This hidden Sherwood Loop hike offers amazing views and a Tennessee natural bridge you have to check out.
Have you seen a natural bridge before? We have quite a few in Tennessee but this was my first time actually getting to visit one. This hike has beautiful overlooks, interesting rock formations, and so much more. Keep reading to learn why this hike needs to be added to your list.
South Cumberland State Park
The hike in question is called the Sherwood Loop. It’s located within the South Cumberland State Park, just south of Buggytop Cave. South Cumberland State Park contains over 12,000 acres and covers numerous caves, waterfalls, coves, and natural bridges. This Tennessee state park is also well-known for its amazing hiking trails and beautiful camping spots.
How to Hike Sherwood Loop
Locating Sherwood Loop is not too difficult. From Chattanooga, the best route is to head into South Pittsburg. From here, take State Highway 156 up the mountain. Eventually you’ll make a backwards turn onto the Old CCC Road which is gravel. Take this road all the way back to the end where there’s a large gravel parking lot. Even though this road is gravel, it’s well-kept so any vehicle should be able to make the drive.
The trailhead has a map and instructions for using the South Cumberland State Park’s mileage location feature. If you are ever to have a problem within the park area, just note the nearest mileage tag’s unique location code. Then when you call 911 they can know your location to find you. Please note that some areas, such as Sherwood Loop, do not have cell signal though so you’d need a satellite phone in order to call for help.
If you want a more strenuous hike, start the loop to the left going clockwise. This direction has more uphill ramps and steps. Whereas the reverse direction (counterclockwise) has a more downhill approach. Overall the hike has minimal elevation change and only a couple, nearly dry, creek crossings. The beauty of this hike is well-balanced between forest trail and meandering between rock formations. And amidst this there’s overlooks and the natural bridge.
Tennessee Natural Bridge and Overlooks
Sherwood Loop has two overlooks. The first one you’ll come across in the beginning of the hike if you start the loop to the right in a counterclockwise direction. This overlook features a small bluff and there’s a bench nearby to take a rest and enjoy the view.
The second overlook is closer to the end of the hike if you’re hiking counterclockwise. There’s no bluff here, but rather a clearing on the trail to see the view through the trees.
But what is probably the main attraction on the Sherwood Loop is the natural bridge. There are many natural bridges on the Cumberland Plateau. Tennessee natural bridges are caused by hundreds of years of erosion, typically in places that have a crevice forming already.
Hiking Safely on Sherwood Loop
Before you embark on this hidden hike of Sherwood Loop, there’s a couple things to note. First of all, since this is a more quiet, less-travelled trail, the liklihood of running into snakes is higher, especially in the spring or summer months. We saw a Copperhead on our hike that was sitting still, right beside the trail. Honestly, it blended into the dead leaves so I didn’t even see it. But my friend did. It never moved even though it was facing us on our approach and coiled in the defensive position. My conclusion to this is to be aware of your surroundings, but most of the time snakes aren’t going to bother you unless you bother them. In the extremely rare event that you do get bit by a venomous snake, remember to get to the nearest hospital right away, keep the bite below the heart, do not restrict blood flow, and do not apply ice.
Sherwood Loop is also in a hunting area. Hunting is not allowed within 100 yards of the trail, parking lot, or road. So you should always be safe while hiking here. However, keep this in mind so that you can stay safe if you just so happen to see a bunch of people hunting in the area. From what I can tell, the trail never closes to hikers for hunting so be mindful of this.
In Closing
Sherwood Loop features an amazing example of Tennessee’s natural bridges. The bridge, the overlooks, and the solitude found on this loop trail make it very appealing. I highly recommend planning a hike here this season. And if you want to hike more, just drive up to explore Buggytop Cave, one of my favorite hikes.
Be sure to watch the YouTube video for a more visual review of this hike. And let me know in the comments below if you’ve hiked here yet or seen a Tennessee natural bridge. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
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