About the Cumberland Trail Conservancy

Cumberland Trail Conservancy (CTC) is the nonprofit partner dedicated to building, maintaining, and protecting the Cumberland Trail — one of Tennessee’s most ambitious conservation and recreation projects.

Founded in 1994 by hikers and conservationists, CTC works alongside volunteers, communities, donors, and state partners to bring the Cumberland Trail to life, one mile at a time.

Meet Our Team Our History
View of the Cumberland Gap from the Cumberland Trail

Our Mission

We bring the Cumberland Trail to life, one mile at a time, for hikers, neighbors, and future generations.

Our Vision

A completed Cumberland Trail that inspires adventure, supports conservation, and strengthens the people and places it touches.

Our Values

  • Craftsmanship
    We take pride in building durable, sustainable trails that reflect respect for the land and care in every step.
  • Enduring Vision
    Our work is measured in decades; we remain focused on building a legacy that connects people to nature for generations to come.
  • Adventure & Access
    We create pathways to explore Tennessee’s wild beauty, ensuring trails that are inviting, safe, and welcoming for all.
  • Collaboration
    We work hand-in-hand with volunteers, partners, and communities to build and sustain the trail together.
  • Stewardship
    We honor and protect the Cumberland Trail and its natural surroundings so future generations can experience its wonder.
  • Community Engagement
    We inspire people to connect with the trail through learning, service, and shared experiences in nature.

What Is the Cumberland Trail?

The Cumberland Trail is a planned 300+ mile linear hiking trail running along the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee.

When complete, it will stretch from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park to Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, connecting 11 counties through cliffs, gorges, forests, waterfalls, and historic communities.

The trail is managed as Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), with the Cumberland Trail Conservancy serving as its primary nonprofit partner.

View the Trail Route

Why the Cumberland Trail Matters

The Cumberland Trail is more than a hiking path.

  • It protects critical ecosystems across the Cumberland Plateau.
  • It connects communities to outdoor recreation.
  • It supports tourism and local economic development.
  • It creates hands-on opportunities for volunteer service.

Few projects combine conservation, recreation, and rural economic development at this scale.

Find Out How To Get Involved

A Volunteer-Driven Effort

Construction and maintenance of the trail are largely volunteer-powered. Local residents, trail crews, partner organizations, and supporters from across the region work side-by-side to shape each mile.

This collaborative model has become a hallmark of the Cumberland Trail — and a powerful example of public–private partnership in action.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Our History

The vision for the Cumberland Trail began in the early 1970s, when conservation-minded Tennesseans imagined a continuous footpath across the Cumberland Plateau.

In 1994, that vision took organizational shape with the founding of the Cumberland Trail Conservancy.

In 1998, the trail was designated Tennessee’s 53rd state park. In 2002, it was renamed in honor of Deputy Governor Justin P. Wilson, whose leadership helped secure early state and federal support for the project.

Today, work continues toward completion — mile by mile.

Learn More About Our History