ARC grant totaling $6 million delivered to build 75 miles of mountain bike trails in East Tennessee

A new destination for mountain bike enthusiasts is being developed in East Tennessee.

Governor Bill Lee and US Senator Lamar Alexander joined officials in Cocke County Monday as developers formally accepted a $6 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission that will help construct up to 75 miles of new trails in the Cherokee National Forest.

A three-year study concluded county property along with forest grounds in Sevier County provided the best coverage and potential to attract riders and more tourists to the Tennessee mountains.

(IMAGE: State of Tennessee / Office of the Governor)