Marathon Trails & Maps

Welcome to the Cumberland County Hiking Marathon. As you hike these trails you will enjoy a wide variety of terrain and geographical features. We hope this marathon takes you places that you would not normally go and that you have positive experiences along the way. We hope you enjoy hiking these trails but please stay on the trail when hiking and respect private property in residential communities. Carry plenty of water at all times, use bug-spray and watch your step – it is easy to twist an ankle on rocks and tree roots. Pets are permitted on all trails but please pick up after your dog if it fouls the trail-bed. The information on this page is for hikers who are doing the Full Marathon (26.2 miles).

We Use QR Codes

A QR code is a strange graphic consisting of black squares and dots. If you try to take a picture of a QR code with your phone it will offer to take you to a website. Accept the offer with our QR codes and you go straight to the appropriate trail map and description.

You will find the QR code at each trail-head attached to the top of one of the marathon signs. Snap a picture and bring up the trail map on your phone. It is as easy as that.

Fairfield Glade Trails

1. Cascade Trail, Fairfield Glade

Driving Directions

From Peavine Road, turn onto Westchester Drive go 3.5 miles, passing the entrance to Dorchester Golf Club. Turn left on Lancashire Rd. (look for the Cascade Trail directional arrow). Proceed 0.3 miles to the third gravel/grass road on the right. Follow the sign to the gravel parking lot on the right. If the lot is full, park on the side of Lancashire Rd, leaving room for traffic to pass.

Description

The Cascade Trail officially opened in the Summer of 2025, is one of Fairfield Glade’s most scenic and rewarding hiking experiences, offering visitors a journey through the rugged natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau. Winding through a peaceful forest of hardwoods and pines, the trail showcases impressive rock formations, towering sandstone outcrops, and picturesque views that change with the seasons.

One of the trail’s most memorable highlights is the bluff overlook, where hikers are treated to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and the winding corridor of Daddy’s Creek below. Just beneath the bluff lies a unique feature known as “The Squeeze”, a narrow passage between massive rock formations that adds a sense of adventure and wonder to the hike. The dramatic cliffs, weathered stone formations, and shaded creek valley create a landscape that feels both wild and timeless.

As the trail follows the edge of the gorge, hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Daddy’s Creek, whose waters have helped shape the area’s remarkable geology over thousands of years. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning overlooks, fascinating rock features, abundant wildlife, or the peaceful beauty of the forest, the Cascade Trail offers an unforgettable outdoor experience and a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Fairfield Glade.

During autumn, the Cascade Trail becomes one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the region. The forest comes alive with brilliant shades of red, orange, gold and crimson as hardwoods blanket the landscape in vibrant fall color. From the bluff overlook, hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hillsides painted with the rich hues of the season. Fallen leaves carpet the trail, while the crisp air and warm sunlight create ideal conditions for hiking, photography, and enjoying the beauty of the Cumberland Plateau at its peak.

2. Glastowbury Trail, Fairfield Glade

Description
This trail begins at the boat ramp at Lake Glastowbury. It is not the easiest trailhead to find but worth the effort! This 1.0 mile trail offers some nice views across the lake but most of the trail is a woodland walk.

Driving Directions
From St George Drive take Manchester Road then turn left onto Lafayette Lane. Just before entering the condo complex, turn right onto Hunterwood Lane (Signed to the boat-launch). Turn left to the boat-launch and park at the trailhead.

3. Overlook Trail, Fairfield Glade

Description

This is a hiker favorite and annual standard. The trail was extended in 2022/2023 to the west below the parking lot. This new section has some remarkable rockwork for you to enjoy. You will find the section along Daddys Creek peaceful and relaxing. Walking alongside water is always interesting.

Driving Directions
From the Peavine Road/Stonehenge Drive junction, take Peavine going east for half a mile. Turn right onto Westchester drive. After 3.0 miles, just after passing Dorchester Golf Club, turn left onto Windsor Road. Take the second right onto Wimberley Road then immediately turn left onto the gravel road. This road ends at the Overlook parking area and trailhead. After parking your vehicle and enjoying the views from the overlook enter the trail on the left.

4. Red Loop, Fairfield Glade

Description
This is the trailhead for both the Hemlock Trail and the Rotherham Trail. We strongly recommend that you hike this loop in the counter-clockwise direction as marked on this map as this avoids climbing up the very steep Rotherham Trail. Follow the red hike markers.

