Hiking Trails on Signal Mountain, Tennessee

This small park, in which a stream runs through a gorge, contains nearly 2 miles of trails. Although completely surrounded by houses, the depth of the gorge keeps the park extremely peaceful. The "trailheads" are not very obvious - they are merely places where the trails reach the surrounding streets.

Directions: from the traffic lights at the top of the mountain, turn east on Palisades Drive, then north on Green Gorge Road. The trailhead is on the left, just around the corner.

Coordinates:
Trailhead at southwest corner	N35° 7.07'	W85° 20.55'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 7.51'	W85° 20.76'
Top right	N35° 7.50'	W85° 19.92'
Bottom left	N35° 7.01'	W85° 20.77'
Bottom right	N35° 7.00'	W85° 19.93'

One of the most popular walks on Signal Mountain. From the trailhead, the path is fairly level until it meets the end of the Bee Branch trail. A left turn takes you down into the valley (steep in places) to Rainbow Lake, where it meets two segments of the Cumberland Trail - one to Signal Point and one to Suck Creek Road, via Edwards Point. A swing bridge across Middle Creek takes you to the and of the Bee Branch trail, which crosses Middle Creek again higher up, on a new bridge, returning to the path junction. Rather confusingly, both trails are marked by blue blazes on trees and rocks.

Directions: from just below the traffic lights at the top of the mountain, follow the signs to Signal Point. When approaching Alexian Village, don't turn left on Signal Point Road, but keep straight on, on Ohio Avenue. The trailhead is a short distance further on, on the left.

Approximate distances:
Trailhead to path junction	0.3 miles
Path junction to bridge	0.3 miles
Bee Branch trail from bridge to path junction	1.2 miles
Coordinates:
Trailhead	N35° 7.49'	W85° 21.70'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 8.18'	W85° 21.84'
Top right	N35° 8.17'	W85° 21.20'
Bottom left	N35° 7.46'	W85° 21.86'
Bottom right	N35° 7.45'	W85° 21.21'

This short (1.2 mile) section of the Cumberland Trail starts at Signal Point, and is marked by white blazes on trees and rocks. It descends the cliffs by a series of steep paths and stairs, then approximately follows the contours until it reaches Rainbow Lake. In places it crosses areas of broken rocks, which need careful negotiation. The overlook, which is on a dangerous clifftop, gives spectacular views over the Tennessee River and adjacent woodlands. The trail passes above Rainbow Falls, but signs warn you that the route to the falls is hazardous. From Rainbow Lake, the walker has a choice of continuing on the Cumberland Trail to Suck Creek Road, or returning to the trailhead on Ohio Avenue, either directly or via the Bee Branch trail.

Directions: from just below the traffic lights at the top of the mountain, follow the signs to Signal Point. From the parking area, follow the path to the overlook; the trailhead is immediately on the right.

Approximate distances:
Signal Point to overlook	0.3 miles
Overlook to bridge	0.7 miles
Bridge to swing bridge at Rainbow Lake	0.2 miles
Coordinates:
Trailhead at Signal Point	N35° 7.17'	W85° 21.99'
Overlook	N35° 7.30'	W85° 22.19'
Bridge	N35° 7.69'	W85° 21.73'
Swing bridge at Rainbow Lake	N35° 7.82'	W85° 21.67'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 7.13'	W85° 21.44'
Top right	N35° 7.14'	W85° 22.41'
Bottom left	N35° 7.99'	W85° 21.42'
Bottom right	N35° 8.00'	W85° 22.39'

This section of the Cumberland Trail starts at Rainbow Lake, which can be reached either from Signal Point, or by a shorter route from the trailhead in Ohio Avenue. This trail is for serious walkers, as it is approximately 6.1 miles long and climbs steeply in two areas. From Rainbow lake, the trail climbs onto the plateau, then remains fairly level past Lockart's Arch, Edwards Point and Mushroom Rock. It then dips into the valley of North Suck Creek, which it crosses by a swing bridge, then climbs over a ridge, and back down again to the trailhead on Suck Creek Road. When walked in the other direction, there is just as much climbing, but at different points in the walk! Confusingly, the name "Edwards Point" is given both to a small community in the middle of the plateau, and to an actual "point" on the trail (photo), where there is an excellent view over the river and towards Chattanooga - however, it is high and unfenced, and thus potentially dangerous. Lockhart's Arch is a stone formation with a hole through it, and Mushroom Rock is a tall pillar with a large capstone. I thank Colin Williams for his help in mapping this trail.

