Knoxville, TN
At the confluence of the French Broad and Houston Rivers where the Tennessee River begins - mile 652 - lies the southern-charmed city of Knoxville, TN. Knoxville’s deep roots with the Tennessee River go back more than 200 years, when early 19th century steamboat traffic helped the city develop into a regional merchandising center. Today, the banks of the Tennessee River in Knoxville is home to public parks, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, businesses and residences. With priceless views of the City as well as the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance, the river is frequented by many outdoors enthusiasts, including the Star of Knoxville as well as the Vol Navy on UT Football game days.
“We are most excited to work jointly with local partners in a collaborative effort,” stated Knoxville in their application. “The Tennessee RiverLine will not only connect partners locally but will also form the network of multiple leadership teams who can learn from the successes of others.”
We’re so excited to work with you, City of Knoxville. Looking forward to our journey together.
Roane County, TN
Traveling down the river, we hit the hidden oasis of Roane County. Roane County is home to more than 40 miles of the Tennessee River, one of the largest stretches within one of our communities. With 700 miles of shoreline and 16,000 acres of parks and trails, Roane County’s culture revolves around life on the water. The river is also one of the primary sources of economic impact for the county. In fact, in 2017 alone, visitors spent $69.92 million in Roane County. Whether you’re there for a few days or a lifetime, there are numerous ways you can soak in Roane.
“The Tennessee RiverLine will greatly impact Roane County’s economic vitality, sustainable growth, healthy active living benefits, natural assets and land use, community and regional connectivity,” says Roane County leadership. “Roane County greatly appreciates being part of this grander vision that will be a masterpiece and legacy in the Tennessee River Valley.”
Roane County began its journey with the Tennessee RiverLine in 2019 as part of the Pilot Community Program. We’re excited to continue partnering with you in the Tennessee RiverTowns Program, and we love to soak in Roane with you. Roane County visitors bureau
Spring City, TN
The Town of Spring City is rich in East Tennessee history, as it was originally home to “Sulphur Springs.” These springs were used by the native Cherokee tribe for their medicinal value, and later developed into a resort community known as “Rhea Springs.” In 1942, the Tennessee Valley Authority flooded the community to improve life in the Tennessee Valley.
Spring City is located just seven miles away from Rhea Springs. Because it is situated along the Watts Bar Reservoir, Spring City boasts an abundance of natural treasures and outdoor recreational opportunities in and along the Tennessee River. These range from fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming to camping and hiking. Additionally, Spring City is home to both Nature Park and Veterans Park and is currently developing a third city park. These parks host a variety of events that attract visitors from throughout the region, such as annual fishing tournaments, festivals and fireworks displays. Spring City places great emphasis on quality of life for its residents and has ambitious goals to enhance their local economy through recreational tourism.
“What excites Spring City the most is having the opportunity to become part of North America's next great regional trail system and creating a sense of unity among the communities along the Tennessee River,” said Stephania Motes, City Manager.
Meigs County, TN
While in Meigs County, the “Shoreline Community,” you’re never far from the Tennessee River, the Hiwassee River or one of several meandering tributaries. The southern end of the county is home to the Cherokee Memorial Removal Park, as it was the beginning of the Trail of Tears. Meigs County also contains the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and hosts the annual Sandhill Crane Festival. There are 12 parks and preserves located here, making Meigs County perfectly poised to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by joining the Tennessee RiverTowns Program.
Meigs County is a small community of only 12,000 residents, but it is mighty. They plan to grow their local tourism industry by promoting opportunities to camp, boat, swim or simply relax by the water. Increasing the number of biking and hiking trails, along with hosting paddling events and wildlife education programs for the local Boys & Girls Club, are just a few examples of the ways they would like to grow. They’re also highly motivated to promote cleanup campaigns and encourage stewardship to improve the health of the watershed.
The excitement of George Thomas, Chairman of the Meigs County and Decatur Chamber of Commerce, is contagious. “We’re proud of our community! It is hard to beat the breathtaking views of the mountains and water here in Meigs County, the slower pace of life, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. We see our participation in the RiverTown Program as a natural fit.”
