Shelby Bottoms Greenway is one of Nashville’s most treasured natural spaces. The Loop Connector trail off the Fortland Road entrance is especially valued because it remains natural and unpaved — offering a quieter and more peaceful experience than the paved greenways.

Nashville Metro has plans to pave the Loop Connector with asphalt. While paved trails have their place, Shelby Bottoms already has miles of paved paths. The Loop Connector provides something different — a chance to experience nature without asphalt.

Once paved, the natural character of this trail will be permanently lost.

Keeping the Loop Connector natural helps:

• Preserve wildlife habitat
• Maintain a quieter, more peaceful trail
• Provide a softer surface for walkers and runners
• Offer a true nature experience within the city
• Maintain balance between paved and natural trails

As Nashville grows, natural spaces like this become even more valuable. We should be protecting the few remaining natural trails — not replacing them.

We respectfully ask Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation to preserve the Loop Connector trail as a natural surface and halt any plans to pave it.

Please sign to help Keep Shelby Bottoms Natural. 🌿