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 four years ago and has evolved as a reality with completion of 6.4 miles of trail.  It will ultimately consist of more than 10 miles.  The project involves initial trail layout, trail construction including installation of bridges, water bars, and timber stair treads as needed, development of trailhead parking areas with kiosk bulletin boards, tree identification interpretive signs enabling it to be enjoyed as an interpretive nature trail, scenic view areas, and boat landing areas making the trail accessible by water.  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.  The second phase was the construction of the North Branch (1.8 miles), completed in November, 2005

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 7 of the Little Tennessee River channel.  Construction was phased resulting in three named segments of trail: Coytee Loop, Glendale Branch, and the North Branch.  The North Branch will connect into the new development of Rarity Pointe in the near future.  Access to the trail is provided at two existing trailheads with vehicle parking and information kiosks.  A signed boat landing area adjacent to the Glendale Branch in Powerline Cove provides access to the trail for boaters.

The Loudon County Highway Commission and TVA partnered to clear a trailhead site on Coytee Road to accommodate parking for 15 vehicles.  An information bulletin board kiosk, installed by the Kiwanis Club, contains a large map of the trail and provides smaller take-along maps and WATeR brochures.

Take Route 321N (toward Maryville) for 3.5 miles from Fort Loudoun Dam.  Signs from both directions on 321 will direct you to turn south on Route 95 toward Greenback.  Take 95 south for 1.8 miles and turn right on Axley Chapel Road.  Go 1.5 miles and turn right on Coytee Road.  Watch for the trailhead on the left.

If coming from Maryville, take 321 south to 95 S and follow the signs as above.

From the Vonore area, take East Tellico Parkway and follow the signs.

A second trailhead which provides easy access to the North Branch segment, and the north end of Glendale Branch segment, is located at the end of Glendale Road.  Follow the directions as above, but turn right on Glendale Road off of route 95.

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.