Let’s Go Off-Road!

“Clean, Dirty Fun” proclaims the website of the Coalmont OHV Park, an off-highway vehicle (OHV) park consisting of many types of off-road trails of varying difficulty, for multiple types of off-highway vehicles. At present, the park is a “bring your own equipment” facility, so hitch up your trailer, load your off-road toys (or just bring the Jeep!) and get ready for a truly wild adventure!

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a challenging encounter [above], trails at the Coalmont OHV Park offer something for off-roaders of every skill level.

The Coalmont OHV trails wind through 1,760 acres of diverse terrain, including wide-open trails, rocky hills and steep inclines, providing an unforgettable off-road experience.

One of the best views of the entire park can be had at the helicopter pad site – a stop not to be missed!

The OHV park’s beginner trails provide a great introduction to off-road riding, with easy terrain and gentle inclines. Its intermediate trails provide more challenging terrain and steeper inclines. The expert trails are designed for more seasoned riders, featuring rugged terrain and steep climbs that will put your skills to the test.

The Coalmont OHV Park also offers on-site RV and camping sites, including 50/30 amp pull-through RV sites and 30 amp RV sites—both with full hookups—plus 34 primitive tent sites and 2 large group campsites.

Climbing? Climb On!

If seeing a huge cliff line has you immediately thinking about chalking up and grabbing your climbing shoes, then you’ll be super-stoked to plan a visit to two world-class climbing destinations in the Mountains of Adventure.

Denny Cove is a popular climbing and hiking area, part of South Cumberland State Park (SCSP). It’s just nine miles south of Tracy City, and features nearly a mile and a half of cliff line — a large area with dozens of individual sub-crags and routes of all grades.

Denny Cove offers a good concentration of moderate routes (but still plenty up to 5.12+), in multiple sectors, including a trad zone. The Denny East climbing area extends for a mile or more, and breaks down into many sub-areas, including the showpiece Buffet Wall, but countless others, all well-deserving of attention.

The climbing is fantastic and it’s a destination-worthy crag with standout routes and sectors. Climbing terrain and rock vary, from wildly steep bunkers to technical faces, with a few cracks here and there. Rock quality also covers the Cumberland spectrum, from chunky, blocky choss to perfect, bullet hard panels and tiers--often all in one route. There are more than 100 routes as of this writing, with great potential for more in the future, especially in the moderate range.

Foster Falls is a major destination for sport climbing in the south. Seven miles south of Tracy City, and at the base of its namesake waterfall, the Foster climbing area features high-quality sandstone and challenging climbs in a pleasant locale. Though you might want to stay away in the hottest or coldest seasons, the season at Foster Falls is pretty much year-round.

Hone your skills on a few easy routes like Gravity Boots (5.7) or Jacob’s Ladder (5.8). But the real fun at Fosters begins at 5.9 with favorites such as Ankles Away or Twist and Shout, and doesn’t stop till you get to the ferociously overhung 5.13 routes in the Bunkers sections. There’s a little something for everyone!

Like Denny Cove, Foster Falls is part of South Cumberland State Park. Amenities include fee-based camping, picnic facilities and bathrooms at the parking lot. There are also hiking trails if you need a break from climbing, and in the summer you can cool off in the pool at the base of the falls.

For climbers wanting more detail, check out the Dixie Cragger’s Atlas by Chris Watford and Chatt Steel by Micah Gentry.

Mountain Biking in the Mountains of Adventure

Mountain biking in Tennessee’s South Cumberland is as fun and rugged as it gets. Great trails can be found on the campus (or “domain”, as it is locally known) of the University of the South in Sewanee, or right next door on the campus of the St. Andrews-Sewanee School (“SAS”).

The Domain of the University of the South is home to more than 65 miles of hiking trails and fire lanes. Most trail and fire lanes are open to mountain bikes; the few exceptions are noted on the University website, Sewanee.edu.

The trails vary greatly in difficulty. While two miles are paved as part of the historic Mountain Goat Trail, other sections are more challenging. In general, the fire lanes provide a great mountain biking opportunity for most riders. Hiking trails open to mountain bikes and labeled as moderate for hikers should only be biked by experienced mountain bikers. Trails marked as difficult for hiking are generally not open to mountain bikers and should not be ridden. All bikers on all trails should wear a helmet. To reduce impact to the trails, stay off the trails when wet.

Visitors can park at any of the recreational portals located at Green’s View, The Memorial Cross, the University Gates, Lake Cheston, Sewanee Village, and Caldwell Rim trailhead. An online map of all University of the South mountain bike trails can be found on our MountainsOfAdventure.com website, in the Biking section.

At St. Andrews-Sewanee School, the Tim Graham Trail System provides an additional 10 miles of public trails for hiking and biking. The trails were created largely through the efforts of SAS parents.

SAS Mountain Biking Coach and go-to guy at Woody’s Bicycles in Sewanee, Speed Baranco, spearheaded the planning, clearing, and bridging of many miles of new trails. Over the past 30 years, parents, faculty, staff, and students joined in the effort to develop and maintain the trails.

A marathon on “the Most Brutal, Rocky, Unforgiving, Steep Terrain…”

If you’re a first-time runner or looking for a simple, smooth marathon to run, you should stopreading this, as the Savage Gulf Marathon is definitely not for you.  Many runners call this “the toughest trail marathon in the country.” Spectators shout “You Survived the Savage Gulf Marathon!” as you cross the finish.

“Survived” is not an exaggeration. You need experience before running this course, as individuals must have already done a marathon or longer race before qualifying. Completing the 26.2-mile trek takes much longer to finish compared to normal races, as runners get to the finish line in anywhere between 4.5 to 8 hours.

During the course of the run, you’ll experience roughly 4,000 feet in elevation gain.

The marathon features two steep descents and climbs. Along the route you will encounter challenging terrain with a variety of beautiful scenery including large stone formations, waterfalls, historic sites, wildflowers and old growth forest. To qualify for this race you must have completed a marathon or longer event. You’re guaranteed to challenge yourself with this very grueling, yet scenic marathon.

Ever since the race began, many experienced and confident runners have failed to finish. If you’re looking to put your mind and body to the test while achieving a noteworthy goal, the Savage Gulf Marathon is a perfect fit for you.

Beyond being a great race, this event benefits the Tennessee Park Rangers Association (TPRA) The TPRA helps to promote professionalism, support and participate in active training programs, and champion common concerns among TPRA members and all individuals representing Tennessee State Parks.

Going Underground in Tennessee’s South Cumberland

In addition to being one of the world’s most unique live music venues, The Caverns, located between Pelham and Monteagle, offers daily cave tours that include one of the largest underground rooms in the world.  Tours feature the cave geology, cave lore, and the unique history of Tennessee’s South Cumberland.

Daily, walking cave tours at The Caverns lead you through two captivating caves. Explore the vast Big Room Cave, stretching three football fields in length, and marvel at its otherworldly subterranean beauty. Venture into The Caverns’ legendary underground music hall for a behind-the-scenes tour (access may be limited on show days). Optional playful passages provide crawl-through experiences enjoyable for both children and adults.

For thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, take an Adventure Cave Tour to explore deep portions of The Caverns with a seasoned cave guide. You’ll navigate the challenging “Tombstone Pass” to discover an underground river, unique and beautiful geological formations like “soda straws,” and thriving cave creatures. When you return to the surface, you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive T-shirt to commemorate your journey.

For Adventure Cave Tours, The Caverns provides caving helmets, head lamps, and knee pads. You will get muddy, so dress appropriately! Adventure Tours must be reserved a week in advance by booking online at TheCaverns.com.