Aetna Mountain trail phase one unveiled to the public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Phase one of the Aetna Mountain Trails had its official grand opening Friday afternoon in Chattanooga.

The Tennessee River Gorge Trust partnered with the city of Chattanooga and other participating organizations to make the trail system possible.

“I think this trail system is going to bring a lot more people into the Tennessee River Gorge. Get them exploring the River Gorge. It’s an incredible, relatively untapped resource of our Chattanooga community. And we’re just excited to have a new avenue to bring folks into nature,” Conservation and Access Director with Tennessee River Gorge Trust Eliot Berz said.

With help from various organizations in the city, this project has been over three years in the making.

“We brought the community to the table. A lot of local trail users and organizations to consult with them and get their vision for Chattanooga’s next trail system. We worked with the International Mountain Biking Associaton to design a trail system that community vision,” Berz said.

The first four miles of the system were unveiled Friday afternoon.

Ultimately there will be eight more miles of trails, making the route a 12 mile trail system.

Tennessee River Gorge Trust said this will be a major tourist attraction for mountain bikers.

“We have a lot of mountain bikers and hikers, and as I say all the time, our outdoor assets are really our greatest competitive advantage in Chattanooga. So, it’s just fantastic to see these trails opening up,” Mayor Tim Kelly said.

The route is located in Black Creek neighborhood near the top of the mountain.

This multi-use trail system is designed for mountain biking, hiking, and running.

“I hope that people will see that the outdoors are for everyone. That it’s accessible. That anyone can come up here and go mountain biking, hiking, regardless of your skill level. Because that’s what these are for. They’re for everyone,”Associate Director with Tennessee River Gorge Trust Alishea Hixson said.

The project was made possible by land donations from Black Creek and funding from the community members.

Participating organizations included the Lyndhurst Foundation, International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), Tower Community Bank, Chattanooga Tourism Co. Rock Creek, Fox Factory, and RH Aviation.

“We hope everyone just comes out and enjoys them. It’s going to be beautiful this fall. They’re going to be amongst all that’s here on the side of the mountain. You’re going to get to see some good fall colors, so I hope everybody comes out,” Hixson said.