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What is the Mountain Goat Trail?

From 1856 to 1985, the Mountain Goat Railroad carried coal and passengers between Palmer and Cowan in Grundy and Franklin Counties of the Cumberland Plateau. It was named the Mountain Goat because the climb onto the Plateau was one of the steepest railroad ascents in the world.

Now, the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance is seeking to reclaim the path of the railroad. Working with local governments and other interested groups, the Alliance's mission is to turn the old railroad bed into a multiuse recreational path. When finished, the 35-plus-mile trail will connect seven towns in two counties, offering health, recreational, and economic benefits to the area.

How much of the Trail is accessible now?

The section in blue above between Sewanee and Monteagle is paved and accessible. This almost five-mile stretch sees consistent use from walkers, runners, cyclists, and canine friends.

In addition, six miles between the DuBose Center in Monteagle and downtown Tracy City (in blue above) are open..

Where can the Trail be accessed?

The Sewanee-Monteagle section of the trail begins in downtown Sewanee and ends at Mountain Outfitters in Monteagle.

The best place to park in Sewanee is in the gravel lot on Highway 41A at Hawkins Lane. Here's a Google map that might be helpful. (The Mountain Goat Trail in Sewanee is part of the 20+-mile Perimeter Trail around the University Domain, which is why it's labeled that way on this map.)

In Monteagle, we recommend parking at Mountain Outfitters or Monteagle City Hall to access the Trail.

In Tracy City, the trail can best be accessed from downtown or from Tracy City Elementary School.

What is the next phase of the Mountain Goat Trail?

New segments of the Trail are scheduled to begin construction in Monteagle and Tracy City in 2024. The bridge across Interstate 24 is due to be replaced, with the addition of a multimodal trail, in 2025 or 2026..