Mabbit Spring
photo by Shannon DeFriese
Walden officials are eyeing a trail connection with Falling Water Falls.
Mayor Lee Davis said the town owns property leading to Mabbit Spring. However, the land between it and the falls of about 2.6 acres is privately owned, he said.
The council was told that during the COVID pandemic that Mabbit Spring has become increasingly popular and is experiencing some of the same parking problems as Rainbow Lake in Signal Mountain.
Some of the over parking has damaged some nearby private property, it was stated.
Steps are being taken to try to improve the parking site, including removal of a downed tree that was taking up several spaces.
Mabbit Spring is an historic gathering place on the mountain. It is described as "an attractive area where two streams converge, with a spring and a small bridge."
Mayor Davis said the town is also looking at the possibility of utilizing some unused right of ways for trail connections. He noted those locations are not under the control of the town and would require working with private landowners.
The mayor said a recent cleanup of the W Road drew many volunteers and was a success. Followup cleanups are planned.
Organizers said, however, they were disappointed when more trash was tossed onto the historic, winding road the very next day.
Stream at Mabbit Spring
photo by Shannon DeFriese