Proceed along the end of the lake to the trailhead sign for the Hemlock Trail. Follow the trail, past the majestic Hemlock tree for which the trail was named, and after half a mile it crosses Rotherham Drive. After another third of a mile it comes to Catoosa Boulevard and parallels the road for a quarter of a mile before turning back into the woods where it goes behind Bluff View Terrace and climbs upwards for nearly half a mile to the Good Samaritan Trail. Turn left and follow the trail behind the Good Samaritan assisted living facility for a half a mile until you reach the intersection with the Rotherham Trail.

Turn left onto the Rotherham Trail and follow the trail as it descends steeply into the valley. After half a mile the trail turns left along the creek and levels out for an easy walk for the last half-mile to the Rotherham Drive parking lot where the hike started.

Driving Directions
From the junction of Peavine Road and Stonehenge Drive, take Peavine Road
east for half a mile and turn left on to Catoosa Boulevard. After about 1.2 miles turn left on to Rotherham Drive. Drive down the steep hill and after 0.6 miles you will come to the parking lot on the left at the end of Lake Dartmoor.

Note: There is alternative parking available on Catoosa Boulevard at the junction with Kingsbridge Lane (Blue Hike Parking).

5. Seven Bridges & St George Trail, Fairfield Glade

Description
This trail begins at the Methodist Church on Westchester Drive. It is a pleasant walk through the woods by a number of streams with, you have guessed it, seven bridges. As you can see on the map it is a lollipop configuration where you walk half a mile up the stem and then a one-mile loop. At the furthest point from the trail-head, take the short connector trail and hike the half-mile St George Loop Trail (with a couple more bridges). Return along the short connector to complete the Seven Bridges trail and return to your vehicle.

Driving Directions
From the junction of Peavine Road and Stonehenge Drive head east along Peavine Road for 0.5 miles. Turn right on to Westchester. Head south for 0.7 miles and pull into the first parking lot of the Methodist Church where trail parking is permitted. Cross the road to the trail head.

Note: Avoiding this trail on Sunday mornings would be respectful of the church congregation as the parking lot gets rather full then.

Cumberland County Trails

6. Airport South Loop, Crossville

Description

This is one of Crossville’s newer trail, completed in June 2024. The trailhead is the parking lot on Earl Jones Road that is now used for both the North and South Loops. The trail is lollipop design with a 0.4-mile stem and a 1.7-mile loop. There are no major features on this trail but it is a very pleasant hike through the woods.

Driving Directions:

From Crossville, take Sparta Highway from the Kroger store. Head west for three miles, past the airport terminal building and runway. At the end of the runway turn left, just before the recycling center and almost immediately turn left again on to Earl Jones Road. After about a quarter of a mile you will see the trailhead parking lot on the left

7. Meadow Park North Trail

Description

This is a new trail that was completed in August 2024. The trail-head is the Soldier’s Beach parking lot. Cross the road and follow the sign entering into woods. After 0.3 miles the trail splits. This is the start of the loop so you can go either clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop.

Driving Directions:

To get to Meadow Park take Lantana Road, Highway 101, south out of Crossville. After about 3.5 miles, go straight through the lights where Highway 282 turns off for Lake Tansi. The road narrows from four lanes down to two lanes. After another mile turn right on to City Lake Road. There is a large Meadow Park sign on the corner. The trail-head parking is about half a mile on the left but you might want to follow City Lake Road to where it dead-ends at the park marina and office. Enjoy the views across the lake, and maybe use the restrooms at the campsite. Feel free to stop in the office and say “Hi” to the park manager, then drive back up the entrance road 0.6 miles to the trail-head parking lot which will now be on the right hand side of the road.

9. Meditation Trail

Description
Please do not hike this trail on a Sunday morning as the parking lot will be full with the congregation’s cars. Enter the Meditation Trail and enjoy an easy walk in this quiet spot close to the bustling activity in Crossville.

Driving Directions
Head out of Crossville along Sparta Highway, Route 70. After three quarters of a mile pass Ace Hardware on the right. Approximately a quarter of a mile after Ace turn right into the parking lot of the St Raphael Episcopal Church. Park behind the church close to the trailhead.

