Once rainy weather subsides, measures will be taken to protect spots on Kingfisher Trail and the Ridge Ferry Park walking trail that are starting to erode.

Rome officials first became aware of the eroding spot on Kingfisher Trail, located on the banks of the Etowah River near the Etowah Terrace Senior Village, several weeks ago. Kingfisher Trail stretches from the Second Avenue bridge to a bridge that connects to the Silver Creek Trail.

The recent influx of rain may have caused the erosion, and it definitely is preventing the solution.

“Getting a piece of heavy machinery in there at this point would likely cause more damage,” said Sammy Rich, assistant city manager.

Once conditions allow it, Rich said, large rocks will be placed on the bank to keep rainwater flowing toward the river from causing further erosion to the soil.

The addition of rocks should stop erosion which, if unattended, could continue to cut through the trail path over time.

“It could be problematic, and we could potentially lose part of our trail,” said Rich.

For now, the eroding bank is roped off, and Rich said the trail is still open and safe for pedestrians.

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Director Richard Garland said there is a spot on the northern end of the walking trail at Ridge Ferry Park that has been roped off with caution tape due to erosion caused by recent weather.

Garland said his department will pair with the city to add large rocks to the river bank to cut down on erosion.

Erosion can cause other problems, like the weakening of trees near the river, which Rich said can lead to debris falling in the river, going downstream and gathering at spots like the Ridge Ferry Park dock.

According to Rich, combating the effects of erosion is “the price we pay for having a good riverfront trail system.”

Rome's trail system map