MUSCLE SHOALS-It’s time to grab a water bottle, lace up your boots and hit the trail.
National Trails Day, June 6, is an opportunity for people across the region to celebrate the outdoors – the access, the connections and the landscapes that make the Valley region such a remarkable place to explore.
For Damien Simbeck, program manager of the Land Management group, that connection starts with history.
Take the Rockpile Trail, for example – an often‑overlooked gem in the Muscle Shoals Reservation. First built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the 1930s, the trail winds 2.5 miles along the riverbank, boasting a series of climbs and descents.
“Along the trail, hikers will see a wide variety of plants, including some spectacular views of wildflowers during spring walks,” Simbeck said. “The trail is also very productive for birdwatching. Several locations along the trail even have spots for fishing.”
And while Rockpile carries the legacy, other TVA trails are stepping into the spotlight.
One of them is the newly revamped Honeycomb Trail on Guntersville Reservoir. Stretching a little over 9 miles point‑to‑point, the trail was recently spruced up to invite pedestrians and mountain bikers alike.
TVA’s work on trails goes far beyond recreation – it’s part of the enterprise’s mission of service, said Clay Guerry, Land Management specialist.
“Our trail systems provide a low barrier to outdoor recreation,” Guerry said. “All you really need is a pair of shoes and a water bottle. That accessibility is essential for quality of life in the Valley region.
“It’s why people come here – to live, work and play. We’re ultimately trying to connect people to the outdoors.”
Maintaining nearly 190 miles of trails takes a three‑pronged team: TVA employees, dedicated volunteers and long‑standing partners such as SORBA Chattanooga, the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and the Huntsville Area Mountain Bike Riders.
“People love to give sweat in the form of service,” Guerry said, highlighting the number of volunteers who help care for these trails.
For him, the work is personal. Originally drawn to Knoxville for whitewater kayaking, he stayed because the Valley region offers what he loves year‑round.
“Outdoor recreation is what drew me here and what continues to keep me here,” he said.
Media Release/TVA/Photos Steve Wiggins
