+ 10
Pot Point Loop
Trail Running Route
Hard
11.33 mi
1,721 ft
A lesser-visited loop in Prentice Cooper State Forest with plenty of views along the way.
Pot Point Loop is one of two popular trail running routes in Prentice Cooper State Forest—Mullens Cove Loop being the other. Both loops combined make up 33.8 miles of the Cumberland Trail and hikers often pair them into an overnight trip.
The loop begins at the parking area for Snoopers Rock Overlook. Just a short walk in you're rewarded with an incredibly beautiful overlook of the Chattanooga River. Being close to the parking lot, this is a common destination for a short walk or a great place to enjoy lunch at the end of your run.
Run clockwise, the trail hugs elevation contours as it follows the curve of the Chattanooga River below. Along the way, you'll pass over Natural Bridge, a landmark with a unique traverse over a rock that is "about 25 feet high and 35 feet wide," according to Pot Point lies ahead before the trail turns west.
Accessible by a short spur, Raccoon Mountain Overlook lies along the southern stretch of the route and provides some partial views to the river below. This is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy a secluded lunch away from the frequently visited Snoopers Rock.
The southwestern corner of the loop passes Gulf Camp, a popular overnight stop for hikers. Crossing Tower Drive, you'll pass a trail kiosk before meandering to the Ransom Hollow Overlook. Another short spur leads to another overlook with partial views to the west.
The loop finishes by sharing a short stretch of trail with the Mullens Cove Loop as you return to the parking lot. Camping is available at Hemlock Branch, just west of where the loops join back together should you wish to spend the night.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Pot Point Loop is one of two popular trail running routes in Prentice Cooper State Forest—Mullens Cove Loop being the other. Both loops combined make up 33.8 miles of the Cumberland Trail and hikers often pair them into an overnight trip.
The loop begins at the parking area for Snoopers Rock Overlook. Just a short walk in you're rewarded with an incredibly beautiful overlook of the Chattanooga River. Being close to the parking lot, this is a common destination for a short walk or a great place to enjoy lunch at the end of your run.
Run clockwise, the trail hugs elevation contours as it follows the curve of the Chattanooga River below. Along the way, you'll pass over Natural Bridge, a landmark with a unique traverse over a rock that is "about 25 feet high and 35 feet wide," according to Pot Point lies ahead before the trail turns west.
Accessible by a short spur, Raccoon Mountain Overlook lies along the southern stretch of the route and provides some partial views to the river below. This is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy a secluded lunch away from the frequently visited Snoopers Rock.
The southwestern corner of the loop passes Gulf Camp, a popular overnight stop for hikers. Crossing Tower Drive, you'll pass a trail kiosk before meandering to the Ransom Hollow Overlook. Another short spur leads to another overlook with partial views to the west.
The loop finishes by sharing a short stretch of trail with the Mullens Cove Loop as you return to the parking lot. Camping is available at Hemlock Branch, just west of where the loops join back together should you wish to spend the night.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pot Point Loop Clockwise | 11.43 mi | -463 ft | -0.0% |
| Snoopin to Pot Overlook | 6.02 mi | 348 ft | 0.8% |
| River Canyon Road Climb | 0.31 mi | 167 ft | 10.1% |
| Natural Bridge Access | 0.76 mi | 197 ft | 4.2% |
| Large Intestine | 1.12 mi | -62 ft | -0.1% |
| Post Intestine | 1.54 mi | -141 ft | -0.4% |
| Segment | 0.37 mi | 243 ft | 12.1% |