Cumberland Trail
Completed sections of the Cumberland Trail link gorges, waterfalls, overlooks, historic routes, and forest along the eastern escarpment, but gaps mean it is not yet one continuous casual thru-hike.
Artwork inspired by Mayna Treanor Avent
The route’s significance lies in geology and connectivity. Sandstone caprock produces cliffs and cascades, while protected corridors join habitats and communities across a long north–south spine; volunteer construction remains visible in careful stonework.
Select a named section and trailhead, download its current map, and verify whether it is complete in both directions. Shuttles, water, stream crossings, hunting seasons, and backcountry camps vary, so statewide mileage is not a usable day plan.
- Head of Sequatchie
- Park-wide context and orientation
- segment-specific map
- Every hike needs its own map
- plateau gorge crossing
- Gorges define the experience
Quick guide
- First move
- At Cumberland Trail, begin with Head of Sequatchie: Completed sections of the Cumberland Trail link gorges, waterfalls, overlooks, historic routes, and forest along the eastern escarpment, but gaps mean it is not yet one continuous casual thru-hike.
- Second look
- segment-specific map: The route’s significance lies in geology and connectivity.
Plan the exact route, not an abstract trail
- Start with
- Head of Sequatchie: Completed sections of the Cumberland Trail link gorges, waterfalls, overlooks, historic routes, and forest along the eastern escarpment, but gaps mean it is not yet…
- Look closely at
- segment-specific map: The route’s significance lies in geology and connectivity.
- Connect the story
- plateau gorge crossing: A developing footpath tracing Tennessee’s plateau edge.
- Plan around
- Select a named section and trailhead, download its current map, and verify whether it is complete in both directions.
Good to know
Cumberland Trail: shuttles, water, stream crossings, hunting seasons, and backcountry camps vary, so statewide mileage is not a usable day plan.
Notice these
- Head of Sequatchie
- segment-specific map
- plateau gorge crossing