Directions: to start from Rainbow Lake, follow the instructions to Rainbow Lake and Bee Branch Trail or Cumberland Trail South: Signal Point to Rainbow Lake. To start at the other end, follow Suck Creek Road (TN 27) about a mile above the bridge over Suck Creek, and look for a "Trail Crossing" sign. The trailhead is close to this sign, on the right, where a bridge crosses the creek, but it cannot be seen from the road. There is no "proper" parking area near the trailhead, although some people park on the shoulder. There is a better parking area further up the hill.

Approximate distances:
Swing bridge at Rainbow Lake to Lockhart's Arch	0.2 miles
Lockhart's Arch to Edwards Point	1.0 miles
Edwards Point to Mushroom Rock	3.2 miles
Mushroom Rock to Swing bridge over North Suck Creek	0.4 miles
Swing bridge over North Suck Creek to Trailhead on Suck Creek Road	1.3 miles
Coordinates:
Swing bridge at Rainbow Lake	N35° 7.82'	W85° 21.67'
Lockhart's Arch	N35° 7.72'	W85° 21.87'
Edwards Point	N35° 7.40'	W85° 22.63'
Mushroom Rock	N35° 9.66'	W85° 23.22'
Swing bridge over North Suck Creek	N35° 9.69'	W85° 23.47 '
Trailhead on Suck Creek Road	N35° 9.15'	W85° 23.65'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 9.84'	W85° 23.81'
Top right	N35° 9.81'	W85° 21.30'
Bottom left	N35° 7.38'	W85° 23.86'
Bottom right	N35° 7.35'	W85° 21.35'

Click here for a route file, to upload to a GPS receiver.

A short trail leads to an attractive area where two streams converge, with a spring and a small bridge. Shannon DeFriese has kindly provided pictures of the spring and one of the streams. The trail is on a gentle slope, with numerous exposed tree roots, and is often muddy. Beyond the spring, the trail loops around to the southeast. A 2.3 mile trail to Falling Water starts on this section of the trail.

Directions: From the traffic lights at the top of the mountain, follow the main road until you pass Lynn's Market; fork right on Fairmount Pike, then take the first right onto Key Hulse Rd. Take the second left onto Wilson Ave., follow this for 0.3 miles, and turn right onto Glenway Ave. The trailhead is on the left.

Approximate distances:
Trailhead to Mabbit Spring (direct route)	0.3 miles
Mabbit Spring to trailhead via Glenway Ave.	0.5 miles
Coordinates:
Trailhead	N35° 10.12'	W85° 18.21'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 10.44'	W85° 18.52'
Top right	N35° 10.43'	W85° 17.66'
Bottom left	N35° 9.85'	W85° 18.53'
Bottom right	N35° 9.84'	W85° 17.67'

Click here for a route file, to upload to a GPS receiver.

This is a pleasant walk, approximately 2.3 miles in length, on mostly level or gently sloping ground through attractive woodland. I thank Hubert C. Gray for providing information on this trail. At the northern end there are spectacular views over the valley. However, the trail does have some significant problems:

1. It is not marked - you have to look for a slight depression in the ground, which is difficult to see in places, particulary when covered by leaves;
2. A construction site interrupts the trail, so you have to search for the continuation of the trail;
3. It includes three stream crossings, on somewhat wobbly stepping stones;
4. It terminates on high and unguarded cliffs, which are a safety hazard;
5. Between this trail and the short trail from Forest Park Drive to Falling Water Falls, there is a 15 foot high cliff, which is easy for agile people to scale, but would present a problem for some.

Directions: To approach from the southern end, follow the directions to the trailhead for Mabbit Spring and follow the trail. After crossing the stream, continue along the trail, and look for another trail on the left, directed slightly backwards.
To approach from the northern end, follow the directions to the trailhead for Falling Water Falls and follow the trail to the top of the falls. Cross the stream and climb the low cliff, about 30 yards upstream from the falls. A footpath takes you uphill to the trail.

Coordinates:
Mabbit Spring trailhead	N35° 10.12'	W85° 18.21'
Junction with trail to Falling Water	N35° 10.25'	W85° 17.92'
Falling Water Falls trailhead	N35° 11.25'	W85° 16.93'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 11.55'	W85° 18.50'
Top right	N35° 11.52'	W85° 16.76'
Bottom left	N35° 10.07'	W85° 18.53'
Bottom right	N35° 10.04'	W85° 16.79'

Click here for a route file, to upload to a GPS receiver.

