About Cumberland Trail
The Cumberland Trail near Chattanooga is consistently praised for its scenery, with reviewers highlighting waterfalls, creek crossings, river valley views, and mountain scenery. It is described as quiet and lightly trafficked, even on holiday weekends. Terrain reviews are mixed to rugged: some call it a moderate hike, others stress it is technical and not suited to young kids. Trail markings and maintenance drew both praise and criticism, and amenities are limited (a single outhouse with no toilet paper, and parking that ranges from ample to a two-car trailhead). Most reviews date from 2016-2021, so conditions may have changed.
At a Glance
Trail Score
out of 10
Why Riders Choose Cumberland Trail
The top themes reviewers mention most.
- scenic views and waterfalls8 mentions
- quiet and uncrowded4 mentions
- well maintained and marked3 mentions
- varied terrain3 mentions
- easy parking2 mentions
Trail Conditions
⚠️ Surface condition: Variable
⛰️ Perceived difficulty: Some climbs (riders disagree)
Crowds & Best Times to Go
🟢 Quietest: Memorial Day weekend
Who Uses This Trail
Scenery & Views
Highlights: waterfalls, river views, Tennessee River Valley views, diverse vegetation, rock formations
Safety & Upkeep
🛡️ not mentioned
Parking & Amenities
Dogs on the Trail
Who It's Best For
Great for
Less ideal for
What Could Be Better
- rugged and technical terrain4
- inconsistent trail markings2
- poor restroom facilities1
- debris and blocked paths1
What Riders Say
"Beautiful and moderate hike with plenty of diversity in vegetation."
"this is an extremely rugged, technical Trail. Not the kind you would take your kids on."
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on what riders say in their reviews.
How difficult is the Cumberland Trail?
Reviews disagree on difficulty: some describe it as a moderate hike with climbs, while others call sections rugged and technical. The overall terrain is often described as challenging rather than easy.
Is the Cumberland Trail crowded?
Most reviewers describe it as quiet and lightly used, with one noting it wasn't crowded even on Memorial Day weekend.
Is parking easy to find?
Reviews are mixed: some report a good amount of parking and easy access, while one notes a trailhead with space for only two cars and a hidden entrance.
Are there restrooms on the trail?
One reviewer mentions a single outhouse at one location but notes there was no toilet paper, so bringing supplies is advised.
Are the trails well marked?
Reviews conflict: some praise the markers and well-marked paths, while another found sections poorly marked and easy to get lost on.
Ride Cumberland Trail
Plan your visit or open the trail on the map.