Skip to Content

Recreation Educational Services Division

Icon Greenways and Trails program

Greenways and Trails

Icon 2008 Tennessee Greenways and Trails Plan

Robert Richards

 

 

 

The Greenways and Trails program is here to encourage Tennessee communities to save their special green spaces, to promote the volunteer spirit of Tennesseans and to work to preserve and conserve the natural and cultural resources that make each community in our state special.

The 2008 Tennessee Greenways and Trails Plan (G&T Plan) is now available and it is a result of over 18 months of research, planning and collaboration between the TDEC Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails, TDEC –RES staff and numerous federal, state and local government agencies as well as the trail users groups from across the state. The G&T Plan references numerous locations and organizations that have developed Greenways and Trails in innovative and creative ways The G&T Plan focuses on the Benefits of Greenways and Trails from an Economic, Personal Health, Alternative Transportation, Recreation and Environmental Protection perspectives.

The Plan also has two Appendices which provide additional information on Greenways and Trails. Appendix A is an overview of all types of trails both motorized and non-motorized. Appendix B is a four page list of federal, state, and local government agencies as well as numerous non-profit organizations that can assist with numerous trail related issues.Blue Cross Walking Works Schools

To access the G&T Plan online, click on the G&T Plan, Appendix A or Appendix B. For this information on a CD, contact Bob Richards at 615-532-0753 or Robert.richards@tn.gov.

The Greenways and Trails program is here to encourage Tennessee communities to save their special green spaces, to promote the volunteer spirit of Tennesseans and to work to preserve and conserve the natural and cultural resources that make each community in our state special.

Greenways have been defined in the Tennessee Greenways and Trails Plan as linear open spaces established along either a natural corridor, such as a riverfront, stream valley or ridgeline, or overland along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational use, a canal, scenic road or other route.

Greenways can be any natural or landscaped area that allows for pedestrian or bicycle passage; an open-space corridor that can link parks, nature preserves, historic or cultural features, schools and neighborhoods with each other. Greenway trails can be used for alternative transportation, recreation and health/fitness activities.

Please contact the Tennessee Greenways and Trails Coordinator via this webpage if you have questions or need assistance with greenway planning, trail construction or other natural resources related issues.