Story by Katie Hightower
Throughout the history of Jackson County, leaders worked to invest in the county’s most valuable resource: the Tennessee River. In recent years, local leaders saw an opportunity to not only create an economical impact through tourism and recreation but to improve the health of Jackson County’s citizens through a culture of activity and wellness. The Tennessee RiverLine connections aimed to increase outdoor recreation opportunities and make Jackson County a key destination for year-round adventures in nature.
The Tennessee RiverLine is 652 miles of connected outdoor recreation experiences. River routes, hiking trails, campsites and historical experiences can be found along the RiverLine from Knoxville to Paducah. Local leaders, with input from residents, have shaped the framework to include Jackson County in the RiverLine’s 1.2 million acre river park.
With 42 miles of river in Jackson County and a combination of scenic views, wildlife and outdoor infrastructure, the location was ideal for promoting economic growth and recreation culture by Jackson County’s local leadership team. The team organized events, advocated for funding and promoted the push to enhance Jackson County’s outdoorsy identity.
Highlights in the RiverLine design plans included a new paddle launch, trail and RV campground in Stevenson City Park; a hilltop restaurant, food truck plaza, paddle launch and trail system at Jackson County Park; a paddle launch and enhanced trail connectivity at Goose Pond and an improved paddle launch and parking access at Langston City Park. Bridgeport was already enrolled in the RiverTowns program and already began work on their park which included a paddle launch, trails, RV and primitive camping opportunities. All park updates will include ADA accessible options.
“Working with Jackson County has been a true highlight of our planning work,” said Whitney Tidd, Planning and Design Manager of the Tennessee RiverLine. “The leadership team here is passionate and persistent and they’ve done the work to make sure their vision reflects the voices of their community. The framework plan we’ve developed together connects incredible assets all across the county and strengthens how residents and visitors experience the river. It’s exciting to see these ideas already taking shape on the ground.”
Lydia Pennington, Executive Director of Tourism for the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Tennessee RiverLine brings incredible new possibilities to Jackson County—from boosting outdoor recreation and tourism to new opportunities for small businesses and families. It’s about connecting our communities to the natural beauty we’re blessed with and building a future where people want to live, work and explore right here at home.”
Pennington has been key to the development of Jackson County’s vision of the Tennessee RiverLine. She welcomes anyone who is interested in growing the paddling community to please email her at lydia@mountainlakeschamber.com.
An upcoming free event, Creek to Cove, will give adventurers an opportunity to experience the Tennessee RiverLine first-hand. The kayaking route will span 3.5 miles from the Langston Boat Ramp to the Morgan’s Cove Boat Ramp. A bus will bring paddlers back to Langston for a free lunch provided by the Langston Fire Department. Kayaks will be provided if needed. For more information and to register for the May 31 event, please visit https://form.jotform.com/250754862935164.
