Bluff Trail

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Trail Distance: 8.9 miles
Time Estimate: 3 hr 30 min
Elevation Gain: 495 feet
Leash Rule: On Leash
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: $5.00
Route Type: Out-and-back
Restroom: No
Description
The Bluff Trail lies within the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park, and travels along the base of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, ending in Georgia to the south. Its historic significance lies as the site of a major Civil War battle, with Generals overlooking the fight from high above on Lookout Mountain, is well-known and documented with signposts along the trails. Although it is an out-and-back trail, it connects with many others in the area, such as the Skyuka Trail, which leads to an impressive natural hot spring, Skyuka Springs. Take a break here so that you and your fur-pup can refresh yourselves before returning to the main trail.


Begin your hike at Craven's House near Point Park, with a .5-mile walk downhill to Judith's Bluff, where you'll find a monstrous boulder suspended on the rim of a cliff. Here you'll have a pawtastic view of Lookout Valley and Raccoon Mountain. A highlight of the trail, and a must-do, is Sunset Rock, which can be accessed via a short, but steep side trail fitted with stone steps to the summit. The view from the Rock is expansive, takingĀ  in the valley to the west, and is its most beautiful as the sun is going down at the end of the day. During the rest of your walk, you'll see a waterfall, massive sandstone cliffs, caves and natural bridges, and be sure to watch for Devil's Pit, a sinkhole over 100 feet deep. The summit of Lookout Mountain is high and windy, so be ready to don an extra layer or two.

The atmosphere on the Bluff Trail is peaceful, with its many shade trees, and although you'll likely meet up with some other hikers along the way, you'll experience the hike as quiet and remote. You'll encounter birds and wildlife typical in mountain regions, so remind Fido to keep his eyes, nose and ears ready, and maintain a secure hold on his leash!

Dogs are welcome on the trail, but must be leashed for their safety, your peace of mind, and the safety of the wildlife you may see. Please remember to bring dog waste bags, and carry them out with you, and you'll want to carry plenty of water, too.

The Bluff Trail is well-loved by many, and it could become a favorite for you and your fur-buddy too!

Wag! does not allow or encourage Pet Care Providers to bring dogs to parks.
Trail Features
Rocky, Steep Inclines, Forest
Cave, Hot Springs, Scenic, Waterfall, Wildflowers
Cautions & Considerations
Parts of this trail are very steep and rocky, so be careful with your footing. Also, much of it follows along narrow ledges in the cliff faces, so watch your step here, too. Look out for snakes! And if you're going to visit Sunset Rock at dusk, be sure to get back to your car in the parking lot before nightfall or it will be ticketed!
Address
110 Point Park Road
Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
Hours
Mon Sunrise - Sunset
Tue Sunrise - Sunset
Wed Sunrise - Sunset
Thu Sunrise - Sunset
Fri Sunrise - Sunset
Sat Sunrise - Sunset
Sun Sunrise - Sunset
Address
110 Point Park Road
Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
Hours
Mon Sunrise - Sunset
Tue Sunrise - Sunset
Wed Sunrise - Sunset
Thu Sunrise - Sunset
Fri Sunrise - Sunset
Sat Sunrise - Sunset
Sun Sunrise - Sunset