Description: Spring Hikes - Stripmine Falls
Location: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park
Join the Park Rangers of North Chick and enjoy a free Ranger guided hike along the Hogskin Loop Trail. While hiking learn about the native wildflowers that bloom within this area of the Cumberland Plateau. We will meet at the parking lot, ascend the Upper Hogskin Trail to Stripmine Falls, then descend the Lower Hogskin Trail overlooking North Chickamauga Creek before returning back to the parking lot. Come prepared for this hike by wearing comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, wearing weather appropriate clothing, and bringing your own reusable water bottle. Trekking poles or a hiking stick are recommended for this hike. We will stop for photos at Stripmine Falls, this will also be your opportunity for a brief snack break. Leashed pets are welcome to attend, pet parents must clean up after their pets.
What to Know Before You Go:
The Hogskin Trail is accessed via the Montlake Road Trailhead at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park. This hike is 2.5 miles and consists of natural terrain including uneven surfaces of gravel, dirt, rock, and boulders. Sections of this hike are steep and participants will ascend and descend stone steps multiple times. We will need to cross Hogskin Branch twice on this hike. The rock and boulder crossing of Hogskin Branch may be wet/slick from water. Trekking poles or a hiking stick are recommended for this hike.
There are no restroom facilities at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park. The closest restrooms are at the gas stations located along Dayton Pike approximately 1.5 miles from Montlake Road Trailhead. There are no water bottle stations at the park. Please bring your own water and snacks. There is not a visitor center at the park. Park Rangers can be contacted by calling 931-247-7537.
All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time (ET).
The Montlake Road Trailhead address is:
354 Montlake Road, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379.
GPS coordinates for this trailhead are:
35.235029, -85.232701
Program Host: Leigh Gardner
Contact Email: leigh.gardner@tn.gov
Contact Phone: 931-247-7537
Meeting Place: Montlake Road Trailhead/ Parking Lot
/ Location Map