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A steep loop with views of the French Broad River at the top of the ridge.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.5

KM

89%

Runnable

1,022' 311 m

High

911' 278 m

Low

168' 51 m

Up

168' 51 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. They close the gate in the evening and will ticket cars left in the lot, so make sure you are out at sunset.

Need to Know

There is a set of restrooms across the street from the trail along the Bobwhite Accessible Trail close to the Bluebird Barn. There are no concessions in this park, so you need to bring any snacks and drinks with you. There is a set of stairs that have a steep first step if running counterclockwise, so be aware of this if you have trouble with steps.

Description

The Hickory Ridge Loop Trail is a trail through the forest, up a ridge, to an overlook with great views of the French Broad River, Chilhowee Mountain, and the Great Smoky Mountains. To get to the trail, take the Bobwhite Trail past the Blue Bird Barn and take a left and cross the road. The trail enters the woods and comes to a split. Going to the right the trail follows the road for a little bit before turning around the hillside to the left.

Be on the lookout for deer in the woods, especially in the evening as they feed. The trail climbs steeply up a set of stairs before continuing around the mountain. Between 0.4 and 0.5 miles, there is a short trail that breaks off to the left that leads to a bench that has great views of the river and surrounding mountains. It is a great view point. Continue climbing uphill and past another view point off on the right where you can enjoy views of the French Broad River.

While you can see the river through the woods, this is one of the better views along the trail. The trail climbs a little more before it starts dropping down the hillside. The trail hooks back to the left and arrives at a small amphitheater setting with wooden benches. The trail meets back up with the junction before coming back to the road and the trailhead. From here you can explore more of the park.

Flora & Fauna

There are a variety of trees that you run through along this trail, so especially in the fall, there are a lot of different colors to enjoy.

Deer, turkey, squirrels, and other animals common to East TN can be found here. Deer can be seen feeding in the woods as evening approaches. A variety of birds can be seen along the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joseph Anderson with improvements by David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9627

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#160

in Tennessee

#9,627

Overall
4 Views Last Month
86 Since Apr 9, 2021
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Views of the French Broad River and the Linda and Pete Claussen Bridge from the ridge.
Oct 30, 2023 near Seymour, TN
Deer feed along the side of the trail toward sunset.
Oct 30, 2023 near Seymour, TN
The Kelly Lane Greenway is a road that passes the Bluebird barn and borders woods on the left.
Nov 11, 2023 near Seymour, TN
Yellow, gold, and orange leaves light up the woods.
Oct 30, 2023 near Seymour, TN
As the trail descends the hillside, you get a good view of the Bluebird Barn.
Oct 30, 2023 near Seymour, TN
Around the corner, additional views of the French Broad River and surrounding community spread out before you.
Oct 30, 2023 near Seymour, TN

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 30 days ago
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