Tenn. Code Ann. § 11-11-112: Acquisition of property

(a) Within the exterior boundaries of the right-of-way, the commissioner may acquire, on behalf of the state of Tennessee, lands in fee title, or interest in land in the form of conservation easements or cooperative agreements. Acquisition of land or of interest therein may be by gift, purchase with donated funds or funds appropriated by the general assembly, proceeds from the sale of bonds, exchange, assumption of property tax payments, or otherwise. Acquisition of land or interest therein shall be accomplished with all possible speed. In acquiring real property or the property interest therein, as defined in this section, the power of eminent domain shall not be utilized to acquire a fee simple or lessor interests to more than twenty-five (25) acres in any one (1) mile of trail length. Such power shall not be used to acquire crop or fenced pasture land when such acquisition will interfere with the growing of crops or with the livestock or pasture land on the remaining property of the farm owner.

(b) The power of eminent domain shall not be utilized for acquisitions in the Chickasaw Bluffs Trail area, as defined in § 11-11-106 .