The One Loop Trail In Tennessee That's Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year
By Meghan Kraft|Published February 15, 2022
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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.
The town of Manchester, Tennessee is in Coffee County, just between the cities of Nashville and Chattanooga. The rural area is lush with vegetation come the warmer months, and during the winter the rugged bluffs are laced with ice. Manchester also plays host to the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, a state park that boasts hiking trails, waterfront routes, and an abundance of waterfalls. The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is here as well, and it’s considered one of the best day hikes in the state for families at just under 3 miles.
Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is named for what appeared to be a stone fort built on the property before the arrival of European settlers. The area was inhabited by Native Americans initially but was eventually abandoned. It wasn’t until 1966 that the state of Tennessee purchased the acreage that ultimately became the heart of the state park.
The park is popular for its dramatic scenery that includes waterfront views and rocky waterfalls, and the area’s past welcomes history buffs from all over. Old Stone Fort has a great visitors center, one that’s outfitted with a small theater and several exhibits that exhume the story of the surrounding area.
The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is a 2.8-mile footpath that’s located within the park and can be utilized throughout the year. Dogs are welcome to wander the trail with you, but you’ll have to make sure they stay on a leash the entire time. Keep an eye out for trail markers, but the well-maintained trail is easy to traverse.
The route is mainly used for walking, trail running, and bird watching. Since you’ll be walking for almost 3 miles, you’ll want to pack the proper amount of water and snacks for your party. If you come during the summertime, you can expect a few bugs and wildlife sightings along the way, so bug spray and a healthy dose of common sense are a must. Remember to never approach a wild animal in Tennessee’s state parks.
The scenery along the trail is beautiful, and the easy 278-foot elevation gain makes the route traversable for folks of all ages. Perhaps one of the better aspects of the Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is that it is family-friendly, so adventurous little ones are welcome!
The park has a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and entrance, but it may be difficult to maneuver the trail. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to ask the folks on-staff at the visitor’s center for assistance. The center is open and staffed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day of the week.
You can choose to use the state park during the day, or you can stay overnight at one of the park's 50 campsites. Reservations are available for $5 on the state park website we've linked below.
The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail follows the main course of travel used by Native Americans years ago, so when you walk the trail, you walk along the route of history. You too can traverse the land inhabited by Tennessee’s first residents, an adventure unlike anything else.
You can learn more about this stunning state park on its official website or Facebook page, and if you’re interested in a hike along the Old Stone Fort Loop Trail, then take a peek at AllTrails. Camping reservations can be made here. This is one adventure that’s perfect for the entire family, so make sure you bring the tiniest ones and grandma. The right shoes and a can-do attitude are all you need to trek this 2.8-mile trail in Tennessee.
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