Battlefield Connector Trail

Famous for its rich Civil War heritage and preserved historic beauty, the City of Chickamauga relies on outdoor recreation as the lifeblood of their city’s tourism industry. Many visitors come to learn about this critical period of American history, history that dwells in the very soil of this part of the country, and extend their historical tourism by exploring the nearby Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, less than 1 mile away from downtown Chickamauga.

At first glance, the distance can easily be walked or cycled. But high traffic and even higher speeds make it unsafe for any pedestrians or cyclists, forcing tourists to rely on vehicle transportation and limiting people to existing sidewalks within the city limits. The solution? A great trail.

One of the hallmarks of a vibrant and healthy community is a great trail network that gives everyone access to the outdoors for recreation and the ability to safely travel to everyday destinations by walking or cycling. And in places like Chickamauga, residents and local leaders are working to make that a reality, protecting the past while preparing for the future.

Trust for Public Land is working with local partners to create the Battlefield Connector Trail, a 2.2-mile trail that will improve connectivity between historic downtown Chickamauga and the Chickamauga Battlefield. By tying together what the community already has, this new asset will promote healthy lifestyles and preserve history, while injecting valuable tourism revenue into the local economy. It will help increase visitors and generate revenue to downtown Chickamauga, while improving residents’ access to safe recreational opportunities, easing their tax burden and improving quality of life for longtime residents.

Crucially, these residents have been engaged, heard, and included every step of the way. Engaging the public is not a box to be checked; it’s a process that requires ongoing dialogue, transparency, and candor.

“The Battlefield Connector Trail is a great first opportunity for Trust for Public Land to partner with Walker County, Chickamauga, and the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission to achieve a long held and shared vision to connect more people from more communities to the remarkable natural assets throughout north Georgia and the Tennessee Valley,” said Noel Durant, TPL Tennessee State Director.