Fall is finally here! And there’s no better way to experience the changing of the season than by getting out on the trails. Here’s the lowdown on some of the best area hiking trails that will have you falling for autumn color, from trailhead to terminus.
Signal and Edwards Points-Cumberland Trail
8.4 miles one way
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous with steep, rocky terrain
TRAILHEAD: The Southern terminus is accessible from Signal Point National Military Park. Take US 127 up Signal Mountain for about 4 miles, then turn left onto Mississippi Avenue. Follow James Blvd. to Signal Point road, where it dead-ends into a paved parking lot at the trailhead.
THE HIKE: Hike down into Middle Creek Gorge and continue to the Rainbow Lake Wilderness Area. Once you’ve crossed Middle Creek, enter Prentice Cooper State Forest and then back up and out of the gorge, hiking along the plateau. Once on the plateau, enjoy views of the Tennessee River Gorge and fiery red trees punctuated by our beloved Tennessee River.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: Julia Falls, Lockhart’s Arch and other rock formations, Edward’s Point
Don’t miss Hiketoberfest!
HiketoberfestWHEN: October 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.WHERE: Shackleford Ridge Park in Signal MountainCOST: $10 per person/$25 per family donation is suggestedCelebrate the natural beauty of the Cumberland Trail at Hiketoberfest, an annual festival presented by Friends of the Cumberland Trail. The day’s events will include guided hikes, children’s crafts, representatives from the Cumberland Seeds and TrailheadNursery Project, wildlife show and bird release. New to the event this year will be a Hiketoberfest Jam Tent with musicians such as Matt Evans from Folk School of Chattanooga and Bob Townsend from Fiery Gizzard String Band. Guests are also welcome to bring instruments and join in the jam.All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Cumberland Trail and support the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail and Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. For more information, visit friendsofthecumberlandtrail.org.
Long Branch Trail-Lula Lake Land Trust
5.5 miles one way
DIFFICULTY:Moderate to Strenuous
TRAILHEAD: Long Branch Trail may be accessed at the Nickajack Trailhead
THE HIKE: After a gentle climb from the parking lot at the Nickajack Trailhead, take in bluff views of Chattanooga Valley. Continue around the loop for a picturesque overlook of Lula Falls, and for a challenge, take the optional (more strenuous) hike down the base of the falls. Lula Lake Land Trust is only open to the public on the first and last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding certain holidays, so be sure to mark it on your calendar!
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: Chattanooga Valley overlook, lake views, Lula Falls
West Rim Loop Trail-Cloudland Canyon State Park
5 miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous
TRAILHEAD: From the main entrance, go straight for 1.4 miles, passing several camping areas and arriving at the parking lot and the trailhead.
THE HIKE: The West Rim Loop Trail begins at the Daniel Creek Bridge, and climbs out of the canyon onto the plateau-offering amazing views of Trenton, Georgia, Sand Mountain and of Cloudland Canyon.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: Canyon rim, canyon views, unusual rock formations