Retro Hughes Road Trail Is An Unrivaled Mountain Hike In Tennessee Everyone Should Take At Least Once
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 24, 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.
There is no shortage of challenging hikes in Tennessee. In fact, you will have a harder time deciding between mountainous ventures and riverside wanderings, depending on what side of the state you’re exploring. Retro Hughes Road Trail offers a solid challenge to seasoned hikers and plenty of expansive views for beauty-seekers. Find refuge in the great outdoors along the famed Cumberland Trail as you take on this out-and-back adventure through eastern Tennessee.
The Retro Hughes Road Trail is located along the Rock Creek Gorge Section of the Cumberland Trail. It’s a section of the famed route that takes hikers into the stunningly beautiful Rock Creek Gorge, and during the springtime, you will see hilltops swathed in blooming wildflowers. Mountain Laurel is the most common flower species, but you will also see Lady Slippers, Morning Glory, and irises.
The hike is considered fairly difficult to moderate, mainly for its large elevation gain – over 2,000 feet – and a length of over 10.7 miles. Most visitors frequent the trail from March to November for the weather conditions, though it is open throughout the year.
The 80-foot Rock Creek Bridge will take you over the aptly named Rock Creek safely, and you will find it just over two miles into your hike. It remains one of the most photographed places along the trail. There are, however, three bridges in total along the Retro Hughes Road Trail.
You can expect elaborate rock formations and sections of slippery, rocky trail as you continue your trek, so make sure you wear the correct footwear for the conditions. At multiple points, the trail will open up into beautiful overlooks, so cameras are highly encouraged. If you can pack and carry them the entire way, of course!
Leggett Branch Cascades makes for a stunning payoff at mile three, and since the Retro Hughes Road Trail follows an out-and-back route, you will have the chance to enjoy the view twice. If you’d like to camp in the area, there is also a primitive campsite just a half-mile away.
What an incredible place to spend the day! Will you be hiking the Retro Hughes Road Trail anytime soon?
What a wonderful place to hike! If you are searching for even more scenic hiking trails in Tennessee, here are 12 hikes to consider, one for each month of the year.
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