Distance: 11 mi
Elevation Gain: 1758 ft.
Estimated Time: 5-6 hrs.
Style: Loop

Parking Fee: Free

The “Big Daddy Loop” is a hiking/trail running route combining seven different trails along Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. It takes you along the famous “Bluff Trail,” past “Sunset Rock,” traversing from Tennessee all the way down the Georgia and back. This trail is very popular among local trail runners and is a great way to see much of the historic and natural beauty Lookout Mountain has to offer in just one outing. It is part of Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park.

Trails involved in the “Big Daddy Loop”: Rifle Pits Trail, Upper Truck Trail, Lower Gum Springs Trail, Skyuka Trail, John Smartt Trail, Bluff Trail, Craven’s Trail

**Trail mileages listed below were measured using my Garmin GPS watch. They are approximate, not exact! Please only use them as a general guide.

The starting point for this guide will be the trailhead at Craven’s House.

Directions from downtown Chattanooga: Head south on US-27 toward Lookout Mountain. Turn right onto Broad St. heading west. Turn right onto Cummings Hwy, veer left onto S Scenic Hwy, right on Linear Ln., and continue straight until you see the Craven’s House parking lot sign on your left. You can enter “Craven’s House” into most GPS apps. I do not recommend taking “Military Rd.” Linearn Ln/Shingles Rd. is in better driving condition.

Trailhead Address: Cravens House, 1026-1082 Cravens Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Let’s go hike the Big Daddy Loop. Take Screenshots and follow along as you hike!

You will see an obvious sign and parking area at Craven’s House. Parking here is free and there is room for about twenty vehicles. This is a popular area on weekends and parking can fill up quickly. There are no public restrooms, water filling stations, trash cans, or picnic tables, so make sure to pack in/pack out accordingly (leave no trace!).

Craven’s House is located right next to the parking area. Fun Fact: It’s the oldest surviving structure on Lookout Mountain. The building is not open to the public most days. You can find more information about tours here: Craven’s House.

There are a number of other monuments and historical artifacts around the property.

The trailhead is on the north side of the property near the entrance to the parking lot. You will see this large sign. Follow the white arrow, stepping over the wooden bicycle barrier and heading right on the trail toward “Rifle Pits.”

You’ll see a few more historical monuments and informational plaques as you head up the path.

Very shortly you’ll come to your first intersection. Ignore the option to turn left (this will lead you to more historical monuments) and continue straight.

Less than a quarter mile into the trail you’ll reach the intersection of Craven’s and Rifle Pits Trail. To follow this guide (and hike the trail counterclockwise), veer right/downhill onto Rifle Pits Trail. The trail map posted here is a little confusing.. just make sure to veer right/downhill here and not left/uphill.

Continue straight on the obvious path. You’ll see some buildings and views out to your right.

A few more plaques as you hike away from the historical site.

This section takes you through some bushy areas. Stay on the obvious path.

Roughly 0.5 miles into the trail, you’ll begin a downhill.

(Approx. 0.8 mi into hike) At the bottom of the hill, you’ll come to a “T” with Upper Truck Trail. You’ll see a trail sign posted for the “Great Eastern Trail.” Turn Left.

To learn more about the Great Eastern Trail: https://www.greateasterntrail.net/

The Upper Truck Trail is a wider, gravel path. Keep an eye out for bikers in this section.

(Approx. 1 mi into hike) You’ll pass some old stone ruins from Camp Demaray on your right.

(Approx. 1.2 mi into hike) You’ll reach a “Y” intersection between the Guild Trail and Upper Truck Trail. You will turn left here to stay on Upper Truck Trail.

**Side note: Turning right at this intersection, onto the Guild Trail, will take you to Ruby Falls. There is free parking there for Guild Trail Hikers. If you’re looking for an even longer loop (adds about 3 miles), this could be an alternative starting point.

You will see signs posted along this section of the trail for “River to Clouds Route.” This is another multi-state, multi-use route, covering 34 miles point-to-point from Tennessee to Georgia. You can backpack along this trail as well! To learn more about the trail and required permits check out this website: https://www.lulalake.org/river-to-clouds-route.html

(Approx. 1.3 mi into hike) After following the Upper Truck Trail for awhile you’ll reach an intersection with Lower Gum Springs. Turn right/downhill at this trail sign, heading toward Skyuka Spring.

Continue downhill for about 0.5 miles.

Reach a “T” with Skyuka Trail. Turn Left.

Traverse along the side of the mountain, with gentle ups and downs. During the winter/spring seasons you’ll have some nice views out to your right.

(Approx. 2.6 mi into hike) There will be a few options to turn right (Reflection Riding Trail, Creek Connector Trail to Lower Truck Trail). Bypass these turns and continue straight/uphill on the Skyuka Trail toward Skyuka Springs.

