About Tellico Village Trail Crew
In 2009, Gary Mulliner, a resident of the Kahiti development since 2007, founded the Tellico Village Trail Crew. At the time, Kahiti had no nature trails for residents to enjoy. Determined to change this, Gary reached out to the TVPOA Recreation Department, inquiring whether they could provide such trails.
To his surprise, Gary learned the only way to have nature trails was if he and others were willing to build them themselves. Undeterred, Gary took on the challenge, rallying like-minded individuals who shared his passion for nature and community. Together, they embarked on a mission to create a network of trails that would showcase the natural beauty of our environment and provide residents with recreational opportunities and a more desirable lifestyle.
Tellico Village now boasts over 30 miles of walking trails, maintained by volunteers. The team has been led since its inception by Gary Mulliner who was joined and aided by Simon Bradbury, the Director of TVPOA Parks and Recreation.
The Tellico Village Trail Crew has become a vital part of the community, reflecting the residents' vision to continue to preserve Tellico Village's uniqueness while enhancing the quality of life here.
Gary Mulliner,
'The Warden'
Depending on terrain, trail type, materials, and location, professional trail-building companies charge between $5,000 and $100,000 per mile to create hiking trails. In contrast, the trails created in Tellico Village meet the same national trail building standards used by these for-profit companies. Ours, however, are built through the hard work and dedication of our community resident volunteers, the Tellico Village Trail Crew. This has resulted in creating great trails at a fraction of the cost. It's also fostered a meaningful, legacy-building, community-connecting endeavor.
This effective program is a direct result of the leadership of Simon Bradbury and Gary Mulliner, both of whom have attended trail building training schools to ensure our trails are created in a professional and sustainable manner.
An Outstanding Value to our Community
Tellico Village Parks and Recreation
None of our remarkable walking trail network would be possible without our continued close association with TV Parks & Recreation. Working hand-in-hand with Simon Bradbury, the Director of Parks & Recreation, the Trail Crew has been empowered to make great strides in trail building in Tellico. Simon approves all new trail locations and ensures there are no issues with the POA on any front. Simon regularly works on the Trail Crew himself, while steering future improvements as he is an avid trail hiker and national qualified trail builder as well.
In addition to funding and providing the hand tools required to make the trails, TV Parks & Recreation approves all trails located on POA owned property. They have funded the existing signage and always formally approve all trail names.
Additionally, some funding for trail enhancements has been supplied from the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. Regular support also comes from the Timeless Tellico Foundation through the TV Parks & Recreation department through private donations and sponsors to the Tellico Foundation.
Become a volunteer and help make our Tellico Trail system exceptional!
connect@tellicotrails.org
© 2025. All rights reserved. Website by Claudia 'CJ' Cagle-Whelan
TO DONATE
Please use the button below. All donations to Tellico Village Trails and Parks are through the Timeless Tellico Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Select TRAILS & PARKS when you donate!
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