Bike trails and Innovation Park development
Summary
The Hogstop Bike Trail environmental work is 75% done with the Forest Service now involved at no fee, and the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park pad is finished with utilities design underway — all funded by grants, not local taxpayers.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
No cost to local taxpayers — grant funds cover the work, including a potential $5 million EDA grant matched by the state.
Trail users, job seekers, and taxpayers who get development without local cost.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Cocke County CLB — May 18, 2026
The Cocke County Partnership reported Forest Service approval for bike trail permits, and Innovation Park is moving forward with $2 million in ARPA-funded sewer work and bids going out for power, lighting, and broadband — all grant-funded.
CLB — April 20, 2026
Environmental documents are submitted to the Forest Service, appraisals are done, and an RFP for trail builders is next — with possible ground-breaking on phase one this fall if the federal approval comes through. Some trails will accommodate adaptive bicycles for riders with disabilities.
CLB — March 16, 2026
The Hogstop Bike Trail environmental work is 75% done with the Forest Service now involved at no fee, and the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park pad is finished with utilities design underway — all funded by grants, not local taxpayers.
CLB — February 17, 2026
The Partnership got federal sign-off (SF-299 special use permit) for the Hall's Top mountain bike trail project near Hartford, aiming to pair whitewater rafting with bike trails to draw tourists. Construction could start in the fall.
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