Snooper’s Rock is a favorite bluff amongst the locals and it’s easy to see why with its 180° view and quiet seclusion overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge.
I had always wanted to visit and finally had the chance to one early Saturday morning a few years ago. Since then, I’ve visited many more times and I see why the locals like it so much. This hidden gem has some of the best views of the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains.
Prentice Cooper State Forest Park
Snooper’s Rock is located deep inside the Prentice Cooper State Forest Park which is located on Suck Creek Mountain. The forest is nearly 25,000 acres but the park itself is nearly 7,000 acres. This area is open to the public for recreation such as off-road vehicles, hiking, and seasonal hunting. Be sure to check their website for hunting dates because the park will be closed during those times. There’s also a shooting range (permit required) near the entrance. The entire park is a wildlife reserve so be sure to be respectful of the fields and forests as they are being preserved for the wild. The entire road system in the park is dusty gravel so be cautious with this as well. The park is open from sunrise till sunset.
Hiking
Originally on my first visit, I wanted to start hiking at the Cumberland Trailhead, but we were in a time crunch so instead I decided we should start at the Snooper’s Rock Trailhead. This was a great idea because we had the awe-inspiring views all to ourselves, first thing in the morning. Then we hiked up the trail towards the Cumberland Trail where we crossed a small creek.
The trail we hiked is part of the Mullen’s Cove Loop. We hiked down a good distance and eventually turned around to make sure we got back home in time. All in all, we hiked roughly 5 miles. The whole loop is just over 10 miles long with the Tennessee River side being the most heavily trafficked. The picture below shows our hike, there and back, following the purple line. As you can see, we weren’t too far from the Cumberland Trailhead, but we really didn’t have time for that hike on this particular day. Plan ahead by viewing the full park map for yourself.
Overall, I found the hike we did to be very easy. The elevation fluctuated up and down gradually so there were no steep spots. There was one switchback equivalent to a couple flights of stairs, but that was all. The trail is well worn and therefore clear and solid. There are 35 miles of hiking trails overall in the Prentice Cooper Forest. I have also explored the Ritchie Hollow Trail at the base of the mountain that’s also within this park. And I plan to come back and do more of these park trails at a later date.
Hunting
As I said previously, Prentice Cooper is open for hunting at various times throughout the year. Deer hunting usually takes place during some weekends in the fall from September through December. In the spring there are turkey hunts typically on weekends in April and May. Always be sure to check the Prentice Cooper website for hunting dates so that you don’t visit during those times. You will NOT be able to hike during hunting time.
Camping
There are two designated camping spots within the Prentice Cooper park. Camping is prohibited elsewhere. In fact, there’s signs posted throughout to remind you not to camp unless you’re in one of these camping spots. There are no restrooms or amenities in this park so these camping spots are strictly primitive. As always, please be mindful of nature and take out what you bring in.
Snooper’s Rock
Like I said before, Snooper’s Rock is pretty far back inside the park. Since the road is a dusty gravel all the way back, it takes about fifteen minutes to drive from the entrance to the Snooper’s Rock parking area. There’s a small parking lot at the bottom of the hill near Snooper’s Rock, but I don’t suggest taking your road vehicle down to it. I always park in the parking spots on the left side of the road. Then I hike down to Snooper’s Rock. It’s an easy hike there and back about a quarter of a mile one way. However, it is downhill going to Snooper’s Rock and uphill coming back. It’s not too steep but it will get your heart pumping with the constant, gradual incline.
Final Thoughts
I must say that Snooper’s Rock offers the widest mountain-top view that I’ve seen in the area. It’s a decent drive off the beaten path, but definitely worth it. If you go early enough, you just might have the place to yourself on a weekday. And, if you really want a treat, consider going early enough to catch the sunrise.
And if you want to see what my first exploration of Snooper’s Rock was like a few years ago, check out this YouTube video. I hope to one day hike the full Mullen’s Cove Loop as well as some of the Cumberland Trail from here. Until then, enjoy exploring Chatt!