DOE mountain recreation area in mountain city - bicycles and pedestrian facility

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded the Tennessee Department of Transportation $750,000 through the Recreational Trails Program (CFDA 20.219) on September 19, 2025, for development and construction of recreational trail infrastructure at the DOE Mountain Recreation Area in Mountain City, Tennessee. The project, with a completion deadline of October 1, 2030, delivers comprehensive trail system enhancements including construction of approximately 17,383 linear feet of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails, 17,152 linear feet of hiking/biking/motorcycle trails, and construction or reroute of approximately 11 miles (58,080 linear feet) of single-track motorcycle trail. Additionally, the award funds signage installation, including primary signage for an adventure center and secondary signage for three trailheads, along with an overall map update reflecting the newly added OHV, hiking, biking, and motorcycle trails.

The Recreational Trails Program provides formula-based federal funding to states for developing and maintaining trails serving both motorized and nonmotorized users. This award exemplifies the program's eligible uses, which encompass trail construction, trailhead facility improvements, and associated infrastructure development. The project supports diverse recreational trail uses and represents a strategic investment in recreational access and trail system expansion within Tennessee's outdoor recreation infrastructure portfolio.

Project description

Construction of 17,383 LF (approx. 4.39 acres) of OHV trails and 17,152 LF (approx. 1.58 acres) of hiking/biking/moto trail. Construction of primary signage for the adventure center and secondary signage for 3 trailheads. Overall map update to include new OHV/hiking/biking/moto trails added to the system. Construct/reroute 11 miles (approx. 58,080 LF) single track motorcycle trail.