New trail connects routes for mountain bikers, hikers and runners

For nearly 20 years, land managers at Lula Lake Land Trust have been dreaming of a trail that would connect downtown Chattanooga to the trail systems on Lookout Mountain.

Last month, they put the final puzzle piece in place to make those dreams come true.

On Sept. 16, the land trust will celebrate the grand opening of its new 4.1-mile corridor, the Chattanooga Connector Trail. The trail, which links Lula Lake's core property to Covenant College, is the final installment in the overall 10-year project, and will also provide interconnectivity for the network of trails on Lookout Mountain.

"You'll be able to walk, ride a bike or run from Ross's Landing to Cloudland Canyon State Park - that's 35 linear miles in one direction," says Mike Pollock, executive director of Lula Lake Land Trust.

With the new connector trail in place, the mountain's system now includes 120 miles of trails. Eventually, the Chattanooga Connector Trail will become a section of the Great Eastern Trail, which, upon completion, will stretch 1,600 miles from Alabama to New York.

In the meantime, the land trust invites hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians to explore the connector, which is already open to the public, as well as its three newly built spur trails, nicknamed "The Moonshine Trails."

White Lightning - 1.5 miles

Described as "fast and flowy," this downhill trail has a grade that's friendly for hikers and adventurous for bikers. Along the route, travelers will find two rock bridges and a gorgeous woodland area that has seen very little traffic. Just off the main path, advanced riders seeking a little extra thrill will find more challenging passages to climb consisting of rock and man-made wooden platforms.

Firewater - 2 miles

Deep, dark and mysterious, the lowest points on this exceptionally beautiful trail invoke the same sense of danger and excitement moonshiners might have felt while sneaking through the brush. The area is shaded by ancient hemlock trees that still stand guard around the basin, and what little light steals through their branches makes the creek blush baby blue. Voyagers can marvel at the area's beauty as they use natural wood bridges to traverse creek crossings.

Bathtub Gin - 0.5 miles

Though shorter than its other booze-themed counterparts, this trail is not without its kick. After a fairly easy lead-in, the path becomes rocky, moderately upping the challenge for hikers and cranking the difficulty way up for riders. Farther in, explorers will find wooden bridges spanning the gaps between boulders that they can walk or ride across, though trail builders advise that only advanced bikers attempt the feat.