In a monumental real estate agreement that will impact South Chattanooga for generations, Lookout Mountain Conservancy (LMC) has signed a contract to purchase 22 acres along Hawkins Ridge in St. Elmo, one of the most desirable pieces of undeveloped land remaining in Chattanooga.
The 22-acre forest will be conserved and remain undeveloped, allowing the nationally-accredited land trust to protect and preserve Hawkins Ridge as natural woodlands and untouched forest.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve land that will last for generations,” said Dr. Robyn Carlton, LMC's president and CEO. “Thanks to our generous friends, we will be able to protect this beautiful ridge in perpetuity.”
The tract is on the northern part of Hawkins Ridge. It is a different property from a 52-acre section of the ridge on the south end that several years ago was placed in a conservation easement.
Hawkins Ridge has been the center of real estate attention for years. After signing the contract, LMC began its fundraising campaign from its generous and devoted base of supporters. Within days, LMC amassed more than $75,000 in pledged funding towards a stated goal of $875,000.
“This is a generational moment. This is the core of why we exist as a land trust,” said Dr. Carlton. “And we’re going to need the help of our friends and neighbors over the next few months.”
LMC, which celebrates its 35th year as a land trust, plans to actively maintain the land, stewarding a trail system that runs south-to-north through Hawkins Ridge, which parallels Tennessee Avenue in St. Elmo. Sharing a northern border with Forest Hills Cemetery, the property — made up of 15 contiguous parcels - skirts the base of Seneca Avenue as the ridge rises in elevation to offer stunning views - from Lookout Mountain to the Tennessee River and downtown to Walden’s Ridge in the north.
“We remain so grateful and respectful towards the seller, who wishes to remain anonymous,” said Dr. Carlton.
LMC currently protects 1,500 acres across Lookout Mountain, including a one-acre parcel adjacent to the 22 acres.
“We have really good friends who trust and support our work,” said Dr. Carlton. “Thanks to them, our neighbors in St. Elmo, Alton Park and South Chattanooga will enjoy acres of protected forest and wilderness right outside their back door for generations to come.”
In 2023, the city of Chattanooga released its Parks and Outdoor Plan, the first comprehensive city plan in more than a century. The Plan envisions a “city in a park,” where all Chattanooga residents would live with easy access to a vibrant park system.
The Plan references Hawkins Ridge as a “Park and Outdoor Opportunity Site” for potential partnership.
“We are the protectors of Lookout Mountain land,” said Dr. Carlton. “And if not protected, Hawkins Ridge will be lost.
“We choose the ongoing protection, preservation and conservation of our wild and special places.”
Lookout Mountain Conservancy is a 35-year-old nationally accredited land trust that stewards more than 1,500 protected acres of Lookout Mountain. One of the first land trusts in Tennessee, Lookout Mountain Conservancy is nationally-recognized for its community-centered conservation, including The Howard School Intern Program. Visit lookoutmountainconservancy.org for more info.