Chattanooga, TN
What do we have to say about Chattanooga enrolling in the Tennessee RiverTowns Program? IT’S ABOUT TIME! As one of the largest cities along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga will serve as a cornerstone of the Tennessee RiverTowns program and exemplify how communities respect and connect with the river.
Chattanooga has twice been named The Best Outdoor City, after transforming itself into an outdoor mecca of the South. They now host annual large-scale events such as the Ironman Triathlon and Head of the Hooch, one of the world’s largest rowing regattas. They’ve come a long way since Walter Cronkite famously dubbed them “The Dirtiest City in America” in 1969!
Over the past 40 years, the city has undertaken a $120 million downtown revitalization effort to “return to the river” by developing a 21st Century Waterfront Plan. Chattanooga developed a riverwalk complete with more than 13 linear miles of paths, pocket parks and music venues centered around the Tennessee Aquarium and art museum. Along these paths, you’ll find multiple boat access points, fishing piers, bike share stations, restrooms and parking lots that blend public access with residential and business settings.
Loudon County, TN
Beginning on Mile 610, we reach Loudon County, also known as the “Lakeway to the Smokies.” With its scenic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains to its many lakes, including Fort Loudoun, Tellico, Watts Bar and Melton Hill, recreational boating and fishing is a source of significant economic activity as well as pure joy for its residents. Loudon County is unique, with the Tennessee River winding its way through the county, but also weaving the fabric that is Loudon County in the hearts of visitors and residents. In fact, Loudon County celebrates its relationship with the river with “Rockin’ the Docks” and the annual Lenoir City Arts and Crafts Festival, both long standing traditions that draw thousands of attendees.
“Loudon County will benefit from the Tennessee RiverLine by being a part of a larger network of partners and marketing opportunities that would otherwise not be accessible or affordable,” says Loudon County leadership. “More visitors and residents to Loudon County would offer the ability and availability for new investments in tourism assets as well as better access to boat, canoe and paddle board experiences”
We’re thrilled to work with you, Loudon County! City of Lenoir City, City of Loudon, Tellico Village
South Pittsburg, TN
Continuing to Mile 418 of the River, we follow a series of sweeping bends to the quaint town of South Pittsburg, nestled between the plateau and the river. The community is rich with Tennessee River history, with Burns Island, a Native American heritage area, to Battle Creek and Fort McCook, a significant site for both sides during the Civil War. Today, South Pittsburg is complete with natural beauty and southern charm that fills its community — in its people and its assets. The community is also known for hosting the National Cornbread Festival every year.
“Finding a way to make our stretch of the river a place for community to gather together as well as improve access to the river for recreational use and preservation of our river’s natural habitat are all benefits to becoming a part of the Tennessee RiverLine,” states South Pittsburg in their application. “As we look to increase the amount of people who experience the river, we also look for new strategies to maintain its beauty and integrity. Our town can be a key part of preserving this ecosystem.”
South Pittsburg, your community inspires us. Looking forward to this journey with you — the journey of a lifetime! SPARQ
Bridgeport, AL
We’ve landed in Northeastern Alabama at the town of Bridgeport. Home to just over 2,000 residents, this quaint town was founded after European settlers landed their boats along its Tennessee River shores in the 1840’s and was then built up by railways before and following the Civil War. Flash forward to 2021, Bridgeport features scenic views of the Tennessee River on the east and south sides of its town with mountain ridges to the north and south. The town also has the Bridgeport depot museum, which highlights the town’s historic railway system.
“The Tennessee RiverLine will magnify our connection to the Tennessee River by providing exposure to Bridgeport's Tennessee River recreational assets; thereby, stimulating public interest and growth to the regional economy,” says Bridgeport in their application.
Bridgeport- we are excited to work with you as a part of the Tennessee RiverLine to bring more opportunities along the river for your residents and visitors alike!
