News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Hikers, runners and mountain bikers can explore Monterey’s newest trail Saturday at Meadow Creek Park.
The Upper Cumberland Southern Off Road Bicycle Association has worked on the trail for over a year. Member Heather Call said the two mile loop is just the beginning of a planned 13 mile trail.
“What we have gone for, it is kind of an intermediate, beginner to intermediate, with not too many technical difficulties,” Call said. “It is at Monterey, Tennessee at Meadow Creek Park. which is just a beautiful plot of land that has bluffs and the lake.”
Call said the first mile and a half of the trail was cleared by hand. The organization has since purchased a mini excavator to speed up the process. From 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. the trail will be reserved for hikers. Bikers can venture the trail freely after that time.
“Trail building is labor intensive work,” Call said. “It is not an easy thing for sure. That first mile and a half we did strictly by hand. After that, some of the fellas on the UC SORBA board did get together and purchased a mini excavator. (…) So that is going to hopefully make the additional 11 miles of building a little quicker.”
Call said the organization will continue its monthly volunteer work days to finish the remaining trail. Every first and third Saturday volunteers are welcomed to join the organization at Meadow Creek’s parking lot.
“We just hope people will come out and join us. It is going to be an exciting time to let people know and see and experience what we have been doing. We hope they will also be excited and maybe decide they want to help. The more recreation we can add to the area I think is good for all of us.”
Drinks and snacks will also be provided at the opening event. The Outdoor Experience and Caney Fork Cycles Cookeville are also helping host.
