zurichadmin June 2, 2023
Fairfield Glade in Crossville, Tennessee, offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. No matter which season, it’s always a good time to explore the area.
Popular Hiking Trails in Fairfield Glade:
- Stonehenge Hiking Trail – 1.5 miles – This is a 1.5-mile linear trail so the round-trip distance is 3.0 miles. The half-way point is the Heatherhurst Golf Club. Consequently it is a steady uphill climb from either end of the trail.
- Overlook Trail – 2.0 miles – Fairfield Glade’s most popular trail – A 0.6-mile extension was opened in 2023, giving hikers the option to extend or shorten their hike as desired. However you choose to hike this trail, allow plenty of time to rest or enjoy the scenery.
- Seven Bridges Trail – 2.0 miles -A loop trail generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. You will probably see some mountain laurel blooming! A walk through the woods by a number of streams with seven bridges.
- Glastowbury Trail – 1.0 mile – Offering scenic views of the lake, this shorter trail is ideal if you’re looking for something short and sweet.
- Amherst Trail – 2.0 miles -Grassy road hiking trail located between St. George and Sherwood Lakes. This is an easy trail with very little change in elevation.
- Central Spine – 1.1 miles – Nice easy walk thru some woods, open areas, a couple of small lakes, and an underground tunnel to a small sculpture garden. You then turn around and head back which is now mostly downhill. If you get hungry you can call in a pizza at the Village Green Mall and make a pit stop if you need to.
- Kirkstone Trail – 1.9 miles loop hiking trail along gravel roads noted as moderate. The route is marked with yellow stakes and arrows at road junctions.
- Library Trail – 0.4 mile – Start out behind the library, going either direction along the loop. Travel to Lakeview Drive, then retrace your steps until you reach the loop once more. Extend your hike by either following the signs at Lakeview Drive to reach the Seven Bridges Trail, or by exiting the trail along the blue-blazed path to reach Cromwell Lane.
- Thornhill Trail – 2.0 miles – The trail-head is in the parking lot of the Dorchester Golf Club. Most of the trail is on gravel/grassy roads that are unsigned so follow the trail posts and signs. It is worth taking a short detour on the dam of Lake Malvern to admire the view. The trail consists of flat roads.
- Good Samaritan – 1.0 mile – The Good Samaritan Trail is named for the nearby Good Samaritan facility. The trail forms part of the Red Loop and Green Loop and Blue Loop and Yellow Loop.
- Hemlock Trail – 1.4 miles – The Hemlock Trail is named for a majestic specimen Hemlock Tree that the hiker will pass along the way. The trail forms part of the Red Loop and Blue Loop.
- McGinnis Trail – 4.2 miles – The McGinnis Trail is now part of the Green loop which takes you on three trails: the McGinnis Trail, the Good Samaritan Trail and the Canyon Trail. Most of the hike is on dirt trails in the woods, but there is a short section on a paved sidewalk. The trail can be hiked in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
- Rotherham Trail – 1.2 miles – The Rotherham Trail is named for the nearby Rotherham Drive. The trail forms part of the Red Loop and Blue Loop.
- Red Loop – 3.0 miles – This is the trailhead for both the Hemlock Trail and the Rotherham Trail. Hike this loop in the counter-clockwise direction as this avoids climbing up the very steep Rotherham Trail. Follow the red hike markers.
- Green Loop – 4.2 miles – This loop takes you on three trails: the McGinnis Trail, the Good Samaritan Trail and the Canyon Trail. Most of the hike is on dirt trails in the woods but there is a short section on a paved sidewalk. The trail can be hiked in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
- Blue Loop – 6.1 miles – The trail-head is the Catoosa/Kingsbridge Parking lot on Catoosa Boulevard. At 6.1 miles, the Blue Loop is the longest hike in Fairfield Glade. It is comprised of four interconnected trails: the Hemlock Trail, the Rotherham Trail, the Canyon Trail and the McGinnis Trail, along with a short segment of the Good Samaritan Trail.
- Yellow Loop – 2.9 miles – This hike takes you through the Fairfield Glade canyon. The trail has been extensively rerouted in the last year due to the construction of new homes in the area. The new route is much more hiker-friendly.
The Cumberland County Hiking Marathon
We are proud to sponsee the Cumberland County Hiking Marathon. Interested in joining the marathon? Hike 26.2 miles individually or in small groups over one month at your own pace on specially selected trails on the Cumberland Plateau. It is completely FREE to enter.
Get Involved: Friends of the Trails & Glade Trails
Love hiking and the great outdoors? Get involved locally! Construct, maintain and promote the use of walking and hiking trails throughout Cumberland County. Volunteer to build hiking trails, construct bridges, signs, benches and other amenities along the trails using materials provided.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Catoosa Wildlife Management Area: Located just a short drive from Fairfield Glade, Catoosa Wildlife Management Area offers multiple hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty. The trails take you through diverse landscapes, including forests, fields, and along the scenic Catoosa Lake.
- Cumberland Mountain State Park: Situated nearby, Cumberland Mountain State Park features several hiking trails that showcase the park’s natural beauty. The trails range in length and difficulty, offering options for both novice and experienced hikers. Be sure to check out the Pioneer Short Loop Trail, Homestead Trail, and Byrd Creek Trail.
- Black Mountain Trail: Located within Cumberland Mountain State Park, the Black Mountain Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous 8.5-mile loop trail that takes you to the summit of Black Mountain. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is recommended for experienced hikers.
- Obed Wild and Scenic River: A short drive from Crossville, Obed Wild and Scenic River is a designated National Park unit known for its rugged beauty and whitewater opportunities. The park offers various hiking trails, including the popular Point Trail and Emory River Gorge Trail, which provide stunning views of the river and rock formations.
When exploring these hiking trails, it’s important to come prepared with proper hiking gear, sufficient water, and appropriate footwear. Additionally, check the trail conditions and regulations before embarking on your hike.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures in Fairfield Glade!
