
The project includes a new trailhead that offers parking and an informational kiosk
The completed project involves three trails and a new trailhead within the park’s trail system.
The City of Chattahoochee is a small rural community of 5,445, nestled on the majestic river bluffs along the beautiful Apalachicola River in north Florida. The community, located within a “Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern,” has been working to enhance eco-tourism opportunities that could provide increased economic activity.
As part of that effort, the City decided to upgrade trails in a local park which contains beautiful, diverse, and in some cases, rare plant life as well as a Native American mound dating back centuries. Under the leadership of volunteers Charles and Anne Thrash, who learned about the RTP and participated in state-provided trail-development training, the project incorporated sustainable and accessible design principles easily from beginning to end.
The completed project, which used $95,145 in 2008 RTP funds and matched it with $63,430 more, involves three trails and a new trailhead within the park’s trail system.
Scenery along the Chattahoochee Nature Trail system
The new trailhead offers parking, an informational kiosk, and a water fountain. The new Muscogee Trail, which leaves from the trailhead, includes a ¼ mile of new hard surface, another ¼ mile of new boardwalk, 1½ miles of new natural surface trail, and a 16-foot wood bridge.
In addition, the existing ½ mile Angus Gholson Trail was renovated and the almost one-mile-long fitness trail was given a more stabilized surface for users of the 20 fitness stations. New rest areas, informational kiosks, interpretive and directional signage were all placed appropriately along the three trails.
The Chattahoochee Nature Trails system now enjoys increased use by both residents and visitors, contributing to local community revitalization while providing a much appreciated health benefit. Based on the project’s success, plans are in the works to enlarge the trails system and eventually connect it to a nearby state park.
2021: Vermilion Falls Trail
2021: Climax Tunnel Rehabilitation
2020: Blue Ridge Tunnel Rehabilitation & Trail Project
2020: Milan Trail Huggers Nash Stream Bridge
2019: Weed Patch Mountain Trail
2018: Ouachita National Recreation Trail Shelters - Arkansas and Oklahoma
2017: Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area - Pennsylvania
2016: Kanab Creek OHV Bridge - Utah
2015: Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point Trail Project - Colorado
2015: Joanna Trail Project - Missouri
2014: Abbott Motocross Park - Nebraska
2014: Millersburg Historic Park and Trailhead - Michigan
2013: East and West Twin Creek Bridges - Michigan
2012: Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway - Nevada
2011: Iron Range OHV Recreation Area - Minnesota
2010: Agassiz Recreational Trail - Minnesota
2009: Sam Houston Multiple-Use Trail - Texas
2008: Wanoga Snopark Shelter - Oregon
2007: Potato Knob Trail at Holly River State Park - West Virginia
2006: Indian Canyon Trailhead - California
2006: Upper Waiakea ATV/Dirt Bike Park - Hawaii
2006: County Line Acres Bikeway - Ohio
2005: River Bluff Trail Project - Indiana
2005: Red Creek Bridge - Michigan
2005: MKT Trailhead Project - Missouri
2004: Diana Bend Conservation Area Trail Project - Missouri
2004: Sweetser Switch Trail Project - Indiana
2003: Jane Addams Trail - Illinois
2003: Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Area - West Virginia