Hike To A Remote Forest Gorge On The Ritchie Hollow Trail, A Secluded Tennessee Adventure
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 16, 2020
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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’s nothing that will calm you down or give your mind a break like a few hours wandering through the heart of the Tennessee wilderness. There are hiking trails all over the state, but some of the best can be found on the southern edge of Tennessee. Ritchie Hollow Trail is located right outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it remains one of the best spots to visit if you’re looking for a way to experience the beauty of the state without the crowds of the Smokies. Take a look below, and maybe go on an adventure this weekend. Ritchie Hollow Trail awaits!
Ritchie Hollow Trail in its entirety is an 8-mile trail that operates as an out-and-back route, and it's both kid-friendly and perfect for true adventurers.
The trail itself has been noted as fairly overgrown and rocky, but it's known as one of the best hidden gems in southern Tennessee. The trail is studded with wildflowers and striped with streams, which makes for a perfect day out and about in nature.
...with one of the prettiest views in the state, right at your disposal. It's a 4-mile hike to Snooper's Rock, so you'll want to bring extra water and snacks for the trip. During the spring season, you'll even trek past a whole handful of gushing, gorgeous waterfalls.
The trail does experience a 1,476-foot elevation gain, so be prepared for a solid incline. It's been rated as "moderate" and we recommend wearing proper footwear for safety reasons. Ritchie Hollow Trail is beautiful, but it's fairly remote, and you don't want to find yourself in a rough spot.
Hike Ritchie Hollow Trail to the Snoopers Rock Overlook, which provides one of the best views of the river's horseshoe curvature. It's jaw-droppingly beautiful, and perfect for an afternoon away.