Forest City

The Forest City Trail is a 0.3-mile loop trail that can be completed in under an hour with your dog on the Watts Bar Dam Recreation Area near Decatur and Knoxville, Tennessee. This trail was the first to be built by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the entire length of it is paved and completely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

The TVA maintains more than 170 miles of trails, and while the Forest City Trail is considered easy, there are a variety of other paths that have something to offer any level of hiker.

This short hike will take you through forested areas with plenty of shade for hot days, and along the way, you'll see a variety of plant and wildlife species. It isn't uncommon to spot wild turkeys, songbirds, or deer in the fall, and in the spring, you'll see plenty of blooming wildflowers. If you're lucky, you just might spot one of a few bald eagles that live in the area.

There are benches throughout the hike, and you'll also see picnic tables where you can stop for a bite to eat. There's no water available on this hike, so be sure to bring some for you and Sparky.

Your dog must remain on a leash no longer than six feet during the length of the hike, and visitors are responsible for bringing their own doggie bags and cleaning up after their pets.

Watts Bar Dam is one of nine TVA dams along the Tennessee River, and this one is located between Knoxville and Chattanooga. The Watts Bar Dam Recreation Area has all sorts of other activities for you to enjoy with your family, and you can pick from fishing, hunting, picnicking, boating, or other water sports activities.

The Forest City Trail is an excellent option for an easy, dog-friendly hike near Decatur, Tennessee that you and your pooch are both sure to love.