“We understand the public’s desire to have a purpose-built bike trail, and this marks a step for potential future development of a trail in Wears Valley,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Having the signed FONSI allows us the opportunity to explore potential funding paths for both the construction and the annual operational costs.” 

The FONSI comes after the NPS prepared an Environmental Assessment examining alternatives and environmental impacts associated with the proposed mountain bike trail system, which would fall within the Wears Valley portion of Foothills Parkway Section 8D in Tennessee. 

The selected alternative plans for 11.8 miles of mountain biking trails, to include 4.2 miles of easy trail, 2.9 miles of moderate trail and 4.7 miles of advanced trail. The project would include an additional 2.3 miles of pedestrian-only trails, as well as a 0.93-mile access road. The trailhead would feature a bike wash and repair station, restrooms and picnic tables, as well as an informational kiosk for orientation, trail etiquette and rules for mountain biking. 

The project aims to enhance visitor experience by offering mountain biking opportunities. The park has more than 800 miles of trail, but fewer than 8 miles are designated for biking. Public roads within the park are open to biking, but no purpose-built mountain biking trails currently exist. Previous NPS planning efforts between 1968 and 1984 identified Section 8D as one of the most desirable areas for recreational development. 

Next steps include a business analysis by the NPS to examine possible operational strategies for a mountain bike trail system. The selected alternative may also include a concession/bike rental building and/or a fee collection station, depending on the identified operational strategy. No funding for construction has yet been identified. 

For more information, visit parkplanning.nps.gov/projecthome.cfm?projectid=91987.