Hiking Project Logo

Enjoy roughly 5 miles of hiking on various trails at Big Ridge State Park.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Loop

1,446' 441 m

High

1,030' 314 m

Low

992' 302 m

Up

986' 300 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a short, 5-mile hike that takes you to some of the highlights in Big Ridge State Park. Enjoy hiking over Pinnacle Ridge and through Dark Hollow before making your way back to the car or the campground.

Need to Know

There's a backcountry campsite along the Dark Hollow Trail West for those looking to tent for a night.

Description

The hike begins with a steep uphill following the Lake Trail to Big Ridge Dam (be sure to stop and look – it's an early 1900's Civilian Conservation Corps construction).

At the split, follow the Dark Hollow Trail West to the left along the lakeshore and into the hollow between Big Ridge and Pinnacle Ridge. Observe the original homesites along the trail enshrouded in dense undergrowth.

At the next junction, head back toward the campground on the Big Valley Trail. Finally, cross the road and follow the Chestnut Ridge Trail back to the cabin area. Continue to follow the road back to the parking area where you started.

Flora & Fauna

Numerous wildflowers and ferns grow in Dark Hollow.

History & Background

This was one of the original settlements west of the Appalachians in the U.S.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matt Sloan

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 7 votes

#3533

Overall
  4.0 from 7 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
14%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#65

in Tennessee

#3,533

Overall
21 Views Last Month
1,328 Since Jun 24, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
60%
20%
20%
0%

Photos

Dark hollow trail
May 2, 2018 near Maynard…, TN
Big Ridge Dam is quite the sight!
Jun 24, 2017 near Maynard…, TN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.