About 3.5 miles into the trail you’ll reach your first natural water source. You’ll see the small spring under a rock to your left. There are many natural water sources along this trail. As a day hiker, I would recommend bringing your own water from home. If you’re on a multi-day trip, or expect to run out of water during the hike, make sure to filter all natural water before drinking. Always, always, always filter. Unfiltered water can lead to severe illness. If you’re unsure where to start with filtration, my go-to hiking filter is the Sawyer Squeeze. It fits directly onto to the top of Smart Water and LIFE WTR bottles.

After passing the water source, keep your eyes peeled for the TN/GA state line! If you aren’t paying attention, it’s easy to miss. About a quarter mile past the water source (Approx. 3.7 miles into the hike) you’ll see a small wooden sign posted on a tree to your right.

The sign is hand-made and has outlines of each sate.

One foot in Tennessee, one in Georgia!

Within the next quarter mile, you’ll pass a few more streams on trail.

Keep and eye out for wildlife! I saw deer, armadillo, and wild turkey on this hike. Enjoy the sightings and remember to keep a respectful distance.

(Approx. 5.2 mi into hike) You’ll reach an intersection with John Smartt Trail and Lower Truck Trail. Continue straight/uphill onto John Smartt Trail (To Upper Truck).

(Approx. 5.4 miles into hike) Hike through a bushy section of trail beneath a power line. After this clearing, you will begin a significant uphill climb. If you haven’t stopped for a snack break yet, this may be a good time.

Let the climbing begin!

Try to enjoy the scenery along the way.

(Approx. 6 miles into hike) Come to a wooden gate and a “T” with Upper Truck Trail. Pass through the gate.

At the intersection, you will see signs for “John Smartt Trail” and “Jackson Gap Trail.” To continue on the Big Daddy Loop, turn right toward the Jackson Gap Trail (Bluff Trail).

**Turning left here (John Smartt Trail/Upper Truck Trail -> Rifle Pits Trail -> Craven’s House Trail) will take you back to Craven’s house via a different route. However, you will miss out on the famous Bluff Trail and Sunset Rock.

And the climbing continues!

(Approx. 6.2 mi into hike) You will pass a few more small streams in this section.

(Approx. 6.7 mi into hike) A beautiful cliffside waterfall on your right.

Continue up the side of the mountain via switchbacks.

(Approx. 7.3 miles into hike) Come to an intersection with Jackson Gap Trail and Bluff Trail. Bypass the right/uphill turn and continue straight toward the wooden gate.

Pass through the gate onto the Bluff Trail. Congrats! You’ve finished the big climb. The remainder of the trail will be mostly gentle with some mild up and down.

Frequent water sources for the next mile.

(Approx. 7.4 mi into hike) Reach an intersection with the Bluff Trail and Ochs Gateway Trail. Bypass the right turn and continue straight on the Bluff Trail toward Point park.

This section of trail is very scenic. Enjoy the beautiful views!

(Approx. 8.5 miles into hike) Welcome back to Tennessee! Unfortunately there is no sign to mark your entrance back into TN from GA. However, if you can spot this large boulder to your right, you’ll know you’re there. Continue straight on the Bluff Trail.

(Approx. 9 miles into hike) Cross over a metal bridge.

Hike past some pretty cool cliff sides.

The trail is wide and well maintained, but still make sure to watch your footing along these steeper drop offs.

Neat cave/sitting area to your right.

(Approx. 9.5 miles into hike) You’ll come to a “Y” with Gum Springs Trail and the Bluff Trail. Continue Right/uphill on the Bluff Trail. If you look up to your left, you may see some hikers on Sunset Rock.

Soon you will come to another intersection. If you wish to see Sunset Rock, turn right here and follow the short, uphill trail to the view point. To continue on the Big Daddy Trail Loop, you will then need to retrace your steps back down to this intersection and continue straight on the Bluff Trail toward Point Park. If you don’t wish to see Sunset Rock, simply continue straight toward Point Park.

Lower Sunset Rock view point (on Bluff Trail).

(Approx. 10.5 miles into hike) You’ll reach a “Y” in the trail. The Bluff Trail goes right/uphill, while Craven’s House Trail goes left/downhill. Veer left toward Craven’s House.

(Approx. 11 miles into hike) This is your last turn. The same intersection we saw at the beginning of the hike. Turn right to head back toward the Craven’s House parking lot.

Great job! 🙂

Need new hiking gear?

I’ve listed some my favorite gear below. With each purchase I receive a small percentage of the profits, helping to support this site.

• Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Women’s, Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Men’s
• Day Pack: Osprey Sportlite with Hydraulics Reservoir
• Trekking Poles: LEKI Khumbu Lite Trekking Poles – Aluminum Collapsible
• Satellite Communicator (SOS): Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator
• Headlamp: BLACK DIAMOND Cosmo 350 Headlamp
• Not a fan of Amazon? This gear can also be found on Backcountry.com

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