Distance: 6.1 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,138 ft.
Estimated Time: 3-3.5 hrs.
Style: out-and-back

Parking Fee: Free

The Snooper’s Rock Trail is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. The trail is part of Prentice Cooper State Forest in Marion County, Tennessee. This trail 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: 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 off of Game Reserve Road, across from the “Mullens Cove Parking Lot.”

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 Snooper’s Rock Trail. 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 a hiker sign in. There are no bathrooms here or along the trail. If nature calls, make sure to follow “leave no trace” principles.

The trailhead is directly across the road from the parking lot sign.

Begin your hike here. You will continue to see blue blazes, like the one on the tree here, throughout the trail. Some will be darker blue.

(0.4 miles into hike) Come to an intersection with East Brow Road (one lane dirt road). Cross the road and continue straight on the path.

(0.7 miles into hike) Follow the trail down a cool staircase wedged between boulders.

Shortly after the staircase you’ll reach a junction with Poplar Springs trail. Turn right at the wooden sign to stay on the Cumberland Trail.

Head toward the pink flag.

During the winter months, you’ll have views of the Tennessee River Gorge for most of the trail.

(1.5 miles into hike) You’ll cross multiple streams on this trail. After this stream crossing, you get to follow along the water for awhile.

Hike along the stream for about 0.3 miles.

You’ll also pass some cool rock formations on this hike.

(1.7 miles into hike) Cross another stream and begin heading uphill.

(2 miles into hike) A nice overlook appears just after you reach the top of a climb. The view will be more obstructed during the summer months, but in the winter this is a nice spot to sit for a break.

Continue following the obvious path with dark blue blazes.

You’ll see these wooden number plaques frequently along 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.

(3 miles into hike) You will come to a “T” in the trail. Turn left toward Snooper’s Rock. Turning right will take you to a small parking area.

You made it! Snooper’s Rock is a popular local landmark. Sit for awhile and soak in the views.

When you’re ready to head back, simply retrace your steps to this junction and turn right. Follow the same path back to the trailhead parking lot.

An empty lot at the end of a long day. Great work. Don’t forget the gate closes as sundown!

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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Check out my Youtube channel: Foggy Mountain Dreams

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