History of the Townsend River Walk

Details
A History with Deep Roots

New 73 being built in the early 1940's. The truck to the right is on old 73 that ran along the Little River. Little did they know that over 60 years later old 73 would become the main trail of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum.New 73 being built in the early 1940's. The truck to the right is on old 73 that ran along the Little River. Little did they know that over 60 years later old 73 would become the main trail of the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum.

Bob and Elaine Russell member of both The Tuckaleechee Garden Club and Blount County Master Gardeners in collaboration with the City of Townsend and the TN Department of Highways were instrumental in establishing the “Townsend River Walk” along a 3/10-mile stretch between the Little River and Highway 321.  This was the road base of the Old Highway 73 (abandoned in the early 40's and prior to that the railroad bed going to the Smoky Mountains. The site of the project developed as a result of the widening of Highway 321 through Townsend from a two lane to a four-lane road. This lengthy process resulted in the establishment of bicycle and hiking paths along the highway. At one site the paved hiking/bike path veered toward the main road and away from the Little River. Since traces of old Highway 73 were still evident in this area, this area was identified as a perfect site for a quiet walkway along the Little River.

The walk benefits local residents, hikers, and the many tourists in the area who utilize the hiking and bike trails in the Townsend area. Tuckaleechee Garden Club, Blount County Master Gardeners, Keep Blount Beautiful, The Little River Watershed Association, City of Townsend and many community volunteers have made a major efforts in removing invasive species.  Large sections of invasives that include: privet, Mimosa, Bush Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, Princess Trees and others been removed that now has allowed native species of plants and trees to thrive.

The initial project also involved additional clearing of the trail along the old roadbed and adding mulch to the area. The City of Townsend arranged for the tree service company that handles the cutting of trees for TDOT to deposit mulched tree remains on the side of the road near the trail.

All trail personnel are trained in proper clearing around the trees. The only herbicide treatment used in the area is on cut surfaces of invasive trees and shrubs due to the proximity of the Little River. 

2008arboretumstudy 800A PECAN TREE IS DISCOVERED! Taken September 2008 with TN Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division (Tom Simpson, who certified the arboretum originally as well as the recertification, and Nathan Waters. They helped to identify trees and suggested how to label them. From left to right, Nathan Waters, Barbara Spence, Florence Byrd, Tom Simpson, Elaine and Bob Russell. Charlotte Miller - Photographer.

The Townsend River Walk was then established as an Arboretum in 2011 due to the numerous variety of trees that existed along the walk.  In 2019 an expanded pollinator garden was added and by 2021 the invasives were well under control and attention has then shifted to the expansion of the TRWA.  Stairs and railing  were put in place at the South end of the TRWA at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022.  Bike racks were also added at both the North and South ends at the same time.   In 2023 a Gregory Bald Azalea Garden with bench in honor of Bob and Elaine Russell were installed at the South end of the TRWA.  Throughout the rest of 2023 and into 2024 The Bluebell Trail was added that brought visitors closer to the river along with a bench and a river view deck with benches.