With the summer months on the horizon, the Tweetsie Trail is expected to be a hotbed of traffic for visitors and residents alike.

The Tweetsie Trail has continued to be a vital tourism tool between the City of Elizabethton and City of Johnson City, serving as a bridge between both communities and allowing the public to take in the sights and sounds from both areas.

Throughout this time of the year, Mike Mains, Parks & Recreation director, said that the trail serves the city in a variety of ways.

“When you look at the trail, it serves so many different purposes for both Elizabethton and Johnson City,” Mains said. “The public is able to bike or walk the trail and see some of the natural beauty. It also serves as a way to bring visitors into the community and show what Elizabethton has, whether it be some of the scenic views, Sycamore Shoals State Park or our downtown area. It’s such a resource and we hope to keep capitalizing on it in the future.”

Offering a tool doesn’t come without help. Mains was quick to thank the City of Elizabethton Street and Maintenance Department, under the direction of Danny Hilbert, for their work in maintaining Elizabethton’s section of the trail.

“There’s a lot that goes into maintenance of the trail, and the street department does a great job in helping us with that,” Mains said. “They deserve so much of the credit in keeping it going for the public.”

Residents also do their part in keeping the trail settled. Recently, the department received assistance from Carter County Proud for a beautification project on the section of the trail near Grindstaff Motors — a type of project that is looking to grow in the coming months.

“We’re always welcoming members of the public that want to do their part in making the trail more enjoyable,” he said. “We always welcome community groups and organizations to work on different projects. We were able to have a beautification project not too long ago with Carter County Proud, and that was great. That’s a goal we look to continue for the future.”

Mains went on to add that the department is looking to increase the different activities available on the trail. Already hosting a Tweetsie Trail Treasure Trip, Mains said the department is looking to offer another larger event in the Spring.

“When people take an interest in a resource, we want to make sure we keep that going,” Mains said. “This has been a great partnership between both cities and each community partner. We’re looking forward to what the future holds and to continue opportunities for the public.”

To get involved in a future project at the Tweetsie Trail, call (423) 547-6441.