Distance: 9.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,538 ft.
Estimated Time: 4.5-5 hrs.
Style: Loop (counterclockwise)

Parking Fee: Free

The Mullens Cove Loop trail is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. The trail is part of Prentice Cooper State Forest in Marion County, Tennessee. This loop is also part of the Cumberland Trail, A long-distance backpacking trail being built to span 300 miles from Tennessee River Gorge to the Cumberland Gap. Overall, the trail is gradual with a few short climbs and descents. Highlights include: Mullens Cove Overlook, Snooper’s Rock Overlook, and multiple stream crossings with cascading waterfalls.

**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 trail will be in the “Mullens Cove Parking Lot,” off Game Reserve Rd, heading in a counterclockwise direction.

Directions from downtown Chattanooga: Take US-27 N toward Signal Mountain. Exit right onto US-127 N toward Signal Mountain. Turn left on Suck Creek Rd. Left on Choctaw Trail. Left on Game Reserve Road and follow until you reach the trailhead parking lot on your right. The last 2.5 miles are on a gravel road. The road is well maintained and passable by most cars, but I would not recommend driving it during wet weather conditions.

Trailhead Address: 3998 Game Reserve Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Let’s go hike the Mullens Cove Loop. Take screenshots and follow along as you hike!

As you enter the Prentice Cooper State Forest, you will pass through a gate with a check station building. The gate and building both have some important information posted regarding the area. Keep in mind, this entrance is only open from sunrise to sunset (Eastern Time). The metal gate WILL CLOSE AT SUNSET. Make sure to time your hike wisely so you don’t end up having to camp overnight in the parking lot.

The trailhead parking will be on your right with an obvious sign for “Mullins Cove Parking Lot.” There’s room for about 20 cars. I arrived at 11am on a Saturday in February and the lot was completely full. There is room for some road side parking as well.

You’ll find a few picnic tables and a kiosk with maps, trail info, and hiker sign in. There are no bathrooms here or along the trail. If nature calls, make sure to follow “leave no trace” principles.

Most people at this trailhead are hiking the out-and-back to Snooper’s Rock, meaning they will start going clockwise. Hiking counterclockwise allows you to avoid the mid-day crowd. The trailhead we’re taking starts from the parking lot. Facing the lot from the road, it will be on your left hand side, about half way back. There is no sign, but an obvious trail with a wooden post and blue blaze on the tree. These blue blazes are used to mark the trail from here to Snooper’s Rock, as well as some pink plastic ribbons. When in doubt, follow the blue blazes.

You’ll see these wooden number plaques frequently throughout the trail. They correspond with the map at the trailhead kiosk. They can be helpful in determining how far you’ve gone/how far you have left to go.

(0.6 miles into hike) You’ll come to a junction with Short Creek Road (one lane dirt road). Cross over the road and continue straight on the path.

Even in February, the trail is beautiful!

(0.8 miles into hike) You’ll pass by multiple streams and cascading falls on this trail. Remember to always filter water before drinking.

Woah!

(1.5 miles into hike) Come to a junction. Follow the blue arrow and turn left, going uphill. This turn can be easy to miss.

Foot travel only sign. No bicycles or horses permitted on this trail.

(3 miles into hike) Come to an intersection with Haley Road (one lane dirt road). Turn right and begin hiking down the road. You will see a blue blaze ahead.

Continue down the dirt road for about 0.2 miles. Keep an eye out for a trail sign on your left.

(3.2 miles into hike) There will be a wooden “Trail” sign on your left. Turn left here to continue on the loop.

You are now 2.2 miles from Mullens Cove Overlook.

Shortly after turning off the dirt road, you will cross over a stream. There’s a fallen tree here that makes the trail difficult to see. Cross the stream and veer right.

Hike up behind the fallen tree. If you’re confused, follow the pink flags and blue blazes. This section is unfortunately muddy… kudos if you keep both shoes.

Continue following the obvious path for the next 2.2 miles.

(5.2 miles into hike) You’ve made it to Mullens Cove Overlook. Turn right at the sign to take a short trail down to the overlook. Return to this junction after to continue straight toward Hemlock Branch Camp.

View from Mullens Cover Overlook.

Return to the trail junction and continue straight (right when coming from the overlook) toward Hemlock Branch Camp.

(5.5 miles into hike) Approach Hemlock Branch Camp. This is a backcountry camping area. There are flat spaces for pitching tents and stone fire rings. Rock hop across the river and make an immediate left.

Double blue blazes like this are meant to communicate a turn in the trail.

Shortly after, you will make another turn, this time to the right. Do not cross the river a second time. The trail will start climbing uphill as you leave the camping area.

Pretty soon you’ll come to a wooden sign. Veer left here continuing toward Snooper’s Rock.

(5.9 miles into hike) Come to a junction with Game Reserve Road (this is the same road you drove in on). Cross the road and continue straight to stay on trail. To your left, there’s a parking area with picnic tables and a map kiosk.

The parking area (not the trail).

Cross the road and continue straight.

About 0.1-0.2 miles after crossing the road you’ll come to another junction. Bypass the right turn and continue straight heading up toward another parking area.

Head toward the parking lot.

Cross the parking lot veering right toward the red “Notice” sign. You’re almost to Snooper’s Rock!

(6 miles into hike) Head straight out to Snooper’s Rock Overlook. Return to this junction after to turn left (right coming from the overlook) and continue up the trail.

You’re over half way through the hike! Take a snack break and enjoy the view.

Once you’re done at Snooper’s Rock, retrace a few steps back to this junction and head right, uphill.

From here on, the blazes will be a darker blue like this one. You’ll also see the occasional white or yellow blaze. Traverse along the ridge for about 1.5 miles, following the obvious path. During the winter months, you’ll have continuous views of the gorge in the section.

(7.5 miles into hike) After this viewpoint, you’ll begin some downhill switchbacks.

Keep left here, turning towards the pink flag.

Go straight, following the blue blaze and pink flag. Don’t cross the river.

Soak in those final views from the ridge.

(8.7 miles into hike) Come to a junction with Poplar Springs Trail. Turn left at the wooden sign.

You’re almost there!

Climb a super cool staircase.

(9 miles into hike) Cross over East Brow Road (one lane dirt road) and continue straight on the path.

(9.4 miles into hike) Approach the trailhead sign at the end of the loop.

You did it! Great job! 🙂 This is the trailhead across the road from where we began.

Empty lot at the end of a long day. Don’t forget the gates close at sundown!

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• 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
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• Satellite Communicator (SOS): Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator
• Headlamp: BLACK DIAMOND Cosmo 350 Headlamp
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