+ 53
Big Daddy Loop
Trail Running Route
Hard
10.94 mi
1,769 ft
A staple trail running loop on Lookout Mountain that extends into Georgia.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is one of the best trail runs Chattanooga has to offer. Just a short drive from downtown, the loop traverses historic Lookout Mountain into Georgia and showcases one of the best trails in the region - the Bluff Trail.
Start your run at Cravens House, the trail enters the forest just behind it. If the gate is closed, there is a secondary lot just below the main one. Most runners prefer this route counter-clockwise, beginning with a steady traverse on an old road bed to warm up.
After descending Gum Springs Trail, you'll take a left onto Skyuka Trail and gradually descend closer to the valley below. This portion is quite secluded and you'll quickly forget how close to town you are. This section has a rugged, backcountry feel and Skyuka Springs is the perfect opportunity to hydrate before a punishing climb out of the valley. The Bluff Trail lies ahead - an excellent reward for your efforts.
The Bluff Trail parallels the western ridge of the mountain and showcases several massive sandstone cliffs on one side - with incredible views of the valley on the other. Your last stop along this loop is Sunset Rock, a rock outcropping with a phenomenal overlook. Its close proximity to the trailhead makes this an excellent destination for a shorter run. From there, it's all downhill back to the trailhead.
The official route links the following trails when completed counter-clockwise: Rifle Pits > Guild > Gum Springs > Skyuka > John Smartt > Bluff > Cravens House
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is one of the best trail runs Chattanooga has to offer. Just a short drive from downtown, the loop traverses historic Lookout Mountain into Georgia and showcases one of the best trails in the region - the Bluff Trail.
Start your run at Cravens House, the trail enters the forest just behind it. If the gate is closed, there is a secondary lot just below the main one. Most runners prefer this route counter-clockwise, beginning with a steady traverse on an old road bed to warm up.
After descending Gum Springs Trail, you'll take a left onto Skyuka Trail and gradually descend closer to the valley below. This portion is quite secluded and you'll quickly forget how close to town you are. This section has a rugged, backcountry feel and Skyuka Springs is the perfect opportunity to hydrate before a punishing climb out of the valley. The Bluff Trail lies ahead - an excellent reward for your efforts.
The Bluff Trail parallels the western ridge of the mountain and showcases several massive sandstone cliffs on one side - with incredible views of the valley on the other. Your last stop along this loop is Sunset Rock, a rock outcropping with a phenomenal overlook. Its close proximity to the trailhead makes this an excellent destination for a shorter run. From there, it's all downhill back to the trailhead.
The official route links the following trails when completed counter-clockwise: Rifle Pits > Guild > Gum Springs > Skyuka > John Smartt > Bluff > Cravens House
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDL - Mile 1 | 1.03 mi | -256 ft | -4.1% |
| down the pits | 0.55 mi | -180 ft | -6.1% |
| BDL - Mile 2 | 1.01 mi | -276 ft | -4.7% |
| Skyuka Springs Trail Climb | 0.44 mi | 141 ft | 6.1% |
| BDL - Mile 3 | 0.99 mi | 121 ft | 0.4% |
| BDL - Mile 4 | 0.99 mi | -331 ft | -6.2% |
| BDL - Mile 5 | 1.00 mi | 636 ft | 11.9% |
| John Smartt trail climb | 0.85 mi | 617 ft | 13.7% |
| Frontier Bluff Rd Climb | 1.32 mi | 860 ft | 12.3% |
| Smartt's challenge | 0.33 mi | 276 ft | 15.5% |
| John Smart to Gum Springs Trail | 3.58 mi | 531 ft | 2.8% |
| John Smart Trail Climb | 0.95 mi | 371 ft | 7.3% |
| BDL - Mile 6 | 1.02 mi | 348 ft | 6.1% |
| John Smart Buster | 0.27 mi | 207 ft | 14.3% |
| Scenic Bluff Open Mile | 1.00 mi | 66 ft | 0.7% |
| BDL - Mile 7 | 1.04 mi | 66 ft | 1.1% |
| BDL - Mile 8 | 1.01 mi | 75 ft | 0.9% |
| Fort Stephenson Place Climb | 0.19 mi | 171 ft | 16.6% |
| W Brow Rd Climb | 0.32 mi | 164 ft | 8.7% |
| BDL - Mile 9 | 1.03 mi | 98 ft | 0.8% |
| W Brow Rd Climb | 0.32 mi | 148 ft | 8.2% |
| Maple Avenue Climb | 0.25 mi | 138 ft | 10.3% |
| BDL - Bring 'er home! | 1.01 mi | -302 ft | -5.0% |
| Down Cravens Terrace | 0.82 mi | -305 ft | -7.0% |