The Cumberland Trail at Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park
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Intro:
The Cumberland Trail along this section begins at the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park atop Signal Mountain. The trail head is actually part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Parks. This hike will take you along the ridge of the Cumberland Plateau giving you great views of the Tennessee River gorge below. The hike from Signal Point to Edwards Point is a six mile out and back round trip.
Trail Head:
The trail head is located at the Signal Point Park.
To access the trail head:
From the overlook, walk towards the north and you will see it.
Difficulty:
This trail has some rocky, steep areas. Nothing really bad, just be careful in these areas. Also, after rains there may be some wet areas to walk across.
Hiking the Trail:
From the Signal Point trail head you will begin your hike walking down some wooden steps toward the main trail. Once you reach the main trail you will begin heading north. Along the way you will get some great scenic views of the Tennessee River gorge below. There will be a few overlooks on your way to Edwards Point. The trail has signs in certain areas to help guide you. You will cross two suspension bridges along the trail. When you come to the second one, cross over it. You will then begin a hike up a steep hill. Once you reach the top of the hill stay to the left. The trail will then continue around the ridge. The trail will be marked with white blazes on the trees. Prior to reaching Lockhart Arch you will go up another steep hill. As you top the hill continue left. After passing Lockhart Arch you will continue further. You will then reach Edwards Point. If you choose you can continue further to other points. I only did the hike to Edwards Point and back. This should be about a six mile round trip.
Scenery:
You will get great views of the Tennessee River gorge below as you hike the ridge along the Cumberland Plateau.
Trail Maintenance:
The trail has some steep and rocky areas. There are a few places where some trees are down across the trail. Other than that it's in decent shape.
Facilities:
There is a restroom and picnic area at the Signal Point trail head. You can also camp in certain areas along the trail.