facilities, including new road signs and access points.
Outreach and Marketing
Develop a marketing plan to promote the region's recreational opportunities and assist local recreation-based businesses to maximize economic returns from increased public use in the region.
Implementation
Coalition partners are free to work in coordination with the Nickajack Coalition to enhance local recreational amenities that are consistent with the overall goal of the Coalition.
Existing Partners:
Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), Outdoor Chattanooga, Trust for Public Land, Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Southern Appalachian Backcountry Horsemen Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and South Cumberland State Recreation Area.
The Nickajack Coalition is itself now a member of the Alliance for the Cumberlands. www.allianceforthecumberlands.org
For More Information Contact:
Bob Butters
423-991-1548
This map depicts the general idea for the Tennessee River Gorge Recreational Trail System. The end result will most likely be somewhat modified.
History of the Nickajack Coalition
At Marion County 3-Star public hearings in 2005, citizens requested that local officials seek more walking and biking opportunities in Marion County. As a result, the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and Joint Partnership established the Marion County Greenways and Trails Committee to review the feasibility of greenways and trails.
Feedback was gained from land-owners and public officials at the local, state, and national level at a number of public meetings held between 2005 and 2009. Several newspaper articles reported on the process as a case was built for greenways and trails.
The Committee wrote and developed a Marion County Commission Partnership Agreement, a frequently asked questions document, and a feasibility study and planning document.
The Committee received funds from the Marion County Joint Partnership for trail planning, contracting with UTC's GIS Department for the development of maps. Satellite mapping technology was used in the field to ascertain the feasiblity of several potential routes. The Committee developed a strategic plan, shared data and maps with municipalities, and created landowner agreement and easement forms.
One of the principal projects the Committee decided to focus on is the development of a potential 65 miles of multi-use (hiking and mtn. biking) trail system in the Tennessee River Gorge area wich would eventually connect the Marion County Park to Chattanooga's greenway system. In May 2008, the Marion County Chamber Board voted to support the project.
The Greenways and Trails Committee hosted an initial meeting in Chattanooga with representatives of SORBA, the Southern Appalachian Backcountry Horsemen Association, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, Prentice Cooper State Forest, and the Tennessee River Gorge Trust.
A concept map was developed for a potential greenway trail connecting Jasper, Kimball, and South Pittsburg.
The Committee was involved in planning a nature trail component of Jasper Elemetary School's Outdoor Education Initiative.
Dr. Jeff Duncan, of the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program provided much needed help in launching the Nickajack Coalition and developing the above Coalition brochure draft.
By late 2009, it was determined the Greenways and Trails Committee had generally served its purpose of developing an outdoor recreational plan for Marion County, and the Nickajack Coalition was formed as its successor to promote the implementation of the plan, with myself, Bob Butters, being designated as the Coalition's coordinator.
Special thanks to Jeff Duncan and Daniel Carter for providing content for this page.