Hogskin Loop Trail

Just a Loop

 Hogskin Loop is located on the North Chickamauga segment of the Cumberland Trail.  This trail section is located in what many know as Pocket Wilderness off of Montlake Road on the side of Mowbray Mountain.  This area is very popular in the summer for its swimming holes; unfortunately in the summer time cars are often broken into despite the heavy presence of people.  Another problem is a large amount of drinking and drug using can be found farther back at some of the holes.  With that said, I will say that the state or county has increased the number of rangers stationed there in the summer and some illegal activity has decreased.  In the cooler months the park is inhabited by many hikers, and illegal activities are at an all time low.  Word to the wise leave your car empty of valuables and leave the windows down or the doors unlocked.

Creek Crossing on Upper Loop Trail

Annabelle was back in commission and ready to take on the short loop trail.  From the trail head it is 0.1 miles to the beginning of the loop.  Annabelle and I continued to go straight (versus turning left and heading to the Upper Loop) on the Lower Loop.  Along the Lower Loop trail there are many side paths down to favored swimming holes.  As the trail gets closer to creek level it will split either veering into the creek and picking up on the other side, or turning into the mountainside.  The loop trail takes you to the mountainside.  The trail gradually gains elevation before it takes a steep ascent to an old coal mining road.  At the intersection with the coal mining road you can turn left, which will take you up the side of the mountain or you can turn right and follow the Upper Loop Trail back to the parking lot. 

Coal Mining Road

 

We followed the Upper Loop trail back to the parking lot.  This segment of the trail follows the fairly flat old coal mining road before descending quickly down to the main trail.  As the upper trail comes in closer proximity to Montlake Road a heavy layer of glass covers the area making a dangerous walking area for Annabelle’s feet (she has so far continued to avoid slicing her pads up).  The Upper Loop Trail drops off the coal mine road and begins a fast descent to the main lower trail and the end of the loop. 

Trip Distance 1.44 miles roundtrip

2012 Total Mileage 20.44 miles

Cumberland Trail Mileage 9.54 mile