SORBA Chattanooga Seeks Votes for Trail Grant
The local organization is a finalist for a grant that would fund critical maintenance at the 92-acre Stringer's Ridge Park.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hiking
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SORBA Chattanooga is currently competing against three other finalists for the Amflow Avinox Trail Advocacy grant. The organization aims to win the $10,000 prize and eMTBs by securing the most votes via the Trailforks app by November 12, 2026.
Why it matters
Winning this grant would allow for significant trail restoration and wildfire mitigation efforts at Stringer's Ridge Park. These improvements are vital for maintaining the 15-year-old trail system that is co-managed by Chattanooga and Red Bank.
The grant competition awards $10,000 and up to three eMTBs to the winner, determined by the highest number of rides logged on Trailforks. Stringer's Ridge Park spans 92 acres and features a trail system that is 15 years old.
The players
SORBA Chattanooga
This organization manages and advocates for mountain biking trails in the region.
City of Chattanooga
The local municipal government co-manages Stringer's Ridge Park and utilizes sheep grazing for invasive species control.
City of Red Bank
This municipality serves as a co-manager of Stringer's Ridge Park alongside Chattanooga.
The details
SORBA Chattanooga plans to use potential funds for essential drainage repairs and hazard-tree removal across the park. The park has been a preserved space since 2007, when it was saved from condominium development.
Timeline
2007: Stringer's Ridge Park was saved from condominium development.
October 29, 2026: Announcement of SORBA Chattanooga as a contest finalist.
November 12, 2026: Deadline for logging rides for contest voting.
Culture Shift
The community's ongoing efforts to secure funding for the park build upon the 2007 saving of Stringer's Ridge from condominium development. This highlights a shift toward prioritizing sustainable land stewardship and community-led maintenance over commercial redevelopment.
Local mountain bikers and hikers can directly influence the park's future by logging their daily rides through the Trailforks app. Increased funding would lead to better-maintained paths and improved safety through wildfire mitigation and tree removal.
The takeaway
Engaging with digital platforms can provide tangible financial resources for local recreational infrastructure. Residents interested in trail health should consider participating in the voting process to help secure funding for essential maintenance.
What happens next
The contest voting period concludes on November 12, 2026, at which point the final ride counts will determine the grant recipient.
Further reading
For more information on regional trails and local outdoor advocacy, visit Chattanooga Hiking.
More information
To support the effort or track progress, visit the Trailforks contest participation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
Live Poll
Do you support using app-based ride counts to determine funding for local trail maintenance projects?
