For more information on the mobile app, the interactive map or how to volunteer to improve the TVA lands available, visit tva.gov/Environment/Recreation/Undeveloped-Recreation-Areas.Across the scope of 293,000 acres of land managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, more than 229,000 of those acres encompass undeveloped land ever-patiently waiting for the public to enjoy.
Often overlooked due to minimal markings or simply a lack of knowledge of the area, these lands offer endless outdoor opportunities for a variety of interests.
Some, such as the more popular Chickamauga Reservoir's Big Ridge trail, are simple to access and perfect for a family hike. Raccoon Mountain's Laurel Point area trails feature a variety of scenic overlooks, long and short hike options, mountain bike trails and even picnic and grilling areas.
Others, like some unmarked trails near Nickajack Lake, offer primitive camping opportunities in tranquil areas where hunting is prohibited. Still others in areas farther outside Chattanooga's immediate scope have horse trails perfect for a daylong excursion.
"It couldn't be more convenient, it's right off the interstate," Evan Coleman, TVA senior manager of natural resources, says of the Nickajack area's availability. " However, once you get on the trail, you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. It's one of the more diverse parcels we have. There's a lot of large rocks and boulders, so it's a neat place to explore if you want to go off trail."
In order to make the trails more accessible to the public, both an interactive online map and an app are available. Hunters interested in finding land during hunting season can call 1-800-TVA-LAND (882-5263).
"We have parcels of just a few acres up to hundreds of acres," Coleman says. "Really, it's just a matter of what you're looking for. You can kind of create your own adventure."
Leave No Trace
For those who use the land for any purpose, remember to clean up after yourself and any pets who come along with you. TVA is a partner with the international Leave No Trace environmental program, which seeks to increase awareness of the potential environmental impact outdoor activities have and teach those involved to minimize them. That includes your effect on the natural vegetation of an area, so work to keep that at a minimum as well. And remember, always carry a first aid emergency kit, especially when going to undeveloped or minimally developed areas where cellphone reception is not guaranteed.
Create your own adventure
Here, staff of TVA’s division of natural resources weigh in on some of their favorite diamonds-in-the-rough for a variety of roughing-it activities.Water sportsHiwassee Blueway: The Hiwassee River Blueway offers more than 60 miles of navigable water for canoe, kayak and paddleboat enthusiasts to enjoy.Apalachia Reservoir: Adjacent to the Nantahala National Forest, Apalachia Reservoir is a small, deep, cool-water reservoir set in the mountains of western North Carolina.BirdingBattle Creek: Just 35 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, this 145-acre TVA tract in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, includes wetlands and bottomland forest, making it a perfect bird-watching adventure spot for young and old.CampingMickens Branch: Home to 12 primitive campsites located on the western shore of Hiwassee Lake, the Branch is a great spot to get away from the crowds.BikingRaccoon Mountain: A 15-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga offers myriad biking and hiking trails surrounding TVA’s unique pump storage reservoir. This location draws bikers from around the world.HikingLittle Cedar Mountain: For lovers of trees and rocks, the 4-mile loop trail at Little Cedar Mountain Small Wild Area, located on Nickajack Reservoir in Jasper, Tennessee, is a dreamscape.