Black Mountain Loop on the Cumberland Trail

Hike Name: Black Mountain Loop on the Cumberland Trail Location: east TN Length: 1.7 Submitted by: Barry Spearman Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Tennessee trail reviews Tennessee national parks Tennessee state parks
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Description
This 1.7 mile recently constructed loop provides an easy hike around the top of the Black Mtn. Recreation Area with access to two overlooks, and passage for the Cumberland Trail. Traditionally, many visitors make the short jaunt to the Black Mtn. Southern Overlook, considered to be the best view of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee Ridge and Valley system beyond, but consider taking a bit of time to hike the Black Mtn. Loop Trail.

To hike the loop begin at the Black Mtn. Parking Facility and walk the gravel road 700 feet back across the road and on to the Spring House. Here lie the ruins of two homes built by the Gill Family around 1900. These homes were abandoned in 1933 upon Mr. Gill's death and the property was subsequently donated to the First United Methodist Church. At the Spring House quickly pick up the Black Mtn. Loop Trail and Cumberland Trail up the stairs on your right and hike 0.2 miles to a left turn leading to the Black Mtn. Southern Overlook. On a crisp day the hiker will see White's Creek breaking through the Plateau on your left, Watts Bar Lake just beyond the Plateau, and the Smoky Mountains rising in the background. At your feet lies Little Cove with Grassy Cove, ringed by Brady and Bear Den Mountains to your far right. Now retrace your steps to the main trail and take a left. In just another 0.2 miles you will reach the steps leading down and out for the Cumberland Trail, just continue to the right and another .4 miles brings you to the Black Mtn. North Overlook containing glimpses of the Crab Orchard Valley, with the best views found in the winter months. Retrace your steps and continue on the loop 0.5 miles back to the springhouse through an oak-hickory forest. This area was recently ravaged by fire. Notice the heavy density of sprouting Sassafras and the Mountain Laurel - all indicative of the resilience of Tennessee's forests.

A map of the trail is located at http://www.cumberlandtrail.org/section5.html

Directions to Hike
Take I-40 to Exit 329. There is a Cumberland Trail State Park sign at the exit. Follow the Cumberland Trail State Park signs and head south on Battown Road until you come to a four way Intersection, turn left to continue -- on Battown road -- to Black Mountain Road. At Black Mountain Road follow the Cumberland Trail State Park signs and turn left and continue 3 miles up this road. Park at the parking area on the right and follow the CT diamond signs 700 feet across the road to the Spring House. A kiosk with trail information is located just up the steps from the Spring House.

Contact Information
See http://www.cumberlandtrail.org/section5.html

Cumberland Trail Conference
19 East 4th St.
Crossville, TN 38555
931.456.6259
email: cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com.

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