Gulf & Ohio Railways has announced plans to abandon its 3.8-mile rail line in South Knoxville to facilitate a rail-to-trail project. The railway company intends to offer the rail line property to the City of Knoxville and Legacy Parks Foundation for the creation of a greenway extending from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.
The proposed trail will feature a 1.5-mile Art Walk developed by Legacy Parks Foundation. Pete Claussen, chairman of Gulf & Ohio Railways, highlighted the decline in rail traffic and the opportunity to transform the area into a trail that extends from the City County Building to Meade’s Quarry at Ijams Nature Center. Gulf & Ohio Railways is contributing the property to support Knoxville’s reputation as a desirable place to live.
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Legacy Parks has been collaborating with Gulf & Ohio Railways for nearly a decade on a trail that would run parallel to the tracks. The current “rail to trail” option allows for the removal of tracks to construct a hard surface trail. The trail will blend urban and wilderness elements, passing by restaurants and breweries on Sevier Avenue, traveling through a tunnel and canyon, and crossing two elevated bridges.
The abandonment application was filed in December, and after approval from the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the track and railroad ties will be removed, and the property will be donated to the City of Knoxville. The STB permits a year for the development of the rail-to-trail plan.
Mayor Indya Kincannon expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to increase city connectivity and become a significant attraction in South Knoxville. The trail’s location near businesses and Ijams Nature Center is expected to boost local commerce.
South Knoxville residents and businesses are supportive of the project, with Janice Tocher, Co-Chair of the South Knoxville Neighborhood & Business Coalition, noting the trail’s accessibility and potential to attract visitors.
Legacy Parks previously announced a $1 million donation from the Lawson Family Foundation to fund the Art Walk, which will feature diverse art installations between Kerns Food Hall and Island Home Park neighborhood. Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks, emphasized the integration of art into the community experience.
Legacy Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural resources, creating public spaces, and connecting communities in East Tennessee. So far, the foundation has invested over $11 million in regional parks, trails, and water access.
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