TUSCULUM, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tusculum University has announced the completion of a new bridge leading to its Nature Trail, replacing the previous one that Hurricane Helene had damaged.

A university news release noted they secured approximately $30,000 through a state grant, which facilitated the replacement of the damaged bridge with a larger, more accessible structure.

The grant, overseen by the Tennessee State Museum, also funded the removal of trees that had fallen along the trail due to the hurricane’s impact in September 2024.

Per the release, when Helene struck, an oak tree collapsed onto the original bridge near the Doak House Museum, triggering a domino effect that caused multiple trees to fall onto the bridge. As a result, the bridge’s foundation “was lifted around 12 inches, causing the structure to shift at an angle,” according to the release.

This damage restricted access to the trail, leading to its closure for about three weeks until students and staff set up a temporary bridge alternative. The state grant received in the summer allowed Tusculum to build a new permanent bridge and employ professional tree removal services to clear remaining fallen trees.

“We appreciate the state’s grant, enabling us to create a superior access point near the Doak House with the new bridge, and tackle fallen trees,” stated Dr. Peter Noll, professor of public history and museum studies, in the release. “With improved accessibility, the trail is now open for greater use, and we encourage more visitors to enjoy it.”

“It will be extremely easy for people to walk or push a stroller over this bridge,” Dr. Noll said. “We are extraordinarily happy with the new bridge and know those who walk the trail will be pleased with it as well.”

Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president, said in the release that the trail is a key amenity for the university and the broader community. A bonus of the newly-built bridge is that it’s larger and has no stairs to access it, making it more accessible for those with limited mobility.

“The trail is a wonderful place for our faculty, staff and students to enjoy some downtime,” he said. “We are also thrilled that many people in the community are using the trail, which gives them another opportunity to experience the beauty of our campus. The trail has been a great civic engagement initiative by our faculty, staff and students and increased visibility of our historic Doak House Museum.”

According to the university, the trail itself was first opened in 2021 after crews spent the year clearing paths. Since then, the trail’s upkeep has been a primary project for Tusculum students participating in the annual Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day.

The Nature Trail begins at the Doak House Museum, 690 Erwin Hwy, and runs through a swath of woods that leads to the school’s Paul E. Hayden Educational Wetland. The trail features some forks in the path that lead visitors to other areas, like along College Creek. A full round-trip on the trail spans approximately one mile, the university said.

The trail is open during daylight hours every day of the year.

Those with questions about the trail or those interested in helping with trail maintenance can email Dr. Noll at pnoll@tusculum.edu.