Imagine a trail that winds through a forest and leads to rocky outcroppings with unobstructed, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, all requiring very little effort.
Welcome to the Black Mountain Crest Loop, a true bang-for-your-buck hike in Tennessee!
Before you venture to Black Mountain, there are a few things you should know. As a local Tennessean who’s hiked this trail, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Black Mountain Crest Loop.
In this detailed trail guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best time to go, what to bring, important know-before-you-go info, a step-by-step trail description, plus optional detours and how to maximize your day with other nearby trails!
Black Mountain Crest Loop: Bang-for-Your-Buck Hike in Tennessee!
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Directions, Parking & Hours
First, note that this is not the strenuous Black Mountain Crest Trail in North Carolina!
The Black Mountain Crest Loop, nestled inside Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park, is a short but sweet piece of the 300-mile-long Cumberland Trail. While the long-distance CT is partially under construction, the Black Mountain section is complete and ready to be hiked!
Less than 30 minutes from Crossville and 90 minutes from Knoxville and Chattanooga, Black Mountain Crest is a popular day trip destination for many Tennesseans, including myself! And since this trail is less than 20 minutes from Ozone Falls, you can easily add this waterfall to your day trip!
From Crossville, hop on I-40 and cruise east for about 7.5 miles. Exit at 329 in Crab Orchard. Turn right onto Market Street, followed by another right turn onto Bat Town Road. In 1.5 miles, make a left onto Black Mountain Road. The trailhead parking area is about 2.5 miles down the winding road, on the right.
The Black Mountain Crest trailhead parking lot is paved and holds a couple dozen cars. There are no amenities, so plan to use the restroom ahead of time and pack out your trash. Get Google Maps directions here.
This trail is open during daylight hours only.
Know Before You Go
Leashed dogs are allowed at Black Mountain Crest. This trail is easy, but there are some exposed cliffs at the overlooks, so make sure to keep a close eye on your furbaby.
Entrance is free. Tennessee state parks and recreation areas are always free! Feel free to donate to the parks if you can.
Don’t forget the 10 essentials. My day hiking essentials guide will tell you exactly what to pack!
Other trails intersect with this one. Even though the trail is less than two miles, it has several junctions with the Cumberland Trail, plus an optional extension hike, Below the Bluff Trail. Consider downloading the trail map ahead of time.
Many other trails are close by. Combine Black Mountain Crest with other nearby trails, like Ozone Falls, Piney Falls, and/or Stinging Fork Falls!
Please Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors. Leave the trail exactly as you find it. Please do not carve into the trees, do not move or stack rocks, and do not pluck wildflowers. And make sure to pack out all of your trash.
Bonus points if you bring a trash bag and pick up other hikers’ garbage along the way!
When to Hike to Black Mountain
The Black Mountain Crest Loop is open and stunning year-round! And since it’s not a very popular trail, crowds aren’t usually an issue in any season.
We hiked to Black Mountain in March. We had the overlooks and the trail all to ourselves, which was such a treat!
NOTE: Ice and snow are possible here in the winter. Use extreme caution, especially on bridges and rocks at the overlooks. Bring microspikes for icy conditions.
Black Mountain Crest Loop Trail Description
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 216 feet
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- AllTrails Map: Link
Since this is a loop, you can hike the trail in either direction. From the parking lot, you have two options: cross the road immediately in front of the parking lot, or walk to the left side of the parking lot and cross the road there.
We hiked the loop clockwise, so that’s the direction I am going to use for this trail guide.
From the parking area, head west (to the left side of the lot) and cross the road almost immediately. In about a tenth of a mile, you’ll come to the official trailhead and a trail junction. Veer right to stay on the Black Mountain Loop. The trail to the left is the steeper Below the Bluff Trail.
You’re welcome to take the Below the Bluff optional detour/extension; it’s got some neat rocks and fun steps through giant boulders. But if you do take this route, you’ll miss the best overlook on the entire trail. So only take it if you’re going to hike the loop twice (or at least go back and see the overlook!)
The trail climbs gently for about a quarter-mile before slowly descending to the first overlook around the 0.3-mile marker. A small sign indicates an overlook to the left.
The spur trail to the overlook is super short – less than a tenth of a mile. You’ll squeeze through a narrow path between the trees and walk over the bridge before reaching the rocky outcropping.
Welcome to the best overlook on the trail, the Black Mountain South Overlook!
Since the trees open up, the view at this overlook is completely unobstructed, giving you endless views of the surrounding mountains.
I’d highly recommend having a snack or lunch on the rocks and enjoying the incredible view.
When you’re ready to continue, head back the way you came, across the bridge, then turn left to get back on the loop.
In about a quarter-mile, you’ll reach another junction. The trail to the left is the Cumberland Trail (and where the Below the Bluff Trail meets back up with the loop). To stay on the Black Mountain Crest Loop, keep right.
Continue hiking on the fairly level, slightly downhill path for about 0.4 miles. Here, you’ll reach a junction for another overlook. Off to the left via a short spur is the Black Mountain North Overlook.
To get to this overlook, you’ll need to do some minor boulder scrambling.
Since this overlook is dense with trees, the view is obstructed and not as great as the South Overlook.
Head back onto the loop by turning left from the overlook spur. Continue for another 0.4 miles. Here, you’ll cross Black Mountain Road, the road you drove in on.
After crossing the road, you’ll approach another junction. Turning left will take you on the Cumberland Trail (and will eventually lead to Ozone Falls in another 7 miles). Keep right to stay on the Black Mountain Crest Loop.
In another tenth of a mile, veer right one more time, and then you’ll end up directly across from the trailhead parking lot, on the opposite side of the road. Cross the road to get back to your car, and you’re done!
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
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