Nothing compares to the moment you come upon a grand natural vista at an overlook along the trail!  Tennessee’s South Cumberland has some of the most pristine, unspoiled views in Eastern North America. Overlooks have something to offer in every season.  Here’s our list of the top five overlooks in the Mountains of Adventure, with three very worthwhile “honorable mentions”, among many others...

Crow Creek Valley

One of two outstanding overlooks on the Sherwood Loop Trail, the Crow Creek Valley overlook (near mile marker 2.5; shown above) offers views all the way into Alabama with multiple picturesque ridge lines framing the view. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove East trailhead. Easy

Big Creek Gulf

Big Creek forms one of the three large canyons in the Savage Gulf escarpment (locally known as “gulfs”). The Big Creek Gulf overlook provides a 270º view from adjacent rocky outcrops near mile marker 0.75 on the Greeter Trail.  Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf West trailhead. Easy

Stone Door

This is a relatively easy 2-mile out-and-back hike with a spectacular overlook and steps that descend through a 150-foot crevice at the crest of the plateau. Access this adventure from the Savage Gulf North trailhead, via the Stone Door Trail. Easy

Green’s View

This scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Green’s View is a favorite spot for picnics and sunset views. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Green’s View Road. Easy

Tom Pack Hollow

Another outstanding overlook on the Sherwood Loop Trail, the Tom Pack Hollow overlook (at mile marker 0.5) has one of the longest viewing distances of any overlook in the region. The adjacent Sherwood Natural Bridge is also a great place for a photo. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove East trailhead. Easy

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Foster Falls

The granddaddy of South Cumberland waterfalls, Foster Falls plunges 60 feet into a huge pool that doubles as an excellent summer swimming hole. It can be viewed from above, either on the west or east [along the Fiery Gizzard Trail], or from below, on the Foster Climbers’ Access Trail.  (Note that the “below” option is a challenging descent/ascent on a rocky trail; the west and east views from above are considerably easier.) Access this adventure from the Fiery Gizzard South trailhead. Easy

War Memorial Cross

This scenic and historic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee is also a favorite spot for sunsets. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Tennessee Avenue. Easy

Morgan’s Steep

A third scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Morgan’s Steep is also a favorite spot for picnics. Access this adventure by parking at Lake Cheston and hiking 0.7 miles each way to and from Morgan’s Steep. Easy