Locating Routes of Trails

  1. Law
  2. Tennessee Code
  3. Natural Areas and Recreation
  4. Tennessee Trails System
  5. Tennessee Trails System Act
  6. Locating Routes of Trails

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The process of locating routes of trails initially included in, as well as trails to be added to, the system shall be as follows:

  1. For state scenic trails, the department shall select a route. The selected route shall be compatible with preservation or enhancement of the environment it traverses. Reasonable effort shall be made to minimize any adverse effects upon adjacent landowners and users. Notice of the selected route shall be published by the department in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the trail is located, together with appropriate maps and descriptions. Such publication shall be prior to the recommendation by the department to the general assembly;
  2. For state recreation trails and for connecting or side trails, the department shall select the route; provided, that when a route traverses land within the jurisdiction of a governmental unit or political subdivision, the department shall consult with such unit or such subdivision prior to its final determination for the location of the route;
  3. In selecting routes and implementing this chapter, the department is encouraged to confer with the recognized and established organizations primarily interested in trail development, conservation and outdoor recreation, it being the intent of this section to recognize the efforts and work already completed on such scenic trails as the Appalachian and Cumberland trails by such organizations. Furthermore, the general assembly encourages citizen participation in trail acquisition, construction, development, and maintenance where such activities will not conflict with the purpose of this chapter; and
  4. In the selection of the route for any trails, when the trail reaches an area of crop or fenced pasture land, the trail shall be so located as not to interfere in the growing of crops or with the livestock or pasture land and such trail may then follow existing farm roads. The owner of such farmlands may enter a written agreement with the department to grant permission for the crossing of such crop or pasture land.


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