Memphis Flyway Opens at Tom Lee Park

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The final piece of Tom Lee Park's redesign is an elevated trail with views you can't get anywhere else in Memphis.

The Memphis Flyway officially opened last week, and if you haven't been down to see it yet, here's your sign. This 220-foot elevated walkway at the southern end of Tom Lee Park winds through tree canopies and over wetlands, ending at a looped overlook with some of the most breathtaking views of the Mississippi River you'll find anywhere in the city.

Memphis Flyway, a 220-foot elevated walkway over wetlands and tree canopies at Tom Lee Park
Julian Harper

So, What Exactly Is the Flyway?

Think of it as a raised nature trail, ADA-accessible and open to everyone, that lifts you up into the landscape instead of just walking through it. Designed by the award-winning Studio Gang and SCAPE (the same team behind Tom Lee Park's stunning redesign), the Flyway was built to reflect the river's own sense of motion. Its slender weathered steel columns nod to Memphis's working waterfront history while keeping the structure's footprint as light as possible on the park.

The overlook puts you at treetop level with sweeping views of the park, the Downtown skyline, and the Mississippi stretching out in both directions. When the river runs high, you're essentially hovering above the water.

Because the Flyway sits along a major North American migratory bird route, it's also a genuinely great birdwatching spot.

The $10.4 million project was funded through a mix of federal, state and private sources. Officials say it's more than a beautiful amenity. It's an investment in nature conservation and biodiversity along the river corridor and it completes the vision for Tom Lee Park's full spectrum of experiences: active and urban at the north end, quieter and ecological as you move south.

The Memphis Flyway is located at the southern end of Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis. It's free, ADA-accessible, and open to the public.

For more information, visit memphisriverparks.org.

a 220-foot elevated walkway stretches over wetland and tree canopies looking out to the Mississippi River
Julian Harper
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About the Author

Hey, I’m Jalyn Souchek! Director of Content for the I Love Memphis Blog and a full-time Memphis hype woman. I’m proud to call the 901 home, and when I’m not sharing the best of the city online, you’ll probably find me repping the Grizzlies, taking coffee walks down South Main, catching live music, posted up at a dive bar or brewery, or chasing down my next favorite bite to eat. Come explore Memphis with me. I’ll show you why this city is easy to love.

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Vanessa Sweet

I visited the Fly Away with my family on Juneteenth.  The view was spectacular.  It was exciting to experience the view with local and visitors to our great downtown.  This is a great addition to the park's design that adds value to our great city.  Thank you for sharing.

June 23, 2026 2:12pm

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