SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk
The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk will be a unique destination that connects people and possibilities. As people move along the trail, they will naturally venture from place to place - supporting local businesses and incubating new business opportunities along the corridor.
The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk will transform a vacated rail line into a cultural and recreation destination along Knoxville’s south waterfront.
Originally envisioned as a rail-with-trail when planning began in 2018, the project evolved into a rail-to-trail conversion – creating a 3.8-mile pedestrian and bike trail stretching from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.
The rail trail will provide both a commuter and a recreational route as well as another key connection in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness – linking neighborhoods, businesses, art and nature all in one.
The cultural art walk will celebrate the art, history and natural beauty of our community. Specially commissioned art pieces will showcase the exceptional artists in Knoxville and nationwide, while integrating art, nature and recreation into an accessible experience for all.
A full range of art will be represented along the art walk – murals, sculptures, and youth-created works. Drawing from the example of New York City’s High Line, The SoKno Art Walk is envisioned as a “living system”, drawing from multiple disciplines including landscape architecture, urban design, and ecology.
Art Walk Features
The SoKno Art Walk will be concentrated on the 1.5-mile segment from Kern’s Bakery on Chapman Highway to Island Home Park neighborhood. Art installations will evolve over time, ensuring the trail remains dynamic. Planned features include:
- Art installations and specially commissioned pieces including:
- Murals
- Sculptures
- Youth-created artworks
- Preserved rail components honoring the corridor’s history
- Two trailheads:
- River’s Edge Apartments near the Island Home neighborhood
- Kern’s Food Hall on Chapman Highway
- Two pocket parks within Art Walk segment
- A lighted tunnel with integrated design elements
Project Timeline and Milestones
This page will continue to be updated as the project progresses. Check back regularly for construction updates, artist announcements, community engagement opportunities and opening milestones.
2018
Project planning begins as rail-with-trail concept
2019
Legacy Parks awarded:
$10,000 grant from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
$2,500 First Tennessee grant
2023
Legacy Parks awarded:
$30,000 Marathon Petroleum grant to fund youth-created artwork
2024
Legacy Parks awarded:
$1 Million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation to fund art installations along the Art Walk
2025
Rails to Trails agreement between Gulf and Ohio, City of Knoxville and Legacy Parks Foundation
2026
January/February – Rails removed and first public art installation revealed
February – Official launch of the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk and first public art installation revealed – Caboose with Emmanuel Jarus mural located behind Kern’s Food Hall
March – Construction and trail surfacing began
The SoKno Art Walk is anticipated to open in Fall 2026
Want to get involved?
Do you live or own a business along the trail?
We’d love for you to be a part of the creativity celebrated on the Art Walk! Check out this Community Kit to learn more! Contact Sarah at srump@legacyparks.org to learn more about getting involved!
Support the trail
Sponsoring the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk puts your brand in front of thousands of trail users while aligning your business with the dozens of restaurants, breweries, shops, and businesses that make South Knoxville a vibrant destination.
Contact us at info@legacyparks.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Join these sponsors in supporting the SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk!
Lois and Clifford Beach, Maureen & Vince Cianciolo, Rhonda & Jim Clayton, Caroline Cooley, Lynne & Robert Davis, The Daws Family, Debbie & Ken Hill, Link Hudson, Dr. Leanne Kersey, Ada C Koho Estate, Sherri Parker Lee, Teresa & Robert Levey, Martha McMurry, National Railway Historical Society, Mike Parish, Susan Pitcher, Patty & Jef Rose, Ruth & Ken Rueter, Stewart Smith, Tommy Smith, Dee & Ken Stephenson, James Waxmonsky, Jessyca & Greg Williams
Project Partners
The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk is made possible through broad collaboration across design, arts, and community partners:
Gulf & Ohio Railway, Lawson Family Foundation, City of Knoxville, Ross/Fowler, S&ME, Realty Trust Group, Knoxville Track Club, Lose Design, McCarty Holsaple McCarty, The Thought Bureau, Kern’s Food Hall, Johnson Architecture, LARC Lighting Design, Dogwood Arts, Old Sevier District, Truan Equipment
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