Cumberland Trail Hiking Series
The Cumberland Trail is a scenic footpath along the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau that begins in Chattanooga’s backyard on Signal Mountain. Development and maintenance of the CT is a grassroots effort driven by volunteers with the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). The trail is still under construction, but with 210 of the projected 300 miles completed, there’s plenty of trail to explore. Outdoor Chattanooga aims to connect you with this scenic trail by offering several guided half-day hikes (4-7 miles each) throughout the year. We’ve carefully selected the sections and provide a shuttle to maximize the experience and miles covered during these one-way treks. Bring your sense of adventure and join us for one hike or the whole series!
Registration is required in advance as space is limited in the shuttle vehicle. There is no fee for these half-day guided hikes. All details are given with registration. The CT is a remote trail over rugged terrain. All hikes are rated as moderately strenuous with significant elevation changes where hikers may need to high step over rocks, deadfall, and other obstacles. Beginner hikers will find it challenging but certainly attainable. Outdoor Chattanooga requires participants have some hiking experience and be in good physical shape to hike 4-7 miles continuously on sections rated as moderately strenuous. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating parent or responsible adult.
What You’ll Learn
- Hiking and backpacking skills
- Essentials to carry
- How to read and follow trail maps
- More info about the area/sections hiked
FAQs
When are the hikes offered?
We offer several guided hikes throughout the year. Details about the section, distance hiked and where to meet are given with online registration.
2019 Hiking Series Schedule
January 26, February
How much does it cost?
Do I have to make a reservation in advance?
Do I need to have hiking experience to participate?
Will the hike be all downhill?
Although we’ve carefully selected the direction of the hikes, we can’t guarantee the entire hike will be downhill as the terrain is varied and uneven and you should anticipate some elevation gain during the hike. We request that you are physically able to hike the full distance on a trail rated as moderately strenuous with both elevation loss and gain.
Events
Did You Know?
Completing short section hikes with Outdoor Chattanooga will earn you credit toward the 50 miler award from the Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). To earn the 50 miler award, individuals must complete 50 unique miles on the Cumberland Trail and complete 10 hours of service work with the CTC.
Community Resources
Chattanooga Hiking Club
Chattanooga Hiking Meetup
Cherokee Hiking Club
CTC Map
CT Trail Map
Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC)
Friends of South Cumberland State Park
Sierra Club
Cherokee Group
Tennessee Chapter
Alabama Chapter
Georgia Chapter