A very short trail (300yds) takes you to the top of a spectacular waterfall (photos by Daniel Hyams). Not very much water goes over it, particulary in dry weather, but it is noteworthy for its great height (over 100ft) and the fact that this is a "free fall", with no obstructions on the way down. However, it is difficult to see the fall without going to the edge of the cliff, which is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS - definitely not suitable for small children, or for people with a fear of heights! Just to the north of Falling Water Falls, but separated from it by a low cliff, is a 2.3 mile trail to Mabbit Spring.

Directions: From the traffic lights at the top of the mountain, follow the main road until you pass Lynn's Market; fork right on Fairmount Pike, then take the first right onto Key Hulse Rd. (which becomes Lake Ave.) Take the third left, onto Ivory Ave. Bear right on Chestnut Ave. (which becomes Forest Park Drive) and follow this road until it ends in a loop. There is a small parking area at the trailhead.

Coordinates:
Trailhead	N35° 11.25'	W85° 16.92'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 11.53'	W85° 17.33'
Top right	N35° 11.52'	W85° 16.75'
Bottom left	N35° 11.00'	W85° 17.34'
Bottom right	N35° 10.99'	W85° 16.76'

Click here for route files, to upload to a GPS receiver.

Blue Trail: The blue loop trail provides a pleasant woodland walk, approximately 1.7 miles in length, with mostly gentle gradients. Care should be taken at the two points where it crosses the road. It is mostly well marked by signs, and by blue blazes on trees. At one point it splits into two, but soon rejoins. Part of the route is shared with the yellow trail, which can be somewhat confusing.

Pink Trail: The pink trail is a loop off the blue trail, skirting the soccer fields at the western edge of the park. It is approximately 0.8 miles long, and is mostly flat. At its northern end, where it joins the blue trail, is an impressive swing bridge.

Yellow Trail: See separate entry

Orange Trail: See separate entry

Directions: From the stop light at the top of the mountain, continue along the main road, past Lynn's Market and the water towers. At Signal Mountain United Methodist Church, fork left onto one of many unconnected segments of Anderson Pike, and left again on Shackleford Ridge Rd. Continue until you see Nolan Elementary School on the right. Turn right immediately before the school, and follow the trail map to the parking area and "Trail Central". The park may also be reached via James Boulevard and Timberlinks.

Coordinates:
Trail Central	N35° 9.64'	W85° 22.10'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 9.93'	W85° 22.57'
Top right	N35° 9.92'	W85° 21.49'
Bottom left	N35° 9.35'	W85° 22.58'
Bottom right	N35° 9.33'	W85° 21.51'

Click here for a route file, to upload to a GPS receiver.

This trail is 1.1 miles in length, and runs from Shackleford Ridge Park to Mushroom Rock, a spectacular geological formation which is also on the Cumberland Trail North. The trail passes through pleasant woodland, and is mostly level, except for a moderate slope near its eastern end. The trail is fairly easy to see on the ground, although there are no trail marks, and it passes through three path junctions at which it would be easy to take the wrong path - careful navigation is needed, preferably aided by the use of a compass or GPS receiver. In particular,it is easy to miss the right turn at the crossroads on the way back.

Directions: follow the directions to Shackeford Ridge Park. Drive to the end of the road and park near the sports pavilion. The trail starts behind the pavilion, and after a short distance crosses the pink trail.

Coordinates:
Start of trail:	N35° 9.72'	W85° 22.39'
Mushroom rock:	N35° 9.66'	W85° 23.24'
Map corners:
Top left	N35° 10.01'	W85° 23.28'
Top right	N35° 9.99'	W85° 22.26'
Bottom left	N35° 9.54'	W85° 23.29'
Bottom right	N35° 9.52'	W85° 22.27'

Click here for route files, to upload to a GPS receiver.

This trail is a loop, 1.5 miles in length, with connecting trails to Conner Creek Drive at the northern end and Walking Stick Rd. at the southern end, each connecting trail being about 250 yards long. The trail passes through some very pretty woodland, and alongside Conner Creek, which in places is beautiful (bring a picnic!). The land is higher at the northern end, and there are some fairly steep slopes. The trails are moderately easy to follow, but in some places there are ankle-twisting rocks, and at one point on the western side the trail runs along a stream bed, which may be wet. There are also fallen trees across the trail in several places. The whole of the trail is on privately owned land.

