Trails

The purpose of the East Lakeshore Trail project is to provide a recreational and educational hiking trail along a portion of the east shoreline of Tellico Lake.

Bob Martin
Phone: 865-458-9233

Construction of the East Lakeshore Trail is a joint venture between WATeR and the Tennessee Valley Authority.  It is being built with volunteer labor.  The concept began seven years ago and has evolved as a reality with completion of nearly 15 miles of trail.  It is envisioned that the trail could ultimately consist of about 35 miles.  The project involves initial trail layout, trail construction including installation of bridges, water bars, fence stiles and timber stair treads as needed, development of trailhead parking areas with kiosk bulletin boards, scenic view areas with benches, and boat landing areas making the trail accessible by water.  Some segments of the trail are identified as self guided interpretive trails for environmental education purposes.  The first phase of the trail project consisted of building Coytee Loop (1.6 miles) and Glendale Branch (3 miles) culminating in an official public opening on October 22, 2004. Since then three additional branches have been completed.  These are the North Branch (1.8 miles), Sinking Creek Branch (4.4 miles), and the Lotterdale Branch (3.8 miles).  A sixth trail segment called the Jackson Bend Branch is currently under construction.

East Lakeshore Trail is located along the east shoreline of Tellico Lake opposite Tellico Village.  The completed portion of the trail lies between mile 5 and mile 10 of the Little Tennessee River channel.    Access to the trail is provided at three existing trailheads with vehicle parking for 15 to 20 vehicles.  Each trailhead has an information bulletin board kiosk with a large map of the trail. Smaller take-along maps and WATeR brochures are also supplied. Three signed boat-landing areas provide easy access to the trail for boaters. 

More detailed information with maps, interpretive guides, and directions to the trailheads are available on the East Lakeshore Trail menu item of the WATeR website.

Work on the East Lakeshore Trail is performed 3 days a month.  Those wanting to volunteer their time to a worthwhile community project can call Bob Martin @ (865) 458-9233 or Larry Smartt @ (865) 408-1541.