4 minute read
The Tennessee RiverLine
Paddling, Walking, Biking and More!
By Cassie Johnson
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Paducah has a great historical impact thanks to our location on the Tennessee River. Our town sits where the Tennessee River flows into the Ohio River, making it even more unique. The Tennessee RiverLine is a new non-profit group that encourages you to discover the excitement of the Tennessee River.
What is the Tennessee RiverLine?
The Tennessee RiverLine is a group of river advocates committed to connecting residents to the river and getting them involved in outdoor activities and river recreation around the area. This growing partnership of tourism professionals, scholars, planners, and other local leaders collaborate to connect communities along the 652 miles of the Tennessee River.
The idea came from a student project at the University of Tennessee. A professor offered a studio course that explored local landscapes, water resource stewardship, and how those resources affected communities located along the river. Students surveyed the Tennessee River from Knoxville, Tennessee to Paducah. Their research showed that the majority of residents were disconnected from the river. Students developed ideas to reconnect communities to the waterway through kayaking, hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.
A Great Idea Takes Shape
The project gained support from local government officials and the National Parks Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. In 2019 the RiverLine launched the Pilot Community program designed to provide insight into the communities along the river including their residents and leaders. Paducah-McCracken County was one of the five cities selected as a “Pilot Community”.
In. 2021, they received the RiverLine’s Excellence In River Animation Award. This award describes activities that help people engage with the river. It also recognizes the community’s commitment to providing access to river spaces and experiences through innovative and safe programs. Investments in the river and local trails stimulate our economy and businesses. Tourism is a treasure here in western Kentucky, bringing in large amounts of money to the community.
“I was thrilled that Paducah-McCracken County received this award,” said Julie Harris, Executive Director of the River Discovery Center and chair of the local leadership team for the RiverTowns Program. “It recognized the local Leadership Team’s hard work to host four paddle events in our first year of participation in the RiverTowns program.”
Paddle the River
One of the most popular activities on the river is paddling. They hosted four events last year and plan five for 2022.
“Paducah’s requirement to be in the program is to host one event annually, but the team felt strongly that our community deserved more opportunities to paddle than once per season,” said Harris. Paducah-McCracken County hosted four community paddling events in 2021. These included a collaboration with the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah that included a training session at Noble Park Pool. This year we look forward to hosting five events providing more opportunities for the area’s residents to get connected with our rivers.”
The free paddling events planned for 2022 will take place on June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, and October 15. Community members are encouraged to participate in these recreational and educational river paddling opportunities. For information regarding registration for paddle events, check out the Facebook page Tennessee RiverLine: Paducah -McCracken County.
Trails for Everyone
Everyone from adventure enthusiasts to casual bike riders can enjoy the Tennessee RiverLine trails. Locally, residents use the Greenway Trail as a part of their daily exercise routine. The accessibility for pedestrians supports multiple lifestyle amenities such as improving mobility, socialization, and increased physical exercise.
If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway visit an extended section of the trail. Adventurers can discover where the river reaches and those unique, hidden destinations where access was previously limited. Recreation enthusiasts come from all around the world to complete the long-distance trail. Locals and travelers alike can see wonders such as the Cumberland Trail and Natchez Trace.
Let’s Get Out There!
The Tennessee RiverLine is much more than a recreational trail. It is a strategic investment in economic, social, and environmental infrastructure that has the potential to transform communities and the river landscape in our region. The success of the Tennessee RiverLine is only possible through community support and participation. Visit tnriverline.org for the latest information and to subscribe to their free newsletter. Join the adventure on social media.