Directions: From the stop light at the top of the mountain, continue along the main road, past Lynn's Market and the water towers. At Signal Mountain United Methodist Church, fork left onto one of many unconnected segments of Anderson Pike. For the southern end of the trail, turn left onto Shackleford Ridge Road, second right onto Windtree Drive, and second left onto Walking Stick Rd. The trail starts at the end of the cul-de-sac. For the northern end of the trail, keep on Anderson Pike a little further, turn left on Kell Road, and left again on Conner Creek Drive. The trail starts on the right, just after the road crosses a stream.

Coordinates:
End of trail at Walking Stick Rd.	N35° 10.44'	W85° 20.47'
End of trail at Conner Creek Dr.	N35° 10.67'	W85° 20.90'
Map Corners:
Top left	N35° 10.87'	W85° 21.27'
Top right	N35° 10.85'	W85° 20.28'
Bottom left	N35° 10.29'	W85° 21.28'
Bottom right	N35° 10.27'	W85° 20.29'

Click here for route files, to upload to a GPS receiver.

Points A to F are shown on the accompanying map. The trails are easy to follow and in good condition, passing through pleasant woodland. Although the area is hilly, the slopes are fairly gentle, and the trail classification would be somewhere between "easy" and "moderate". From point A, the trail descends into a wooded valley, crossing a stream at its lowest point. A number of side trails take off in this area, so it is important to follow the map. Part of the trail is marked by orange and brown blazes on the trees. Beyond the stream, the path begins to climb, and at point B splits into a northern branch and an eastern branch, both of which lead back to the main road. A loop 1.3 miles in length can be made by walking from C to B to D, then back to C.

Directions: the easiest way to reach this area (thought not the shortest) is to follow the directions above, to Shackleford Ridge Park. Pass Nolan Elementary School and continue along Shackleford Ridge Road for another ¼ mile, to the right turn on Edwards Point Road. At point A, roadside parking is possible but difficult, because of ditches on both sides of the roads. There is better roadside parking at points C, E and F. If you know your way around Signal Mountain, a shorter way to this area is to turn off James Boulevard onto Timberlinks, which becomes Edwards Point Road beyond the Hidden Brook subdivision.

Approximate distances:
Point A to point B	0.7 miles
Point B to point C	0.6 miles
Point B to point D	0.4 miles
Point C to point D	0.3 miles
Point D to point E	0.1 miles
Point E to point F	0.3 miles
Coordinates:
Point A	N35° 9.03'	W85° 22.03'
Point C	N35° 9.16'	W85° 21.14'
Map Corners:
Top left	N35° 9.40'	W85° 22.22'
Top right	N35° 9.38'	W85° 20.92'
Bottom left	N35° 8.63'	W85° 22.24'
Bottom right	N35° 8.61'	W85° 20.94'

The total length of the yellow trail is 3.9 miles, but it is in three sections, each of which may be hiked separately. There are no steep gradients on the trail. I thank Sharon Brueggeman for help in mapping the trail.
The first section (0.9 miles) starts at "Trail Central" within Shackleford Ridge Park, and sets off northeastwards, then turning south. It crosses the road within the park (at which there is a display board with a trail map), and continues to the southwest, as though it was going to complete a loop. However, at the southwest corner, where there is another display board, it dives off towards the south.
The second section (1.1 miles) leaves the park altogether, continues southwards for some distance, crosses Edwards Point Road, and eventually joins a "jeep track", used by bicycles, motor bikes and ATVs.
The third section (1.9 miles) consists of the jeep track itself, which runs all the way down to Edwards Point - a dramatic viewpoint, high above the Tennessee River, which is unfenced and dangerous!
The first and second sections of the trail are fairly well marked, with yellow blazes on trees (although it can get confusing, when sections of the trail are shared with other trails). The jeep track has almost no trail markings, and repeatedly divides and rejoins, mostly to avoid flooded sections. The yellow trail follows the main north-south line of this track.

Directions: for the northern part of the trail, follow the directions given above, to Shackleford Ridge Park. For the center and southern parts of the trail, park in Edwards Point Road, which is ¼ mile south of Nolan Elementary School. The easiest parking is where the Jeep track reaches Edwards Point Road, southwest of the junction with Hassler Road.

