SORBA Main and members of the AMBC chapter participated in a 3 day charrette for a brand new trail system coming to the Hartford, TN area, nestled just outside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Participants in the charrette included local stakeholders, National Forest Service reps, architects, marketing teams, and facilitators. These trails will be located within the Cherokee National Forest and will include 50-100 miles of trail when everything is said and done.
Funded by a $6million grand from the Appalachian Regional Commission, this project hopes to bring additional tourism and a significant economic impact to the area. Hartford already has a strong white water rafting presence and project supporters believe that adding mountain biking will encourage visitors to stay a few extra days in Hartford proper.
Initial trail design was done by Global Action Sports Solutions and features some longer distance trails, shuttle options, skills park, etc. This project is an exciting opportunity for Eastern Tennessee and will be a great addition to riding in the Southeast. Stay tuned for more info as this project moves along and progresses.
