Mullens Cove Loop Trail

Distance: 10.2 miles
Trail Type: Single Track
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Location: Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area

Directions: From Downtown Chattanooga, take Hwy 27 North to Hwy 127 North (Signal Mountain). Go 1.9 miles on Signal Mtn Blvd, then turn left onto Suck Creek Road. Continue for 8.2 miles, then turn left towards Prentice Cooper State Forest. There will be a big brown sign on the left side of the road for Prentice Cooper. Take 2 more lefts, directed by small brown signs that say Prentice Cooper WMA (wilderness management area). You will come to Tower Road (gravel) and also the entrance to Prentice Cooper. This is exactly .7 miles from the Left Turn off of Suck Creek Rd. Go approximately 2 miles down Tower Road to the Cumberland Trail Parking Lot. The Trail is best started on the Indian Rock House side. There is a trail map at the parking area.

Note: Prentice Cooper is a Wilderness Management Area. This particular trail is foot traffic only. No mountain bikes, and no motorcycles are allowed. The area is patrolled by a ranger on duty. The trail is marked with white hash marks on trees, and it also has trail signs at various trail junctions along the way. This area is closed to managed hunts. (turkey and deer) Check seasonally to make sure it is open. Call Rock/Creek for the closure dates.

Trail Description: Overall this trail in my opinion is one of the most scenic, beautiful and diverse trails in the area. The first 3 miles are on the rim of the gorge, providing spectacular views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge. The trail cuts down into a neat rock chasm (Indian Rock House) providing a quick historical glimpse of how the natives used to live. The trail crosses many creeks, all of which are easy to negotiate without having to take off shoes. The trail has 2 overlooks; snoopers rock and mullens cove. The terrain is technical so inexperienced trail runners should consider walking sections of this trail. Around mile 8 there is a stretch that is referred to as the rock garden. It is very dangerous and can be very slick. The trail is easy to loose because your scrambling over rocks. Slow down, be careful and pay attention. Overall, this trail is worth doing. Drive time from Downtown Chattanooga is about 20 minutes.

Matt Sims