Approximate distances:
Trail central to park road	0.6 miles
Park road to display board	0.3 miles
Display board to Edwards Point Road	0.5 miles
Edwards Point Road to junction with Jeep track	0.6 miles
Junction with Jeep track to Edwards Point	1.9 miles
Coordinates:
Trail central	N35° 9.64'	W85° 22.09'
Park road crossing	N35° 9.66'	W85° 21.80'
Display board	N35° 9.51'	W85° 22.00'
Edwards Point Road crossing	N35° 9.15'	W85° 21.93'
Junction with Jeep track	N35° 8.61'	W85° 22.02'
Edwards Point	N35° 7.40'	W85° 22.65'
Map Corners (Yellow/Orange Northern Section):
Top left	N35° 9.92'	W85° 22.73'
Top right	N35° 9.90'	W85° 21.25'
Bottom left	N35° 8.99'	W85° 22.75'
Bottom right	N35° 8.97'	W85° 21.27'
Map Corners (Yellow/Orange Southern Section):
Top left	N35° 9.05'	W85° 23.07'
Top right	N35° 9.02'	W85° 21.21'
Bottom left	N35° 7.37'	W85° 23.10'
Bottom right	N35° 7.34'	W85° 21.24'

This trail is not for the faint-hearted! It is difficult to find (it took me three tries - thank you, Pam & Colin, for your patience!) and in places the terrain is extremely rough, with loose rocks and fallen trees. From Trail Central to the swing bridge, where it joins the Bee Branch trail, is 2.2 miles. From the swing bridge to the trailhead on Ohio Avenue is a further 1.1 miles. From the swing bridge to the other (better known) swing bridge below Rainbow Lake is 0.4 miles; from there to Ohio Avenue is 0.7 miles.
From Trail Central in Shackleford Ridge Park, the trail goes off to the southeast, crossing the park road. At an information display, it is joined by the yellow trail, and continues south to Edwards Point road. The trail markers on this section are yellow. It crosses Edwards Point Road, and runs parallel to it for a while, then arriving at a path junction, where the orange trail turns left (southeast), and the yellow trail continues straight on (southwest).
Orange (and similar colors) of trail marker are present on this section, and take the trail right at a fork, over a ridge, and down to a path junction (point G on the map). However, this is where your problems start! There is an orange blaze on a tree down the path to the right (south), but this is not the trail! Two trails go off to the left (northeast) - the further one is the orange trail, which then branches off to the right (southeast). If you reach the stream, you have missed the turning!
The trail now follows Middle Creek to the south, and in places it is very picturesque. Despite there being few trail marks along this section, it is easy to follow, eventually going down a steep section to the west bank of Middle Creek. An inviting trail to the southwest, alongside the creek, eventually dead-ends! Instead, you have to climb a steep, narrow and unmarked trail up the hilside on the right, to the foot of the cliffs. It may well be that there is another way to get to this point, but if so, I missed it, and you probably will as well! The trail then follows the foot of the cliffs for some distance - this is the rough section of the trail! There are occasional trail markers, but if in doubt, follow the foot of the cliffs! Eventually the trail leaves the cliffs and descends gently towards the stream, joining the Bee Branch trail at the western end of the swing bridge. To get to Rainbow Lake, follow the trail along the western side of the stream. To get to the trailhead on Ohio Avenue, cross the bridge and follow the Bee Branch trail.

Directions: for the northern part of the trail, follow the directions given above, to Shackleford Ridge Park. For the southern part of the trail, park in Edwards Point Road, which is ¼ mile south of Nolan Elementary School. The easiest parking is where the Jeep track reaches Edwards Point Road, southwest of the junction with Hassler Road. Alternatively, the trail can be hiked from south to north, parking at the trailhead for Rainbow Lake.

Approximate distances:
Trail central to Edwards Point Road	0.7 miles
Edwards Point Road to Orange/Yellow junction	0.2 miles
Orange/Yellow junction to point G (see map)	0.4 miles
Point G to Bee Branch trail	0.9 miles
Coordinates:
Trail central	N35° 9.64'	W85° 22.09'
Display board	N35° 9.51'	W85° 22.00'
Edwards Point Road crossing	N35° 9.15'	W85° 21.93'
Yellow/Orange junction	N35° 9.00'	W85° 22.00'
Point G	N35° 8.82'	W85° 21.65'
Bee branch swing bridge	N35° 8.11'	W85° 21.50'
Map Corners (Yellow/Orange Northern Section):
Top left	N35° 9.92'	W85° 22.73'
Top right	N35° 9.90'	W85° 21.25'
Bottom left	N35° 8.99'	W85° 22.75'
Bottom right	N35° 8.97'	W85° 21.27'
Map Corners (Yellow/Orange Southern Section):
Top left	N35° 9.05'	W85° 23.07'
Top right	N35° 9.02'	W85° 21.21'
Bottom left	N35° 7.37'	W85° 23.10'
Bottom right	N35° 7.34'	W85° 21.24'