Overview :
Coming in at just under 10 miles Mullen's Cove Loop is the bulk of the Rock/Creek River Gorge 10.2 mile trail race which occurs on the ... more »last Saturday in March. This incredibly diverse trail lies within the 24,686 acre Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area. This entire loop is part of the Cumberland Trail. A significant length of this trail hangs airily along the edge of a 1000 feet of vertical drop down to the Tennessee River. Many spots along the trail offer peaks into the depth of the river gorge which has carved it’s way through 26 miles of the Cumberland Plateau. The most spectacular view into the gorge comes just before the trail turns westward into the Mullen’s Creek drainage at Snooper’s Rock.
The trail is generally gradual in it’s relief but not without a few steep switchbacks to sizzle your calves and quads. Creeks gurgle and bubble along before plunging steeply over the breach into the rocks below on their way to the Tennessee River. Lichen and moss encrusted outcrops of rock emerge from the soil creating a stunning collage of texture and color that changes as the canopy morphs with the seasonal shifts.
The mesophytic forest of the Cumberland Plateau is home to a great diversity of trees. Some of the more dominant tree species include: American Beech, Yellow poplar, Hickory, Eastern Hemlock, Loblolly Pine, and many varieties of Oak.
Enjoy the views as you buzz down the trail! less «
Mullins Cove Loop
- Home
-
Chattanooga
- Hotels
- Flights NEW
- Restaurants
- Things to Do
- Best of 2013
- Your Friends
-
More
- Write a Review
-
Sign in with Facebook
- Sign in
- Register Now!
- FREE Mobile App
Mullins Cove Loop
Overview : Coming in at just under 10 miles Mullen's Cove Loop is the bulk of the Rock/Creek River Gorge 10.2 mile trail race which occurs on the ... more »
Tips: Check the Prentice Cooper website for hunting dates, the area is closed seasonally especially on weekends. Be sure to bring adequate wa... more »
Take this guide with you!
- 1. Download the EveryTrail app from the App Store
- 2. Search for the Mullins Cove Loop guide
- 3. Enjoy your self-guided tour
Points of Interest
The vast majority of people will be coming from Chattanooga. On Signal Mountain Blvd take a left on Suck Creek Road across R/R tracks. Drive 8 miles along river and up mountain. Near the top of climb take a left on Choctaw, bear left at Y around S curve and take next left.
The road turns to gravel. Once inside WMA it's less than 3 miles to the parking area.
Mullen's Cove Loop Trailhead is on the right.
Across from the parking lot is the trail to Rockhouse. The trail inside the lot leads you to the creek and Rock Garden.
One of the most unique geologic features in the area is this stone door leading to the Indian Rock House. This cliff overhang serves as one of three aid stations during the River Gorge trail race.
Pick up single track on the right.
Views similar to this are enjoyed all along the trail from Indian Rock House to Snoopers Rock.
This point of rock offers amazing views of the Tennessee River Gorge. The trail continues to the left of the parking area at Snooper's. You will soon cross Tower Road near the grassy area and signboard at Snooper's and Tower Roads.
Head west here toward Hemlock Branch Campsite. The parking area near this intersection serves as the location for the second of three aid stations during the Rock/Creek River Gorge trail races. This is also the spot where the two races split. The 10.2 mile race continues on the Mullins Cove loop, while the 6.5 mile race turns to the right onto the ... More
Continue straight on Mullens Cove Loop.
This is a fantastic, very secluded camp site. Just next to this site, the trail follows an old road bed for less than 100 feet. Pay attention to the double white blazes that signal the turn off the old road and back onto single track trail.
A short spur off the main trail will reward you with a fantastic view of Mullins Cove and down into the Tennessee River Gorge.
You'll see a sign for Haley Road, cross a creek and then hit an ATV road. Turn right and uphill. Watch for TRAIL sign on left. Travel on road for .13 m. Pay attention for the double white blaze indicating a turn.
Pay attention for the double white blaze indicating a turn. This spot serves as the third and final aid station during the Rock/Creek River Gorge trail race.
After passing Mullen's Overlook there's a long stretch of single track as you enter Mullen's Cove. You may hear the creek below on the valley. There are a few minor creek crossings, but mostly just undulating single track.
Trail transitions into rocky terrain.
The photos here do a good job of describing the difficulty of this section. Slow down and take caution here. A rescue from this location would be most difficult.
After the Rock Garden you parallel Short Creek for a bit and then climb away to the right.
You cross an ATV road and then hit a very runnable section to the finish. Slightly uphill you will have to work, but you know you are almost done.
- Visit TripAdvisor's international sites:
-
-
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.