Statistics
4 - 5
hrs
641
m
641
m
8
max°
Difficulty
FATMAP difficulty grade
Description
Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is one of the best hiking loops Chattanooga has to offer.
Just a short drive from downtown, the route traverses historic Lookout Mountain into Georgia and showcases one of the best trails in the region - the Bluff Trail. Start your hike at Cravens House, the trail enters the forest just behind it.
If the gate is closed, there is a secondary lot just below the main one.
Most hikers prefer this route counter-clockwise, beginning with a steady traverse on an old road bed to warm up.
After descending Gum Springs Trail, you'll take a left onto Skyuka Trail and gradually descend closer to the valley below.
This portion is quite secluded and you'll quickly forget how close to town you are.
This section has a rugged, backcountry feel and Skyuka Springs is the perfect opportunity to hydrate before a punishing climb out of the valley.
The Bluff Trail lies ahead - an excellent reward for your efforts. The Bluff Trail parallels the western ridge of the mountain and showcases several massive sandstone cliffs on one side - with incredible views of the valley on the other.
Your last stop along this loop is Sunset Rock, a rock outcropping with a phenomenal overlook.
Its close proximity to the trailhead makes this an excellent destination for a shorter hike.
From there, it's all downhill back to the trailhead. The official route links the following trails when completed counter-clockwise: Rifle Pits > Guild > Gum Springs > Skyuka > John Smartt > Bluff > Cravens House Sources: https://rootsrated.com/chattanooga-tn/trail-running/big-daddy-loop-on-the-bluff-trail