10. Obed River Park Paved Trail, Crossville

Description

This is an easy 1.5 mile trail that is shaded for about ½ the hike. Along the hike you will see the Obed River, the failed G.E. Harrison and J. Ridley Mitchell Dam, the location of the closed Tennessee Central Railroad Trestle and Corridor, and many Bluebird houses.

Enter the the Obed River Park and go into the second parking lot on the left (third entrance).
Look for the sign marking the trailhead toward the left.
Follow the paved trail along the river
In about a half mile the trail turns up the hill at the failed G.E. Harrison and J. Ridley Mitchell Dam
Continue up to the field and continue on the paved trail following the fence and observing the exercise equipment.
Follow the trail as it does a U-turn
Take the first left turn and go down the hill.
Continue on the paved trail until you come to a parking lot.
Turn right and walk along the edge of the road following the white posts.
Turn into the trail-head parking lot to complete the hike and return to your vehicle.

11. Pioneer Short: Cumberland Mountain State Park

Description
Walk down to the wooden bridge where the Pioneer Trail starts and ends. Follow the Pioneer Trail along Bryd Creek then cross the creek on the swinging bridge and return on the other side of the creek.This trail has many exposed roots on the trail so take extra care to avoid turning an ankle.

Driving Directions
The Cumberland Mountain State Park is very well known and there are plenty of road signs directing you to the park, which is about four miles south east of Crossville on Highway 127. We recommend parking beyond the restaurant near the boatdock and wooden bridge.

12. CT Peavine Road South

Description

This is a new trail that is still under construction in places. The first half mile is easy with very little change in elevation. The second half mile is a little more challenging with some elevation changes and rock steps.

The final half mile is even more challenging with significant elevation and many large rock steps.

About 1.3 miles from the trail head you will come to a large metal bridge. Immediately after the bridge is a step staircase of large steps followed by a quarter of a mile of level trail to the “Stop and Turn Around” sign. Conveniently, there is a large tree laying across th trail at the turn around point. (There is no need to report this tree for maintenance as the Park Rangers are well aware of it but will probably not remove it until after the marathon.)

Note1: Take care that you take the trail south. Heading towards the Devil’s Breakfast Table is the wrong direction. Stop and turnaround!

Note 2: Because of the steepness of the trail after the bridge it is acceptable to turn around at the bridge and claim the complete trail.

Note 3: For those who like rising to a challenge, the trail continues for about a mile beyond the bridge(but that is not included in the marathon). Construction crews are still working to extend the trail.

Driving Directions

This trailhead is about 3.5 miles from the corner of Peavine Road and Stonehenge Drive (the last stop light) on Peavine Road in Fairfield Glade, heading away from Crossville, towards Hebbertsburg.

The trailhead parking is located on the right hand side of the road. It is not a parking lot, just pull-off at the side of the road. Do not cross the road. The trail entrance is on the same side of the road as the parking area3

13. CT Selby Loop, Head of Sequatchie

ABOUT THE HEAD OF SEQUATCHIE

NOTE: The Head of Sequatchie is a state park with restricted opening hours: currently 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.

The Head of Sequatchie is an area of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park admired for its serenity and beauty. Named for the headwaters of the Sequatchie River, the Head of Sequatchie boasts hiking, history, and pristine beauty serving as a snapshot of a time since passed.

Enjoy the birthplace of the Sequatchie River, which rushes forth as the only natural water outlet of the pristine Grassy Cove to the north as a result of the karst topography of the area. The beginning of the Sequatchie Valley, which stretches into Alabama, is an excellent place for picnics, outings, and gatherings of all sorts.

Description

Leave the parking lot over the bridge and go to the visitor’s center ( stop in if you wish) and then turn right towards the park office and the Head of Sequatchie cave. Cross the bridge and turn left to join the Selby Loop. After less than a quarter of a mile turn left and take the trail to the overlook of Devilstep Hollow Cave. Retrace your footsteps to Selby Trail and continue around the loop until it brings you back to the Head of Sequatchi cave. Return to the parking lot and maybe take a short side trip to the Sherrill Cemetery where rests the first sheriff of Cumberland County–Craven Sherrill (descendant of Katherine “Bonnie Kate” Sherrill, wife of John Sevier).

