Cumberland Trail Conservancy

05/27/2026

We had a little change of plans yesterday! With rain in the forecast, we pivoted and brought the trail crew into the office, and it turned into a super productive day.

Our team rolled up their sleeves and made great progress on our new and improved website (coming SOON 👀). It was awesome getting everyone involved and working together in a different way for a day. Meanwhile, Aaron and Tyler made good use of the downtime by getting tools cleaned up, maintained, and freshly sharpened. 🔧

Big thanks to Caroline, Keith, Tyler, Aaron, Derek, and Shauna for jumping in and helping out, we appreciate you! 🙌

05/20/2026

We were proud to take part in Laurel Dace Day this weekend! 🐟🌿

Moccasin Creek, one of the few places the laurel dace calls home, made for a pretty special hike along the Cumberland Trail. It was a great way to connect people to the species and the landscape that supports it.

Big thanks to crew members Caroline and Shauna for leading such a great group out on the trail! 💚

05/20/2026

We loved being part of Laurel Dace Day and helping connect people to these incredible landscapes and waterways. Grateful to our partners and everyone who showed up to celebrate and protect this special place.

05/13/2026

Join us for Laurel Dace Day with a guided hike led by crew leader Shauna! 🌿🐟

Enjoy a 2-mile moderate hike on the Upper Piney River section of the Cumberland Trail with creek views, rock formations, wildflowers, and blooming rhododendron.

We’ll visit Moccasin Creek, one of just six streams where the rare laurel dace lives, and keep an eye out for them! 👀

⚠️ Registration required – only 10 spots available!

Sign up link in comments 👇

Celebrate Laurel Dace Day in Spring City!

Join the Spring City Tourism & Events Commission, in partnership with the Tennessee RiverLine, The Tennessee Aquarium, Conservation Fisheries Inc., and the Cumberland Trail Conservancy, for an immersive day of outdoor adventure on May 16.

This special event highlights the unique ecology of our region and the conservation efforts protecting the endangered Laurel Dace. Space is limited, so grab your spot today!

Adventure Options

1. Guided Hike on the Cumberland Trail

Explore the beauty of the Upper Piney River section on a trail recently completed by the CTC in 2022.

Availability: 10 Spots
Distance: 2 miles round-trip (Moderate difficulty with rock steps).
Route: From the CT Upper Piney River trailhead to the confluence of Moccasin and Piney Creeks.
Highlights: Stunning rock formations, vibrant wildflowers, and blooming rhododendrons. You’ll visit Moccasin Creek—one of only six streams where the Laurel Dace calls home.
2. Snorkeling in the Piney River

Get a fish-eye view of our local waterways and discover the diverse aquatic life beneath the surface.

Availability: 20 Spots

Shuttle & Transportation Information

To make the day as seamless as possible, UT Knoxville is providing two shuttle vans to transport participants to the trailheads and river access points.

Pickup Location: Nature Park pavilion area.
Hiker Departure: 1:00 PM
Snorkeler Departure: 1:30 PM

Registration

These spots will fill up quickly! Please use the links below to secure your participation:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5ih8w0gjgU6VaMJ7-ttYYAh5TX8suDpFoQuLRC0OEnZUMFE0UzJHQzdLVzBTRTdGNjZLTDZDUFE1My4u

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5ih8w0gjgU6VaMJ7-ttYYAh5TX8suDpFoQuLRC0OEnZUNk5WUk9YVVhNMEUyUUM3Rk1VOUlSWDdTWi4u

Come out and help us celebrate the incredible natural resources that make Spring City such a special place!

05/13/2026

🌿 Native Plant Spotlight: Roundleaf Catchfly 🌿

While working on a new section of the Cumberland Trail, crew supervisor Shauna spotted this beautiful wildflower growing among the sandstone habitat along the corridor: roundleaf catchfly (Silene rotundifolia).

This native species is found primarily in the Appalachian and Cumberland Plateau regions, where it grows in rocky woodlands, cliffs, and sandstone outcrops. Its delicate blooms and rounded leaves make it a standout, but its habitat is just as special as the plant itself.

Roundleaf catchfly is considered uncommon in many areas because it depends on specific rocky environments that support a unique variety of plant life. Discoveries like this are a great reminder of the incredible biodiversity found along the Cumberland Trail and the importance of protecting these natural spaces.

05/12/2026

Look at this beauty, a timber rattlesnake 🐍🌿

The trail crew stumbled upon this one out on the Cumberland Trail. With warmer weather rolling in, the nope ropes are getting active again around the trails. Stay aware, especially around rocks, logs, and sunny spots, and always give them plenty of space.

No need for fear, just respect, awareness, and coexistence with these beautiful creatures that call this trail home. ❤️

05/06/2026

🌿 Trail Crew Spotlight: Aaron 🌿

Aaron has been part of the crew since May 2025 and quickly found a favorite spot in Daddy’s Creek, a diverse section with creek crossings, bluffs, and rock work. It’s also special because it’s the very first section he helped build. His favorite trail moment is finishing a long day, walking out, and realizing, “I helped build this.”

You’ll usually find Aaron on trail with apple slices in hand, a pick mattock nearby, and a smile on his face no matter how tough the work gets. He loves how working outdoors teaches you about yourself (even if his completely useless trail superpower is sometimes overcomplicating things).

When he’s not on trail, Aaron’s playing Euchre with family, singing karaoke, or catching a well‑deserved nap. He hopes hikers enjoy his trail sections enough to tell someone else about them.

We’re so glad to have Aaron on the crew! 🌲🥾

05/04/2026

The side‑by‑side is in the shop getting some much‑needed upgrades, but that didn’t slow us down. We shifted to another section in Sale Creek and built this set of rock steps. Solid work by a great crew.

04/28/2026

Just your friendly neighborhood trail crew moving massive rocks. 👏

This crew tackled a tough drainage, installing 12 stone steps and heavy pavers that can handle serious water flow. It took about a day and a half, with everyone involved in moving and setting big rocks by hand.

We’re grateful for the skill, effort, and teamwork that go into projects like this. And for the folks who make the trail better every day!

04/18/2026

Find the Cumberland Trail Conservancy at the Nashville Earth Day Festival tomorrow (11–5)! 🌿⛰️
Stop by, say hello, and celebrate Earth Day with us.