Eagle Pass

The Eagle Pass segment connects the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail to the US Army Corps of Engineers Lock A at Cheatham Lake and Dam. This rail-trail provides scenic views along the Cumberland River and is part of a proposed regional greenway corridor.

In December 2025, TennGreen donated both tracts to Ashland City under the leadership of Mayor Gerald Greer to support the continued development and improvement of the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail. This donation will benefit Ashland City by expanding public recreational space, improving trail connectivity, and enhancing the safety and accessibility of the Rails-to-Trails system.

Back in November 2000, TennGreen took its first step into the world of rail-trail conservation by acquiring a 1.46-mile stretch of the Eagle Pass trail. A little over a decade later, in May 2011, we added another 0.15-mile section near the Cheatham Lock and Dam. These may seem like small segments on a map, but they’ve represented something much bigger: long-term commitment to public access, outdoor recreation, and the health of Tennessee’s landscapes.

Rail trails like these are more than just converted corridors—they’re gateways. They offer safe, scenic places for people of all ages to walk, run, bike, bird-watch, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature. As towns around Nashville continue to grow and expand, these trails represent important opportunities to step away from the bustle of towns. They weave nature back into daily life and make the outdoors accessible to more people, not just seasoned hikers.

And when a rail trail runs alongside something as iconic as the Cumberland River, the experience becomes even more meaningful. The Cumberland River isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s one of Tennessee’s most important waterways. It supports wildlife, feeds local ecosystems, provides recreational opportunities, and has been central to the state’s history, culture, and economy. Trails that follow the river offer a chance for people to connect with that heritage firsthand, whether they’re watching herons glide across the water or pausing to appreciate how the river has shaped the communities along its banks. The property known as “Eagle Pass” received its name due to the presence, at the time, of a nesting bald eagle pair.

After more than a decade of owning and managing these trail segments, TennGreen is thrilled to gift both properties to the City of Ashland City. This transfer will help expand the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail and ensure the trail section remains well maintained and available to the public.

It’s a win for the community, a win for conservation, and a win for everyone who believes that access to nature should be part of everyday life.