Hidden Passage Trail Loop In Tennessee Is So Hidden Most Locals Don't Even Know About It
By Meghan Kraft|Published March 23, 2022
×
Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee has plenty of opportunities for hiking and adventure no matter the time of year, but it’s in the spring and summertime that you will find most folks flooding hiking trails from one side of the state to the next. Wildflowers bloom in the warmer months and icicles dance with light when the weather is chilly, so you can enjoy stunning scenery throughout the year. Hidden Passage Trail Loop is a difficult trail in Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, and it’s so hidden that you’re only going to run into locals along the route. Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy this loop trail on your next free Saturday, Tennessee! It’s truly beautiful.
Pickett Memorial State Park is located along the Upper Cumberland Plateau, and though it may not be the most popular state park, it does offer a striking experience in Tennessee’s rugged, rural landscape. You will see the park referred to most often as "Pickett CCC Memorial State Park" because it was initially developed by the CCC. There is also a CCC museum on-site if you’d like to visit.
The entirety of the Hidden Passage Trail Loop is roughly 8 miles and takes most visitors about 4 hours to finish. The loop trail is great for hiking, trail running, bird watching, and nature trips. It is most trafficked during the late morning and early afternoon hours, so make sure to head out early for a quiet trek through the wilderness.
The loop is studded with spectacular geological features like a natural stone arch, a waterfall, and plenty of ridgetop views. You will hike alongside creek beds and along stone ledges high above the forest floor below.
You will find Crystal Falls about a mile into your hike, so make sure you bring your camera. The double-tiered waterfall is beautifully situated in a quiet enclave, but make sure you watch your step as you advance on the water feature. It can get slippery along the rocks, and you don’t want to get your shoes wet so early in the hike.
There are some parts on the trail that look like they’re torn straight from a storybook. The diverse landscape and stunning flora and fauna make for a truly incredible few hours spent in the wilderness.
Hidden Passage Trail Loop is open throughout the year, but most tend to visit when the weather is warmer. There are many water features and rocks along the route, so make sure that you wear the proper footwear and prepare for a little moisture.
Have you ever hiked this hidden gem? Will you be adding it to your bucket list? It’s a pretty trek that you just might want to repeat, friends. Keep your eyes peeled for rock houses, and make sure to take plenty of photos to remember your journey through the Tennessee wilderness.
You can learn more about Hidden Passage Trail Loop and plan your own trip with a little help from AllTrails, or you can check out our nature archives. Happy adventuring, friends!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