Jackson County, AL
As the Tennessee River plunges south across the Tennessee/Alabama border, it enters Jackson County. The county comprises 13 municipalities, four of which touch the Tennessee River’s border, including Langston, Scottsboro, Stevenson and Hollywood. As a newly minted enrollee of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program, they have a collective vision for leveraging their 53 miles of shoreline to catalyze recreational development and economic growth.
Jackson County’s Tourism Department is already engaged in improving waterway access and stewardship through complementary paddling excursions; addressing aquatic weed management, erosion and pollution issues; developing two outfitter businesses and hosting safety/training days for their local Boys & Girls Club. There are currently 17 public access points along the river in Jackson County, which is a great start. But since Jackson County contains Lake Guntersville, the largest lake in the state of Alabama, these partners also aspire to leverage their Tennessee RiverTowns Program membership to increase this number.
The Tennessee RiverLine is thrilled to have Jackson County on board as a unified, collaborative effort, eliminating a large gap in participation that previously extended from Bridgeport to Guntersville. “The Tennessee RiverTowns Program is an incredible network, and we look forward to being able to connect and collaborate with communities who share our economic growth goals.” — Sarah Stahl, Director of Tourism, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Guntersville, AL
Not far from our friends in Huntsville, we meet @Guntersville, AL, at Mile 358 of the Tennessee River. With TVA’s completion of the Guntersville Dam in 1939, Guntersville grew from a small town to a wildly coveted destination, the "Playground of the South.” The City of Guntersville, today, is a peninsula surrounded by 69,000 acres of Lake Guntersville and encircled by the foothills of Appalachia. Guntersville is nationally acclaimed for its preeminence in hosting water-based activities including Guntersville Lake HydroFest and the Bassmaster Classic.
“Over the past 80 years, the lake has become the lifeblood of our community, forging Guntersville’s economic and cultural vitality, prompting relationships at home and throughout the Tennessee Valley,” states Guntersville in their leadership application. “The lake is a backdrop for lakeside playtime, picnics, birthday parties, reunions, weddings and community celebrations. These shared experiences in this calming, restorative environment have resulted in a unifying sense of pride, kinship and strong spirit of community activism.”
Guntersville, you inspire us! We’re looking forward to our journey together as we connect, celebrate and catalyze North America’s next great regional trail system.
Huntsville, AL
Next stop on our virtual river tour, we reach Huntsville, AL, home of Ditto Landing Marina. Located on the picturesque Tennessee River at the southern edge of Huntsville, this 600 acre Ditto Landing is Huntsville’s main access point to the Tennessee River. It’s nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by serene mountain foothills, complete with many amenities including pedestrian and bike-friendly greenways, trails, picnic areas and boat launches for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. In addition to Ditto Landing, Huntsville is known for U.S. Space and Rocket Center — Alabama’s single most visited tourist attraction — as well as the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Burritt on the Mountain and part of the Singing River Trail.
“Becoming a part of the Tennessee RiverLine would provide an opportunity to share creative ideas and promotional resources with like-minded communities, ultimately benefiting all members of the trail system,” states Huntsville leadership in their application. “The program encourages collaboration between stakeholders as well as a joint vision to ensure the Tennessee River is being effectively protected, utilized and enjoyed for generations to come.”
City of Huntsville, we’re so excited for your future as part of the Tennessee RiverLine.
Decatur, AL
Next up: Decatur, AL, also referred to as “The River City.” Decatur is a vibrant community situated along the Tennessee River offering a variety of parks and recreational assets, dynamic geography, a growing arts and entertainment scene, an increasing downtown vitality and some of the South’s best food, like Big Bob Gibson Barbeque. Decatur is also home to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and Ingalls Harbor, which was transformed from an abandoned shipyard to a world class boat harbor and fishing venue, for its community to enjoy the river.
“The vision for Decatur is a thriving community where everyone has opportunities to prosper, where distinct, vibrant places are enjoyed, where investment and visitors are attracted, and where pride and confidence are widespread,” says Decatur leadership in their application. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to collaborate and network with other Tennessee RiverLine partners, which could lead to new and innovative ideas for Decatur.”
