We are pleased to announce the sites included in the Nature Viewing Trail.

Please follow these links to view the map of the sites and see a list of the sites included

Cumberland Plateau Nature Viewing Trail Overview

What: We propose to create a Cumberland Plateau Nature Viewing Trail that would
highlight the scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities of the region. This self-guided motor tour would serve as a model for sustainable ecotourism and provide a tangible connection between wildlife conservation and local economic development. 

Where:  We will be looking at sites throughout the Cumberland region (22 counties) from
the border of KY to the border of Alabama.  During Phase one of the project, we will assess their potential for inclusion in the project.
            List of Counties: Anderson, Bledsoe, Campbell, Claiborne, Cumberland, Dekalb,
            Fentress, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Putnam,
            Roane, Rhea, Scott, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Warren, and White.

Why:  The travel and tourism industry is the second largest employer in the U.S. today and
nature based tourism is one of the largest growing sectors of that industry.  The Cumberland Plateau region has a vast wealth of natural, cultural and historical assets that make it an ideal spot for a “low impact, low volume, high yield” tourism scenario.

When:  This project will be completed in two phases.  We are currently in the first phase
where we will engage the public, assess potential sites and make equitable recommendations about those that should be included in the final product. The selection criteria not only considers the potential visitor experience but the potential for overvisitation, damage to sensitive species, potential user conflicts, local economics and the cultural and historical aspects of the region.  The second phase of the project will involve the development of a visitor’s map and guide, road signs and waymarkers leading visitors to the sites, and potentially interpretive signs at sites, a website and other marketing strategies.  The specifics of what will be implemented in Phase two will be based on the recommendations of Phase one. 

Who: The Alliance for the Cumberlands is a coalition of over 50 member organizations
dedicated to the ecological and economic sustainability of the natural and human communities in the Cumberland Region.  They have partnered with Fermata Inc., one of the very best nature tourism consulting firms.  Their mission is to promote the considered use of nature, culture and history to move people to places, masses to messages, and markets to merchandise.

For more information contact, Katherine Medlock at 865-546-5998, kmedlock@tnc.org,401 Henley St. Second Floor Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37902.