Mullens Cove Loop

Large rock formations, epic views of the Tennessee River Gorge, and too many creek crossings to count await you on this longer loop hike in Prentice Cooper State Forest. A hop, skip, and jump from downtown Chattanooga, Mullens Cove Loop travels along the in-progress Cumberland Trail for a feature rich hike in any season. Shorter hiking options to Snooper's Rock and Indian Rockhouse are available for those that want a taste of it's beauty without too much effort.

If you want to save the best stuff for the back half of this loop, head around counter-clockwise. I chose to go around clockwise and this description reflects as such. Begin by crossing Tower Drive that you drove in on, heading gently downhill. Squeeze through Stone Door, a tight staircase leading down between a crack in the rocks. Arrive at the base of Indian Rockhouse, a large rock overhang and the intersection with the Cumberland Trail.

Turn right along the Cumberland Trail, heading south. You'll make a few short steep ascents, but nothing too strenuous. Several points along the way will grant winter views of the Tennessee River, but will completely disappear in summer. Other than a minor split and immediate rejoin, the trail has no intersections until you arrive a Snooper's Rock.

At 3.1 miles the trail comes to a t-intersection. If you look to the left you'll see Snooper's Rock overlook. With vast views of the Tennessee River Gorge, Snooper's Rock is one of the best views in the area. Be warned, however, there is a much shorter hike from the Snooper's Rock trailhead making this a popular overlook on nice weekends.

Turn around, passing the previous intersection until you come to a small OHV parking lot. Head around to the left, then stay to the right of a couple trails branching to the left at the intersection with the Pot Point Loop at the sign for Natural Bridge. At 3.4 miles you'll arrive at the Snooper's Rock parking lot. Continue over Tower Drive.

At mile 4, pass the opposite signed intersection with Pot Point Loop, heading down alongside Hemlock Branch. When you see the directional sign on the left, immediately turn right, crossing the creek and walking through the Hemlock Branch campsite. A tenth of a mile later you'll connect to a wider path then make a sharp right. There's a not so obvious sign on the left pointing right.

AT 4.3 miles you'll come to a short side trail for Mullens Cove Overlook and another overlook view at 4.5, which I thought was slightly better, but both are limited by trees. At 6.4 miles you'll come to Haley Road. Either direction on this loop, you'll make a right, walk a tenth of a mile, then leave the road to your left.

At 8.1 miles you'll travel over several boulder fields. Keep your head up looking for blazes along this section as the trail disappears in the rocks. Part of this is along the beautiful Short Creek, lined with mossy rocks and small waterfalls. Leave the creek, crossing another dirt road before arriving back at the trailhead parking lot near the opposite end.