City Council will consider a rail-to-trail agreement with Gulf & Ohio Railroad and Legacy Parks Foundation at this week’s City Council meeting that will advance plans to convert a 3.8-mile rail line into a soft-surface, multi-use trail and 1.5-mile art walk
Legacy Parks Foundation has been collaborating with Gulf & Ohio on a rail-with-trail project since 2018. In December 2024, the railroad made the decision to close the rail line, making it possible for conversion to trail. They began the process by filing for abandonment of the rail line with the Surface Transpiration Board (STB) who has regulatory responsibilities for railroads. The STB approved the abandonment, pending a plan for future use. The Rails to Trails agreement with the City of Knoxville provides such agreement and, if approved by City Council, will be submitted to the STB for final approval of the plan. Once approved, Gulf & Ohio will remove the tracks and railroad ties. Rail removal is estimated to take place by the end of the year.
If the rail-to-trail agreement is approved by City Council, the City of Knoxville Public Works Department will manage construction of a soft-surface, accessible trail, beginning with the first 1.5-mile segment from Chapman Highway to Island Home Avenue. This segment will be host to an art walk implemented by Legacy Parks. With a $1 million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation, the art walk will feature unique, diverse, and engaging works by local and national artists, transforming the trail into a cultural destination for all. A full-range of art will be represented along the trail – murals, sculptures, functional installations, landscape architecture, and youth-created works.
“Transforming this old rail line into a trail with art installations allows us to preserve a piece of our history while creating something entirely new for our community,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks. “This project shows what’s possible when we reimagine spaces that inspire creativity, support recreation, and bring different communities and interests together.”
“I am so excited that we are one step closer to seeing this project come to life,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “This trail conversion will enhance our existing greenway system, increase connectivity, and become another outdoor destination in Knoxville. The trail will be close to many South Knoxville businesses and Ijams Nature Center, and will be a great complement to all the City’s investments in South Knoxville. It’s a win-win for residents and visitors alike.”
The SoKno Rail Trail will offer an experience that is both urban and natural – bordering the restaurants and breweries along Sevier Avenue and passing through the woods to a nature center. This project will transform the historic corridor into a vibrant trail that connects neighborhoods, provides safe routes for walking and biking, and integrates public art to celebrate Knoxville’s unique culture and creativity.
Construction of the trail is anticipated to begin late fall with the art walk opening in Fall 2026.
