FAQ

The ChickChatt is a proposed multi-use pathway connecting the cities of Chattanooga, TN and Chickamauga, GA. This pathway would utilize existing greenways, parks, and rail corridors crossing southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia to create a continuous 55 mile loop.

The ChickChatt Greenway is about more than just creating walking and biking paths; it's about connecting people to nature, historic sites, and to each other. 

The proposed route would head south from the St. Elmo Virginia Avenue Greenway through Chattanooga Valley, east to Chickamauga along the old Durham railbed, then back north along West Chickamauga Creek to Camp Jordan Park, where it would connect with the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway in East Ridge. See a map.

Over 30 miles of the ChickChatt already exists in the form of Chattanooga's TN Riverwalk, the VA Avenue Greenway in St. Elmo, the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway, Camp Jordan Park, and trails in the Chickamauga National Military Park. A little over 20 miles still needs to be created to form a continuous loop, mostly on unused rail corridors. 

Not exactly. The ChickChatt has been identified as a priority project with numerous regional benefits by the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Trust for Public Land, and various public officials within Walker County, Catoosa County, and the city of Chickamauga. 

The next steps are to demonstrate a broad base of public support for the project and engage more leaders so that land use agreements and funding can be unlocked to build the remaining connector trails.

There is currently no construction schedule. Join the Friends of the ChickChatt to stay updated and help push this project forward.

Because it would connect the two cities of Chickamauga and Chattanooga.

The Tennessee Alabama Georgia rail bed. The TAG line is currently owned by Norfolk Southern and has been unused for rail service for over a decade. The TAG line creates a corridor that naturally connects Chattanooga to northwest Georgia and could be preserved through rail banking as a rail trail. Learn more here.

A starting point for a bigger vision. Only one mile separates the historic railway stop of Woodburn Station in Flintstone, GA from the present day VA Avenue Greenway in St. Elmo. Building just one mile of the TAG line Rail Trail would safely connect the residents of Chattanooga and Flintstone by foot and bike. This scenic route along the side of Lookout Mountain is already well-loved by bikers, but they must risk their lives to travel it - sharing shoulder-less roads with fast cars. 

Building the Model Mile would make these roads (State Hwy 193 and Chattanooga Valley Road) safer for all by taking bikes off the road. It would also allow pedestrians to travel between Flintstone and Chattanooga. A Model Mile would demonstrate the benefits of a greenway in a tangible way and build excitement for larger projects to complete the 55 mile ChickChatt loop. Learn more here.

Rail banking is a legal mechanism created by the federal government in 1986 to prevent the fragmentation of rail corridors. Discontinued rail lines can be stewarded by a sponsor as recreational trails until rail service becomes viable again. Learn more about the history and legislation here.

Many beloved walking and biking paths have been created through rail banking. See some examples here. The Friends of the ChickChatt is advocating for rail banking agreements to create more recreational trails linking the municipalities of the tri-state area.

Safety and privacy are understandable concerns when residents hear discussions of a new rail trail or public walking path being built next to their property. Experiences from existing trails suggest that these concerns can be addressed through thoughtful design, clear boundaries, and ongoing management. 

Safety and privacy for neighbors along a rail trail can be protected by: preserving existing trees and vegetation, planting additional screening where needed, installing fences or other barriers in sensitive locations, and ensuring that trail access points do not encourage people to enter private property. The proposed trail should also have clear signage, a defined maintenance plan, and an identified point of contact for residents to report concerns. 

The Friends of the ChickChatt is here to advocate for such measures and communicate with residents as the route is designed.

Research and experience from existing trails shows that a well-used, well-maintained public trail actually decreases crime in the surrounding area. Regular foot traffic typically increases safety by discouraging inappropriate activity along previously neglected corridors. For example, the Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular 34-mile former railway route that passes through towns and alongside private residences, demonstrates how a rail trail can coexist with residential properties and established communities. 

Based on evidence from existing greenways, your property value is likely to either be unaffected or affected positively. This research from Texas A&M examines nine studies that address the impact of greenway trails on property values. The researchers found that most adjacent landowners believe that the trail has no effect on the resale value, with many believing that the land value increased as a result of the trail. Many residents and potential residents highly value having immediate access to a trail system.