Visit the Head of Sequatchie in the Cumberland Trail State Park to enjoy scenic solitude and historic sites such as Devilstep Hollow Cave.
Did you know that the Sequatchie River comes from a small spring underground? This natural wonder can be seen in the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park just outside of Crossville, TN. If you’re already camping or just visiting the Cumberland Mountain State Park across the way, I highly recommend adding this stop to your list of places to explore in the area. Inside the park you’ll find easy hiking trails around the property full of lush, old farmlands, hilly woodlands, and the historic Devilstep Hollow Cave which is home to Native American artwork. Continue reading to learn more details about this place, its history, and tips for your visit.
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Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park
The Cumberland Trail became its own state park in 1998, but was renamed as the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park in 2002 in honor of the Tennessee Deputy Governor who did a lot of work to make the Cumberland Trail a reality. The trail is still being built today as land is slowly being pieced together to form the 300+ mile trail from southern Tennessee north to southern Kentucky. But the headquarters of Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park is right here at the halfway point of the trail, just outside of Crossville, TN.
Head of Sequatchie
The Head of Sequatchie is the birth of the Sequatchie River. The Sequatchie River is over 100 miles long and divides the Cumberland Plateau creating the Sequatchie Valley below. Numerous creeks flow down into the river, but the genesis of the river is from this underground spring. You can see the beginning of the river for yourself at the Head of Sequatchie here in the park. A beautiful setup around the area makes it easy to see and even cross in front of via a footbridge.
Devilstep Hollow Cave
The other significant natural wonder of this park is Devilstep Hollow Cave. You can hike up to the overlook of the cave, but not down to it or into it. There’s also a blue hole (or in my case since it had recently been raining, a brown hole) at the cave entrance. Inside the cave is Native American artwork in various forms. The art is considered to be sacred and in order to keep it preserved, nobody is allowed to enter the cave without permission. In fact, they even installed steel doors just within the entrance blocking further entry. But, if you’re curious to see what’s inside, check out this authorized 360 degree, interactive video tour by Stephen Alvarez on YouTube.
Cumberland Trail
As mentioned earlier, this is the halfway point of the Cumberland Trail. So, naturally, you can also hike from here on the Cumberland Trail itself. The Cumberland Trail is up on the plateau so you’ll have to hike uphill to get to it. From there you can hike south to Walden’s Ridge where Stinging Fork Falls is 16 miles away, or you can hike north to Brady Mountain which boasts views on the other side of the Grassy Cove valley below.
Hiking Options at the Head of Sequatchie
If you’re not looking for a long hike on the Cumberland Trail, there are various easy hiking options for you in the valley at the Head of Sequatchie.
Head of Sequatchie
This isn’t much of a trail. Simply walk from the parking area to the Head of Sequatchie. There’s a gravel road to follow towards the river, but it ends at the Cumberland Trail State Park Headquarters building. Walk behind the building to find the Head of Sequatchie.
Selby Loop Trail
The Selby Loop Trail is the longest trail in this park area. But it’s only a mile long loop. The trail starts just across the bridge from the Head of Sequatchie. It follows Selby Creek for a little ways before turning and following the gap between the nearby mountains. Then it circles back around on the other side and meets up with the Falcon Warrior Trail. I did not have time to hike this trail fully, but it was recommended to me by the park ranger as a beautiful stretch showcasing the old farmland fields.
Falcon Warrior Trail
The Falcon Warrior Trail also starts across the bridge from the Head of Sequatchie where it overlaps the Selby Loop Trail for a short distance. Eventually it branches off and heads to Devilstep Hollow Cave. Overall, this trail is less than half a mile long, but that doesn’t count as a round trip. You can go back the same way or continue hiking in a loop on the Sherrill Cemetery Trail.
Sherrill Cemetery Trail
This .15 mile trail stretches between the Visitor’s Center and Devilstep Hollow Cave. Along the way you’ll pass by the Sherrill Cemetery, as the name implies. The Sherrill family holds historical significance to this area of the Sequatchie Valley as descendants in the family did a lot to develop this area. From what I can tell, this land used to be their own. The family’s impressive resume includes fighting in the revolutionary war and being the first sheriff of Cumberland County.
Tips for Your Visit to Head of Sequatchie
Getting There
Driving to the Head of Sequatchie is easy. It’s a scenic drive down from the plateau into the valley below. The road isn’t too steep and it’s paved. I was staying in Cumberland Mountain State Park when I visited and the drive was only 15 minutes away. It’s easy to find using Google Maps for Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. But, you most likely won’t have cell service down in the valley. The signage is easy to follow and there’s plenty of parking in the paved parking lot.
Visitor’s Center
You can begin hiking right away, or stop by the Visitor’s Center first for a paper trail map and to purchase a souvenir. When I visited they were still renovating their bathrooms so this may or may not be completed when you go.
Hiking Trails
As mentioned before, hiking the trails around this park is easy. Not only are the trails wide and fairly flat, they are also well marked. The Falcon Warrior Trail has a replica drawing of the Falcon Warrior artwork to mark the trail. The Selby Loop Trail is blazed with yellow while the Sherrill Cemetery Trail is blazed with blue. And of course, the Cumberland Trail is always white.
If it’s rained recently, some small portions may be slick and muddy, but overall it’s not a bad hike. And, if it’s rained recently, you’ll get to see the Sequatchie River and nearby creeks raging by.
When to Visit
I went in late December which is the beginning of the wet season. Thankfully, it was a warmer day so I didn’t have to worry about the cold. Although, this area is in a small valley so I would imagine it stays warmer in here than up on the mountains. Note that the park is located in the Central Time Zone and has open hours from 9:00AM – 4:30PM. You cannot camp or stay here overnight.
In Closing
You’ll only need a couple of hours to explore everything there is to see in this little portion of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. But, the visit to see the Head of Sequatchie and Devilstep Hollow Cave is well worth the time. The location of this park, tucked into the wilderness of this lush valley is the perfect escape for solitude.
Be sure to watch my YouTube video about my visit here.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been here or plan to visit soon. I’d love to know your thoughts about the place. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More to Explore Near Crossville, TN
- Stay in a Historic CCC Cabin at Cumberland Mountain State Park
- An Outdoor Day Trip Exploring Crossville, TN
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