Chattanooga, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has introduced a divisive land swap plan that could affect the popular Atlas Mountain Bike Trail at Enterprise South Nature Park. The proposal involves exchanging 500 acres of the park for industrial development while ensuring the preservation of 1,300 acres at McDonald Farm. Local advocacy group SORBA Chattanooga and community residents have expressed concerns over the potential impact on recreational spaces amidst a growing petition to save the nature park.
Chattanooga
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has proposed a controversial land swap that could significantly impact the popular Atlas Mountain Bike Trail at Enterprise South Nature Park. The proposal involves trading 500 acres of the park for industrial development while aiming to preserve 1,300 acres at McDonald Farm. This plan has raised concerns among local residents and mountain biking enthusiasts alike.
Enterprise South Nature Park spans 2,800 acres and features over 60 miles of trails and roads maintained as a protected natural forest. Within the park, only 15.5 miles of the trails are designated as bike-legal singletrack. The Atlas trail, a 6-mile route regarded as one of the best by local mountain bikers, makes up approximately 38% of the bike-legal singletrack in the park.
As the proposal came to light, the local advocacy group SORBA Chattanooga expressed their surprise, stating they were unaware of the development until the news broke. A survey conducted by the University of Tennessee indicated significant community interest in preserving the park as recreational space, with mountain biking being a high priority among residents.
SORBA Chattanooga is currently engaging with county officials to advocate for sustainable mountain biking trails and to explore new trail opportunities, hoping to maintain access to the Atlas trail for the community. Critics of the mayor’s proposal argue that the choice between developing 535 acres at Enterprise South and preserving 1,300 acres at McDonald Farm is misleading, asserting that both properties can be safeguarded without compromising recreational space.
Mayor Wamp’s remarks regarding the proposed industrial development claimed it would not interfere with recreational activities. However, this assertion has faced backlash from local mountain bikers, especially following confirmation that the proposed development would indeed affect the Atlas trail. Social media outcry has prompted discussions, and a spokesperson for the mayor acknowledged the potential impact on the popular trail.
As of now, plans are not finalized, and the acreage designated for development may decrease during the appraisal process. Previous proposals, such as the TDOT Hilltop Drive Extension, have also posed a threat to the Atlas trail, further complicating the situation for mountain biking aficionados.
Public presentations regarding the proposed land swap will take place before both the Hamilton County Commission and the Chattanooga City Council. Initial votes are required for the proposal to proceed through the approval process. Community members are encouraged to sign a Change.org petition titled “Save Enterprise South Nature Park,” which has already garnered nearly 3,800 signatures.
County officials have indicated that if the Atlas trail is indeed affected, there may be possibilities to relocate or construct new trails within the park. The proposed land swap will need approvals at various governmental levels, including local, state, and federal, which may offer an avenue for concerned residents to voice their opposition or support.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Area of Land Involved | 500 acres for industrial development |
| Land to be Preserved | 1,300 acres at McDonald Farm |
| Size of Enterprise South Nature Park | 2,800 acres |
| Length of Atlas Trail | 6 miles |
| Percentage of Bike-Legal Singletrack | 38% of bike-legal singletrack in Enterprise South |
| Community Signatures on Petition | Nearly 3,800 signatures collected |
FAQ
What is the proposed land swap in Hamilton County?
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has proposed a land swap involving 500 acres of Enterprise South Nature Park for industrial development while preserving 1,300 acres at McDonald Farm.
What is the size of the Enterprise South Nature Park?
Enterprise South Nature Park features over 60 miles of trails and roads, maintained as a protected natural forest within a 2,800-acre area.
How much of the Atlas trail is bike-legal?
Only 15.5 miles of the trails in Enterprise South are designated as bike-legal singletrack, with the Atlas trail being 6 miles long and considered one of the best trails by local mountain bikers.
What has been the community’s response to the proposal?
There is significant community interest in preserving the land for recreation; a University of Tennessee survey found that residents want the land to remain as recreational space, with mountain biking being a high priority.
What is the status of the proposed development?
Plans are not finalized; the acreage designated for industrial development may decrease during the appraisal process.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Commissioners Seeking Clarity About McDonald
- Singletracks: MTB Trails Threatened
- Local 3 News: Atlas Bike Trail Relocation
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Enterprise South Nature Park Land Swap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- WDEF: Residents Form Group for Preservation
- Google Search: Enterprise South Nature Park
- Local 3 News: Update on Land Use Swap
- Google News: Chattanooga
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