Decatur, we’re inspired by your commitment to North America’s next great regional trail. Excited for your community’s future!
The Shoals, AL
Made up of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, the Shoals sits in northwestern Alabama along the Tennessee River. Home to world-famous recording studios such as @fame_recording_studios & muscle shoals sound studio, the visit the shoals also has lesser known facets, such as its historic, plentiful mussel harvest from the Tennessee River prompting the town name: ‘Muscle Shoals’. After major construction projects, including the Muscle Shoals Canal and the Wilson Dam, made the Tennessee River navigable, the Shoals became a center for industry and innovation. People from all over the world came to work at Reynolds Aluminum, the Ford Motor Company, the International Fertilizer Development Center, and, of course, TVA. Today, the Shoals remains a wildly popular place to live.
“Our communities would benefit through increased collaboration, the continuation of a unified approach to economic development and branding of our cultural identity- the center of which is literally and figuratively, the Tennessee River, and economically from increased visitation and tourism,” as quoted by leadership from the Shoals. “Local residents would also benefit from increased recreational opportunities as links and nodes connected to a larger, branded trail network, are made available for their use and enjoyment as well.”
The Shoals- we are excited to bring your community into an exciting collaboration that will benefit your residents and the river we all love! We are excited to have you onboard for the Tennessee RiverTowns Program and continue the relationship we started through the Pilot Community Program.
Hardin County, TN
Beginning on Mile 214, sitting where Tennessee meets both Alabama and Mississippi, we enter into Hardin County. Hardin County contains 46 miles of waterfront along the Tennessee River and @Pickwick Lake. From the pivotal battle at @Shiloh National Park, to @TVA’s completion of Pickwick Dam in 1938, to the Packaging Corporation of America that helps drive the local economy today, Hardin County’s relationship with the river runs deep. The county’s strategic location allows weekend boaters and snowbird transients alike to travel freely between the states while enjoying the scenery.
“We see the Tennessee RiverLine as the supportive tool that will connect us to the region. A voice that can direct all communities along the river, no matter what state or size of community, in a shared vision to shape our region for future growth,” says Hardin County leadership. “This river is a magnet that has attracted people for centuries, and we hope to make our part stronger, cleaner and more enjoyable for generations to come.”
Hardin County, your leadership and drive will be a key part of this regional collaboration. We’re so happy to have you as part of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program!
Clifton, TN
From Mile 156-160 of the Tennessee River is Clifton, TN. Founded on the banks of the Tennessee River in 1840, this small town is a great place to enjoy the Tennessee River with a good walk, community festivals, or a summer boat ride off their marina. Clifton is also well-known for being the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize writer, T.S. Stribling.
The Tennessee RiverLine creates more awareness to the “rich history and cultural heritage and the importance of preserving and protecting the places we call home”
Thank you for joining us as a part of the Tennessee RiverLine, Clifton! We’re grateful to have you along and can’t wait to see your community become a part of our Tennessee RiverTowns Program!
Perry County, TN
With the motto “It’s Just Our Nature,” the citizens of Perry County are fully aware of the natural beauty along their 30-mile stretch of shoreline. The county’s population of around 8,000 swells to 20,000 in the summer months as visitors come to their second homes and camp along the river, providing a vital economic boost. The county is home to Mousetail Landing State Park and Lady’s Bluff TVA Small Wild Area and Trail, with a hiking trail leading to the top of a majestic limestone bluff that offers sweeping views of the Tennessee River. Two marinas and RV campgrounds offer public access to the waterways.
Perry County is nestled between the Tennessee River to the west and the Buffalo River to the east and offers a variety of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Perry County plans to work closely with their neighbors in Wayne County, another established Tennessee RiverTowns community, to develop their natural resources into a park-like community that offers a more inclusive and regional experience for all.
Allyson Dickey, Executive Director of Perry County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, is “excited about all aspects of becoming a Tennessee RiverTown. Tennessee River animation and Tennessee River stewardship are where Perry County can and will shine during the Celebrate stage.”
