Backpacking the Cumberland Trail - Signal Point to North Suck Creek

Recently, I learned about the on-going project to complete the Cumberland Trail. I had also promised my son a Spring-time backpacking trip to test out some of the camping gear he got for Christmas. So, on the first free weekend in March, he and I headed down to the Southern terminus of the trail in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Like a master sculptor, the Tennessee River and its tributaries have carved mountains out of the lower end of the Cumberland Plateau, creating the Tennessee River Gorge - Tennessee's own version of the Grand Canyon. Our plan was to hike the Signal and Edwards Points Section of the trail along the Tennessee River Gorge.

The plan: Hike in from the Signal Point Trailhead, and set up camp at the North Suck Creek campsite, 7 miles up the trail - then strike camp the next morning and hike back out.

This section of the Cumberland Trail begins at Signal Point on Signal Mountain. Signal Point was controlled by Union Troops during the Confederate siege of Chattanooga. It was here that Union Troops were able to maintain communications despite Confederate blockades around the city. In this picture, Aaron is looking South, Southeast toward Chattanooga with Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Mountain in the distance.

Looking North-west from Signal Point.

The Cumberland Trail trailhead. North Suck Creek Bridge is our destination.

The first mile of the trail, which was pretty rocky, took us around the edge of Signal Mountain into the Middle Creek Gorge. About 20 minutes in, we came across a clearing in the trees where we could look across Middle Creek Gorge and see Julia Falls in the distance.

After about a mile and a half, we completed our descent into Middle Creek Gorge and arrived at the Middle Creek Bridge.

Aaron crossing Middle Creek Bridge

After crossing Middle Creek, we started a mile-long ascent up the other side of Middle Creek Gorge. The ascent by itself is pretty challenging. When you have a 40-pound backpack strapped to you, it's really difficult. About half-way up the gorge, we came across a clearing at the base of a couple of natural "arches." 

The ascent up Middle Creek Gorge

Near the top of the gorge is Lockhart's Arch. The arch is named after 3 boy scout brothers who discovered the arch while seeking a route out of the gorge. 

After a couple of hours of challenging hiking, we finally made it to Edwards Point. Edwards Point is right on the Tennessee River, on the other side of the Middle Creek Gorge. This was our planned lunch stop - so we unloaded our packs, got out our bagged lunch, and relaxed while we enjoyed the view.

Aaron enjoying the view.

After Edwards Point, the trail turns North, leaves the Tennessee River, and heads into the Suck Creek Gorge. Across the gorge are the multi-colored bluffs of Raccoon Mountain, giving the area a "Grand Canyon" look and feel.

Looking South down Suck Creek Gorge toward Raccoon and Lookout Mountain.

After a four-mile hike into the Suck Creek Gorge, along the edge of the plateau, across several smaller creeks; we finally came to Mushroom Rock. Mushroom Rock is a 20-foot high sandstone pedestal rock that has been naturally eroded into the shape of a mushroom. From Mushroom Rock, the trail makes a sharp descent into the gorge to the North Suck Creek bridge and campground.

The North Suck Creek campground is situated at the east base of the North Suck Creek Bridge. Aaron and I found a nice clearing and set up camp, right off the trail, beside the bridge. Technically, the Cumberland Trail ends here. Future plans have the trail continuing further North along the creek.

Across the bridge, it is another mile and a half to Suck Creek Rd/Hwy 27 and Prentice Cooper State Forest

North Suck Creek

Camping by the creek was nice and afforded a convenient and plentiful source of water. After the sun went down, we climbed in our tents, slipped into our sleeping bags, with hopes of staying warm during the 30° night.

The next morning, we had a hearty breakfast, struck camp, loaded up our packs, and headed back up the gorge for our 7-mile hike back to the truck.

After crossing back over Middle Creek, instead of heading back to Signal Point, we headed up a spur trail that took us past the Rainbow Lake spillway to the Rainbow Lake parking area where our truck was parked.

All-in-all, though challenging for the 45 year-old body, hiking this short portion of the Cumberland Trail was enjoyable. I look forward to exploring other portions of the trail in the future.