Knoxville TN, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville City Council has finalized an agreement to transform a 3.8-mile rail line into a multi-use trail and a 1.5-mile art walk, promoting outdoor recreation and community connection. Initial discussions began in 2018, leading to the anticipated start of construction in late fall, with the art walk expected to open in fall 2026, showcasing local and national art through a $1 million donation from the Lawson Family Foundation.
Knoxville City Council adopted a rail-to-trail agreement on September 16, 2025, in collaboration with Gulf & Ohio Railroad and Legacy Parks Foundation. This agreement will facilitate the transformation of a 3.8-mile rail line into a soft-surface, multi-use trail, along with a 1.5-mile art walk. This project marks a significant step towards enhancing the city’s recreational offerings and connecting communities through outdoor spaces.
The initial discussions for the trail commenced in 2018 when representatives from Legacy Parks and Gulf & Ohio met to explore possibilities for the rail line. In December 2024, the railroad announced their decision to close the rail line, paving the way for its potential conversion to a trail. The process advanced when Gulf & Ohio filed for abandonment of the rail line with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which needed to approve the abandonment pending plans for future use.
The city’s adopted agreement will be submitted to the STB for final approval, and it is anticipated that Gulf & Ohio will start removing the tracks and railroad ties by the end of the year. Alongside these developments, Knoxville’s Public Works Department will oversee the construction of the trail, starting with a 1.5-mile segment that stretches from Chapman Highway to Island Home Avenue.
Integral to this project is the art walk, which will highlight artistic contributions from both local and national artists. Funded by a generous $1 million donation from the Lawson Family Foundation, the art walk is designed to encompass a diverse range of artistic forms, including murals, sculptures, functional installations, landscape architecture, and youth-created works. This initiative reflects a creative approach to the preservation and transformation of the rail line into a vibrant community space.
Local officials, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, noted the project’s potential to enhance Knoxville’s greenway system and establish a new outdoor recreational destination. Construction on the trail is expected to commence in late fall this year, with the grand opening of the art walk slated for fall 2026. The trajectory of the trail will place it near several local businesses and the Ijams Nature Center, providing additional benefits for both residents and visitors to the area.
Additionally, communities in the nearby region are gearing up for upcoming fall festivities. For instance, the Fall Heritage Days event in Norris, Tennessee, will welcome students to experience Southern Appalachian traditions. Beyond this, the Wears Valley Fall Fest, scheduled for October 17-19, 2025, will offer a range of crafts, food, and entertainment options. Concurrently, the Fall Corn Maze at Oakes Farm is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will remain open through the fall season.
In conjunction with these events, there will be opportunities for local engagement, including a Legacy Luncheon on September 26, 2025, featuring the famed swimmer Diana Nyad, who made a historic swim from Cuba to Florida. Furthermore, Smokies Life is accepting applications for the 2026 Steve Kemp Writer’s Residency until the end of October, and Cades Cove is hosting motorless Wednesdays until September 24, 2025, allowing participants to walk, bike, or run along an 11.1-mile loop. Lastly, the state government is offering tree canopy grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, with applications due by September 30, 2025.
FAQ
What is the Knoxville City Council’s recent rail-to-trail agreement about?
The agreement aims to convert a 3.8-mile rail line into a soft-surface, multi-use trail and a 1.5-mile art walk.
When was the agreement with Gulf & Ohio Railroad and Legacy Parks Foundation adopted?
The agreement was adopted on September 16, 2025.
What is the purpose of the art walk?
The art walk will showcase unique works by local and national artists, funded by a $1 million donation from the Lawson Family Foundation.
When is the construction of the trail expected to begin?
Construction on the trail is expected to begin in late fall 2025.
When is the art walk set to open?
The art walk is set to open in fall 2026.
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Key Features of the Knoxville Rail-to-Trail Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length of Trail | 3.8 miles |
| Length of Art Walk | 1.5 miles |
| Funding for Art Walk | $1 million from Lawson Family Foundation |
| Construction Start | Late fall 2025 |
| Art Walk Opening | Fall 2026 |
| Initial Segment Construction | From Chapman Highway to Island Home Avenue |
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