Benton County, TN
Seated on Mile 98 of the Tennessee River is Benton County. Home to over 16,000 residents, a National Wildlife Refuge, a State Park and the Tennessee Museum of Freshwater Pearls, Benton County has a long list of activities for its residents and visitors alike! Views of the river can be seen from Nathan Bedford Forrest State park as well as historical artifacts of musseling, fishing, crafts and Civil War history.
“From land or water, much of our lands are well preserved in public lands to ensure the natural habitat and beauty of the Tennessee River. Our undeveloped shoreline makes our county a unique attraction for residents and visitors alike because of its pristine, untouched natural habitat. We would like to showcase and maintain the beauty of the Tennessee River ecosystem while enhancing opportunities for people to utilize and access the river and surrounding lands,” says Benton County in its application.
We are excited to continue working with Benton County and its wonderful mission to maintain the Tennessee River’s beautiful shorelines for all its users! We’re so happy to have you as part of our Tennessee RiverTowns Program and as a former Pilot Community Program community.
Stewart County, TN
Along the Tennessee River from Miles 76 to 51 is Stewart County. Founded in 1803, 13,561 residents call Stewart County home. Just a short southwest drive (80 miles) from Nashville, TN, visitors, guests and residents can enjoy many of our national treasures all located in Stewart County.
Tennesseans can begin their journey through the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area in Stewart County; LBL features more than 170,000 forests, wetlands and open lands on a peninsula between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. The family friendly recreation area offers one of the largest blocks of undeveloped forest in the eastern U.S. with 300 miles of natural shoreline for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, licensed hunting and water sports. Stewart County also holds pieces of history, including a living history farm, called The 1850 Homeplace, as well as two Civil War National Battlefields, Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Fort Henry. Lastly, Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is located in Dover, TN, and is part of the U.S. system of National Wildlife Refuges. Cross Creeks is primarily a feeding and resting habitat for migratory birds that can be seen from a canoe, kayak or trail. While you’re in town, stop by the Stewart County Visitors Center for more information on dining, shipping, lodging and visit the many historical galleries.
“We think the RiverLine Partnership can help us develop a comprehensive, community-led vision on how our county can best interact with and use the Tennessee River,” says Stewart County in their application. The Tennessee RiverLine is thrilled to be partnering with you, Stewart County, to realize the possibilities of the Tennessee River and of being a part of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program!
Calvert City, KY
Just down the Tennessee River from Stewart County is Calvert City, KY. This place is home to the ultimate outdoor adventure. It’s impossible to not be outside along the river in this town. With its numerous ways to get biking, hiking, and fishing, Calvert has taken advantage of all the great parts of being a Tennessee RiverTown.
Originally developed as a river and rail town the industrial side of this town has been essential to maintaining its residents’ quality of life. Calvert City’s mission to “promote and enhance an active lifestyle” with their three parks. “The bold vision of the Tennessee RiverLine is both exciting and vital to the continued success of rural communities,” says Calvert City in their application.
We’re excited to partner with Calvert City and its mission to bring more outdoor recreation to its residents. We’re glad to have you as part of our Tennessee RiverLine and the Tennessee RiverTowns Program!
Paducah, KY
Where the Tennessee River meets the Ohio River, we reach our final destination of Paducah-McCracken County, KY at Mile 000. Developed on the “river and the rail”, Paducah-McCracken County largely used steamboats and barges in its early days in industry and has since grown to an area of 65,000 residents and some neat outdoor attractions.
“The Tennessee RiverLine is also an opportunity to connect Paducah to other communities along the river that face some of the same challenges as we do and have new and innovative ways of addressing these challenges,” says community leadership in its application. “Paducah would benefit from the Tennessee RiverLine through increased connectivity to other communities along the river.”
We’re thrilled to bring new and innovative ideas to Paducah-McCracken County through its partnership with the Tennessee RiverLine, and we’re honored to have them as a former Pilot Community Program member and part of our Tennessee RiverTowns Program.