Hike to lofty views along the Tennessee Rock Trail in Georgia's highest state park. Located in Black Rock Mountain State Park, the Tennessee Rock Trail loops over the summit of Black Rock Mountain to sweeping views to the northwest. This is a good trail for families and dogs.
The parking area has a sign for the Tennessee Rock Trail, but pass by it first and head up to the Visitor Center for maps, restrooms, and a great view. Heading back to the trail, you'll be parking at the trailhead for the James E Edmonds Trail as well.
The two trails immediately split at a large sign. The Tennessee Rock trail heads to the left and is blazed yellow. Shortly afterward the trail splits to form the loop. This description heads counter-clockwise to the right, but if you want to go straight up to the view, head left. The trail narrows and stays along the steep hillside. After a half mile, a side trail forms a small loop to the left and rejoins shortly.
At 1.2 miles in, the trail makes a sharp left at a junction with a sign post. Here the trail begins to climb more rapidly. On my journey there was a large fallen tree that was difficult to get over and quite a bit of overgrown areas on the way up, even wading through waist-high growth at times. The park staff says it's usually more maintained but there had been a lot of rain lately.
The summit is designated by a large rock with the elevation engraved on it. Shortly after the summit the trail comes to the Tennessee Rock Overlook. If you're wondering about the name, guess which state you're looking toward. There are a few other views peeking through the trees and this will make for a good winter hike with less foliage.
Continue on, heading steeply downhill to close out this loop. On the way, the trail comes out to a road on the right but immediately heads back into the woods on the left. All junctions are marked with signs.
Explore more trails in Black Rock Mountain State Park.