Bluff Trail is one of many trails on Lookout Mountain. Located on the edge of downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is full of history and tourist attractions. If you want to take a hike that will leave you feeling accomplished, then Bluff Trail is the hike for you.
Bluff Trail
The Bluff Trail is nearly five miles long and runs along the upper, western side of Lookout Mountain. The trail starts behind Covenant College and ends near the Craven’s House. So far, I have only experienced half of this trail, numerous times. In my experience, this is one of the most well-worn trails in the area. This makes it great for first time hikers as the trail is easy to follow and leads to many views along the way. However, the trails are not well marked. This is one of the only trails I know of that doesn’t have trail blazes on the trees along the way. There are many trail intersections with Bluff Trail so be sure to have your map handy just in case. There are trail maps posted at various intersections along the trail if you need to double check yourself too.
Craven’s House
For today’s hike, I started at Craven’s House. I like this starting point in particular because it has the most parking available compared to most Lookout Mountain hikes. From here you can hike the Bluff Trail or take other trails that intersect at this point. Craven’s House is located off of Shingle Road and can be found soon after passing Ruby Falls, immediately before the Mountain Memories souvenir shop. For more about the history of Craven’s House, click HERE. For the exact location, click HERE.
Point Park
On my hike, I decided to head to Point Park and back. This hike on the Bluff Trail is approximately one and a half miles up the mountainside. It’s quite strenuous since it goes upward most of the way. It’s a gradual enough incline so it isn’t too difficult. As you near the base of Point Park, you will come up to a metal staircase equivalent to nearly five flights of stairs. This is probably the most challenging part of this particular hiking route. Inside Point Park, be sure to walk around and take in all the views. The park is home to some of the best views of Chattanooga. For more great views of Chattanooga, click HERE. For more about the history of Point Park, click HERE.
Despite the uphill hike, it’s still easy enough that you will feel accomplished and satisfied if you make it to Point Park. Why? Because when you do, you need to go over to the opposite end of the park from where you arrive atop the metal staircase. On the other side you’ll see a couple of old cannons facing downtown Chattanooga. Look out over this vantage point. Then look down. There you will see the tiny Craven’s House where you first started. From this point of view, it will amaze you how far up you climbed.
Other Tips for Hiking Bluff Trail
The day I went, it had been raining earlier. The trail was very muddy and there were various points where I was thankful I wore my waterproof hiking boots. If you attempt this trail after heavy rainfall, I highly recommend wearing waterproof shoes for the unavoidable mud and water holes. There were even a couple spots where water was using the trail as a stream to run down the mountain. Check out the video of my hike HERE to see more about this.
Lastly, be sure to familiarize yourself with the map before you set out. There are so many different trails on the mountain that intersect and it’s easy to get lost. However, you may have cell signal the entire time which could come in handy, but I wouldn’t depend on that possibility alone. The trails lack good signage at some intersections so it would help to already understand where you are and where you’re headed just in case. Below is the hike I took.
If you’d like to see the more visual version of this hike, check out the video by clicking HERE. For more Lookout Mountain hiking trails and tips, click HERE. I can’t wait to go back and explore more trails on Lookout Mountain that I have yet to try and to one day hike the entire length of the Bluff Trail. I’ll be sure to take y’all along with me when I do. Until then, have fun Exploring Chatt!
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