10K Challenge Trails & Maps
Welcome to the Cumberland County Hiking Marathon 10K Challenge. As you hike these trails you will enjoy paved trails with easy gradients. The purpose of this challenge is to provide an interesting set of trails that can be enjoyed by those who find the marathon trails just too difficult to negotiate. We hope this challenge 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. Leashed pets are permitted on all trails but please pick up after your dog if it fouls the trail-bed.
1. Fairfield Glade Paved Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles (2.0 km)
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.999882, -84.884157
Description
This is a mostly shaded 1.2 mile trail that goes from the Druid Hills recreation area thru the woods to Mirror Lake.. Along the way you will see all kinds of birds and other wildlife. Deer are frequently seen here. Don’t miss the Whale Watch opportunity along the way. After going through the tunnel under Peavine Road stop and admire Mirror Lake, then turn around to return to Druid Hills. At the Sculpture Garden you will turn right to enjoy the many sculptures before you return to the trailhead.
Driving Directions
Approaching Fairfield Glade from Crossville turn right onto Snead Drive just after Weigel’s gas station. Take third turn on the left onto Lake View Drive.
Just Past the Druid Hills golf Club turn left at the stop sign. Turn left into the Fairfield Glade Library parking lot.
The street address of the library is 455 Lakeview Drive, Crossville, TN 38558
2. Cumberland Mountain State Park:
Storybook Trail/ADA
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 Km)
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.899421, -85.000321
Description
This is a mostly shaded in and out trail. Before you start the hike you might enjoy a visit to the free Civil Conservation Corps, CCC, Museum and get a little more education on the history of the Cumberland Mountain State Park.
Head down to the boat dock and cross the wooden bridge. Along the trail you will see all kinds of birds and other wildlife. You will enjoy many great views of historic Byrd Lake. There are even nice restrooms at both ends of the trail: in the museum building and in the park office.
Stop when you reach the road by the park office, turn and retrace your steps. On your return trip you will get a different perspective of the lake. Be sure to get some photos of what is likely the most photographed bridge in Tennessee. It is the beautiful stone bridge that was built by the CCC in the early 1930’s as part of the New Deal.
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.
There is plenty of parking in the park but please do not park in the restaurant parking lot as that gets very busy at times. We suggest you park in the lot a little way from the restaurant as a courtesy to diners.
3 Obed River Park Trail
- Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles
- Trail Length: 1.5 miles
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.973617, -85.044277
Driving Directions
From Peavine Road go east on First Street toward Crossville. After 2.7 miles turn right on West Avenue (Hwy. 70 E). After 2.3 miles turn right on Obed River Park Drive. Proceed 0.2 miles to the gravel parking lot.
Description
Situated in the midst of Crossville, Tennessee, the Obed River Park Paved Trail and Arboretum offers a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience for visitors of all ages. Established by the City of Crossville in 1982, this beautiful park features a 2.1 miles of paved walking trails that wind through an idyllic natural setting while providing modern amenities and easy accessibility.
The adventure begins with one of the trail’s most captivating sights – the beautiful Obed River. Flowing gently through the park, the river creates a serene atmosphere and provides stunning river views that immediately welcome hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. As you continue along the trail, approximately half of the route is shaded by mature trees, making it a comfortable destination throughout much of the year.
History and nature blend together along the trail. Visitors can view the remains of the failed G. E. Harrison and J. Ridley Mitchell Dam, learn about the former Tennessee Central Railroad Trestle and Corridor, and discover a variety of native trees identified throughout the arboretum. Numerous bluebird houses and outdoor fitness stations add interests and enjoyment along the way.
4. Centennial Park Paved Trail & Greenway
- Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 Km)
- Rating: Easy
- Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.969293, -85.025462
Driving Directions
Centennial Park is located on Industrial Boulevard.
Description
This is an easy 2.0 mile hike. It is mostly in the sun, so a morning hike is recommended. This hike will take you through and around the softball fields and then along the brand new paved Crossville Greenway.
- Park in the small parking behind the pickleball courts if possible. Head across the large parking lot towards the small plaza where 3 flags are displayed.
- Walk up the paved trail through the building and between the softball fields. Then bear left towards to second building. keep straight on between the ball fields. Turn left for short distance then right to join the outer perimter trail. Turn left onto this trail
- Follow the trail along the edge of the park. Past the dogpark.
- After the dogpark turn left and go over the wooden bridge then turn right.
- Follow the trail behind the small pavilion. Comtinue along the trail until you sees the strt of the new Greenway on your right.
- Follow the Greenway, using the flashing lights to assist with crossing Industrial Boulevard. Continue past the TWRA office and Dentist office before turning into the woods and proceeding to the new steel bridge.
- At the bridge, stop, turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead and your vehicle.
