Outdoor enthusiasts heading to Martha Sundquist State Forest in Cocke County might need to reroute their GPS, with bridge replacements set to change access points. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) has announced a multi-phase project to replace three aging wooden bridges, citing safety concerns and rising repair costs as major factors leading to the undertaking. According to a statement obtained by the Tennessee government, State Forester Heather Slayton emphasized that despite rigorous maintenance, the bridges' age necessitates their replacement for both safety and financial reasons.
From August 26, Gulf Road visitors can access the forest over Bridge 1, then take a quick left onto USFS Road #225101, known to locals as Chestnut Ridge Road, the first phase of construction will focus on Bridge 2 with phase two shifting gears to Bridge 1 come mid-September, then bridge one will be constructed in mid-September, resulting in the north access via Gulf Road closing for the duration, the public can still enter the forest from the south via several USFS roads, accessible via Exit 7 on I-40 over in North Carolina. These detours and access changes have been mapped out for public convenience, which can be found on the Tennessee government's official website.
Looking ahead, the TDF plans to see the project through Spring 2025, with additional details about phase three anticipated early next year. The foreseen upgrades aim to produce more permanent structures capable of supporting the heavy equipment needed for ongoing forest management and guarantee continued accessibility to the forest’s many amenities, which include trails for hiking, hunting grounds, fishing spots, and robust timber production.
Seeped in local history, Martha Sundquist State Forest—previously owned by the International Paper Company since the 1930s and purchased by the TDF in 2001—is nestled within the embrace of the Cherokee National Forest, comprising a lush panorama of mature mountain and cove hardwoods. In addition to providing recreational space for bear hunting and the demonstration of forest practices, the Division of Forestry upholds responsibilities that cover fire fighting, emergency response, fire guidance, and training, paired with service provision to maintain economic stimulation through the support of primary and secondary forest industries as explained on their website.