Driving Directions

270 Glyph Parkway, Pikeville, TN 37367.

Take Hwy 127S south out of Crossville. At the Homestead Tower, keep right on Hwy 127S. Continue about 5.7 miles, passing Cumberland Mountain State Park and Basses Creek Bridge.

Turn left onto Brown Rd, a tar and chip road. Follow for 0.8 miles to a T-junction; turn left onto Rhea Rd. Drive for 0.5 miles to a T-junction; turn right onto Old Hwy 28 S. Drive carefully 2.5 miles down this narrow, winding road. Turn left on Glyph Parkway at the Head of Sequatchie sign.

Follow this road to the paved parking area at the bottom of the hill

6.1 Soldier's Beach Trail 2026

Note: This is called Soldier’s Beach Trail because, during World War 2, German Prisoners of War from a camp in Crossville were used to build a recreational facility here for US Soldier’s families. You can learn more about the POW camp Here

Driving Directions
To get to Meadow Park take Lantana Road, Highway 101, south out of Crossville. After about 3.5 miles, go straight through the lights where Highway 282 turns off for Lake Tansi. The road narrows from four lanes down to two lanes. After another mile turn right on to City Lake Road. There is a large Meadow Park sign on the corner. The trail-head parking is about half a mile on the left but you might want to follow City Lake Road to where it dead-ends at the park marina and office. Enjoy the views across the lake, and maybe use the restrooms at the campsite. Feel free to stop in the office and say “Hi” to the park manager, then drive back up the entrance road 0.6 miles to the trail-head parking lot which will now be on the right hand side of the road.

Description

The Soldier’s Beach Trail in Crossville, Tennessee, offer visitors and hikers a peaceful lakeside escape where natural beauty, relaxation and outdoor recreation come together. Surrounded by scenic woodland views and the calming presence of the water, this trail creates the perfect setting for hikers, walkers, and nature lovers looking to enjoy the outdoors at a slower, more refreshing pace.

As the trail winds through the area, visitors and hikers can experience beautiful shoreline scenery, gentle breezes and quiet moments that make it easy to relax and recharge. Whether you are taking a morning walk, enjoying an afternoon hike, or simply spending time in nature, the Soldier’s Beach Trail provides an excellent opportunity to improve physical fitness while supports mental wellness and reducing everyday stress.

The trail is also a wonderful place for families and dog owners to enjoy healthy outdoor activity together. Many visitors and hikers bring their dogs along for exercise, fresh air, and the enjoyment of exploring the peaceful natural surrounding side by side.

With its inviting atmosphere and scenic lakeside charm, the Soldier’s Beach is a hidden treasure for anyone seeking exercise, picnic, relaxation and deeper connection to the beauty of Tennessee’s outdoors. It is a place where every visit encourages wellness, appreciation for nature and a sense of calm.

During the fall season, Soldier’s Beach Trail offers hikers a spectacular combination of coastal beauty and vibrant autumn scenery. The trail becomes a peaceful escape where colorful foliage blends beautifully with breathtaking lake views, creating a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. Crisp lake breezes, golden sunlight, and the calming sound of ripples make every step along the trail both refreshing and unforgettable.

As the leaves change into rich shades of red, orange and yellow, the surrounding landscape transforms into a stunning natural masterpiece. Hikers can enjoy scenic overlooks, quiet pathways, and the relaxing atmosphere that autumn brings to the shore. The cooler temperatures make the trail especially comfortable for long walks, photography, and outdoor adventures. Soldier’s Beach Trail in the fall is the perfect destination for visitors seeking beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a peaceful connection with nature.

In winter, the Soldier’s Beach Trail reveals a serene and dramatic shore landscape that offers visitors a completely different kind of beauty. The cool air, quiet surroundings, and breathtaking views of the shoreline create a peaceful environment ideal for hikers looking to escape into nature. The trail becomes calm and uncrowded, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the soothing sounds of the gentle ripples and the fresh winter atmosphere.

Snow-dusted paths and frosty shore scenery add a magical touch to the landscape, while the lake views provide a striking contrast against the sky. The crisp weather creates perfect conditions for invigorating hikes, photography, and moments of quiet reflection by the lake. Whether exploring alone or with family and friends, hikers will find Soldier’s Beach Trail in winter to be refreshing and unforgettable