Transformative partnerships and progress inspire optimism for the future of the Tennessee River Valley
Knoxville, Tenn. — Five years ago, the Tennessee RiverLine officially launched on the banks of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, introducing a bold vision to reconnect people and communities to the river that defines the region. This milestone also marks a decade since the initiative’s roots began in 2016, when a University of Tennessee graduate studio first envisioned how the Tennessee River could serve as a unifying resource for recreation, stewardship and regional vitality.
In its first five years, the Tennessee RiverLine and a regional consortium of partners collaboratively laid the foundation for its success by creating the framework for the RiverTowns Program, which has since become the cornerstone of its operations since launching in 2021. This year, the RiverLine celebrates its fifth anniversary, reflecting on transformational milestones, the partnerships that have driven its success and the enduring legacy of the river’s cultural and natural heritage.
“The Tennessee RiverLine exemplifies the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission in action,” said Dr. Justin Rhinehart, dean of UT Extension. “Through the dedication of our multidisciplinary team of UT Extension professionals, we are building capacity in communities across the Tennessee River Valley, empowering them to realize the full potential of the river for recreation, economic development and stewardship. This work is not only transforming communities but also strengthening connections between people and the river that has shaped their lives.”
The Tennessee RiverLine is a partnership between UT Extension, UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). This collaboration reflects the shared missions of these institutions: UT’s land-grant mission to improving quality of life through education, research and outreach, and TVA’s dedication to improving the quality of life in the Tennessee Valley through energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. Together, these partners are uniquely positioned to empower communities along the Tennessee River to realize the river’s potential as a resource for recreation, connection and regional vitality.
“For more than 90 of the 250 years our nation is celebrating, TVA has been dedicated to stewarding the region’s natural resources,” said Paul Pearman, TVA’s senior manager of environmental resource stewardship. “We appreciate our continued collaboration with RiverLine and our other partners, as we work to protect these national treasures for the enjoyment of future generations.”
The Tennessee RiverLine, a 1.2-million-acre system of connected outdoor recreation experiences on and along the 652-mile Tennessee River, has grown into a regional movement that celebrates the Tennessee River’s rich history while creating new opportunities for tourism, recreation and connection across four states. Powered by partnerships with 58 cities and counties through its RiverTowns Program, as well as allied organizations and outdoor recreation initiatives, the RiverLine has inspired a renewed relationship between people and the Tennessee River while delivering measurable benefits in public health, stewardship and economic vitality.
Since its launch, the RiverLine has engaged 23 RiverTowns communities across the region who have hosted nearly 500 river recreation and stewardship events and connected more than 30,000 residents and visitors to the river through activities such as paddling events, interpretive hikes and shoreline cleanups. These experiences not only immerse participants in the river’s natural beauty but also celebrate its cultural significance, fostering a shared sense of pride and stewardship among participants.
“In just five years, the Tennessee RiverLine has grown from a bold idea into a transformative initiative that is shaping communities and touching lives,” said Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “This remarkable progress is a testament to the power of partnerships and the shared commitment of diverse communities, organizations and individuals united in their belief in the vision of a connected and vibrant Tennessee River Valley.”
The initiative has also become a catalyst for economic vitality in the region. Conceptual designs for 45 riverfront projects, ranging from parks and trails to campgrounds and access points, have been completed, with $11.5 million in funding already secured to bring these visions to life.
The Tennessee RiverLine’s foundation in academia has been a driving force behind its success. The initiative began as a bold concept proposed by Journey Roth, a student in the UT College of Architecture and Design, and has since evolved into a transformative vision for the Tennessee River Valley. Over the past decade, the RiverLine has engaged seven universities, 305 faculty, staff and students, and supported nine research projects that have advanced its mission and enriched its impact.
“The Tennessee RiverLine is more than an initiative; it’s a journey,” Collett added. “It’s a shared journey of discovery about connections — between people and the river landscape, between communities and between generations. Together, we are creating a legacy of access, stewardship and vitality that will endure for years to come.”
As the RiverLine celebrates this milestone, its leaders and partners remain focused on the future. With new access points, water trails, signage and riverfront recreation infrastructure on the horizon, the initiative is poised to continue transforming the Tennessee River Valley into a model for regional collaboration and sustainable growth through restorative recreation development.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and aims to create a continuous system of paddling, hiking and biking experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond.
ABOUT TENNESSEE RIVERLINE
The Tennessee RiverLine is a continuous system of outdoor recreation spaces and experiences on and along the 652-mile Tennessee River, creating a 1.2-million-acre river park that enhances quality of life, promotes economic development, fosters environmental stewardship and promotes enhanced and expanded access across the region. Powered by partnerships with local communities, the Tennessee RiverLine connects people to their river and to each other. The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension and principal partners, UT Knoxville and TVA. For more information, visit tnriverline.org.