What if Johnson County’s trails actually went somewhere?
This week on The Johnson County Line, Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell sit down with Philip Burtt-Henderson, president of the Johnson County Trails Association, to talk about an ambitious vision for connecting Johnson County through trails — and what that could mean for the people who already call this place home.
The Johnson County Trails Association is working toward a network that could eventually connect Butler, Doe Mountain, Backbone Rock, Mountain City and Damascus, while providing connections to destinations including the Virginia Creeper Trail and Appalachian Trail.
And some of it could happen sooner than you might think.
We talk with Philip about the Laurel Creek Extension, plans for the Iron Mountain Trail, restoration following Hurricane Helene, and the proposed Johnson County Trail Center — three projects the association hopes can make significant progress within the next several years.
But this conversation isn’t just about hiking and mountain biking.
It’s also about economic development.
Could Johnson County’s mountains, creeks and trails create opportunities for locally owned businesses — guides, outfitters, bike shops, shuttle services and other small businesses — while allowing residents and visitors alike to experience more of the county without changing what makes Johnson County special?
And perhaps most importantly: How do we make these resources work for the people who live here first?
Philip shares the vision, where the projects stand today, how they’re being funded, and what it could all mean for Johnson County’s future.
Dan’s companion story, “A Trail to Somewhere,” takes an even deeper look at the Johnson County Trails Association’s plans.
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ABOUT THE JOHNSON COUNTY LINE
The Johnson County Line is an independently produced public affairs podcast created and hosted by Dan Cullinane and Sheila Stout Caldwell, covering local issues, people, events and conversations in Johnson County, Tennessee.
Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Johnson County Line, its hosts or contributors. Commentary and opinion are identified as such. Information presented is based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication and may be updated or corrected as additional information becomes available.
Community opinion polls conducted by The Johnson County Line are non-scientific and are intended to encourage community participation and conversation. Results should not be interpreted as statistically representative of the population of Johnson County.
The Johnson County Line is not affiliated with Johnson County Government, the Town of Mountain City, or any political party, candidate or campaign.
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