This trail guide is best when used alongside the official Sewanee Trail Map. You can find printed trail maps at the Sewanee Visitors Center.
Trail Blazing and Signage: The Perimeter Trail is marked with blue blazes while secondary trails are marked with white blazes. At each trail intersection, signage indicates the distance to the next trail junction, difficulty of the next trail section, prohibited uses, and cautions. Each trail junction sign also contains a unique number. In the event of an emergency, call 911 and give the responders the number of the closest trail junction to help them locate you.
Below, we highlight a selection of hikes that offer a great introduction to the Domain. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to hike all 20 miles of the Perimeter Trail in one day, we recommend parking at the Sewanee Visitors Center in Sewanee Village and following the Perimeter Trail as marked from there. This will put you right back at the village when you finish and in perfect position for a treat at one of our local establishments.
A note on the Mountain Goat Trail: Starting the Perimeter Trail in the Sewanee Village places you on a regional rails-to-trails project called the Mountain Goat Trail. This trail is great for bikes and folks of all ages and skill levels and stretches for many miles in both directions. Please watch for signs indicating where the Perimeter Trail branches off or be prepared to visit the nearby towns of Monteagle and Cowan.
Easy
Village Connector to Point Disappointment
Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip (approx. 1.25 hours)
Parking area: Sewanee Village
From the Sewanee Visitors Center, walk south to the intersection of Bakers Lane and Ball Park Road. (Yes, it is OK to walk directly there through the playground of the Sewanee Community Center). Here you’ll find the start of the Village Connector Trail. Follow this trail to the Caldwell Rim Trailhead and bear left onto Potter’s Ridge Trail. After about .3 miles, the Point Disappointment Trail will be on the left. Follow that trail to see not one, but two beautiful lookout points. Point Disappointment is anything but disappointing, affording views of almost the entirety of Lost Cove.
Lake Cheston Loop
Distance: .75 miles (approx. 20 minutes)
Parking area: Lake Cheston
A simple and beautiful loop around Lake Cheston. Perfect for little ones. Bring your swimsuit and jump in the lake.
Piney Point
Distance: 2.0 miles roundtrip (approx. 1 hour)
Parking area: University Gates
From the University Gates, head toward Shakerag Hollow. At the first wooden bridge, bear right and follow signs for the Piney Point Trail. Follow this trail all the way to Piney Point. There is a steep drop-off at the end; so be careful with your bikes, dogs, and little ones. This trail features a great view from the point looking over Shakerag Hollow and into Roark’s Cove.
Tennessee Williams Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip (approx. 45 minutes)
Parking area: Memorial Cross
Park at the Memorial Cross to enjoy a wonderful view of the valley looking west. Then head out on the Tennessee Williams Trail for a pleasant out-and-back stroll.
Wiggins Creek Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip (approx. 35 minutes)
Parking area: Lake Cheston
From the lower parking lot, cross the dam of the lake and look for Wiggins Creek Trail to the left, marked with white markers. Follow this trail until you intersect with the Perimeter Trail. From here, you can choose to add 1.2 miles total (35 minutes total) in either direction by heading toward Morgan’s Steep (left) or Otey View (right).
Moderate
Lake Dimmick via Mountain Goat
Distance: 6.2 miles roundtrip (approx. 3.5 hours)
Parking area: Sewanee Visitors Center in Sewanee Village
From the Visitors Center, follow the Mountain Goat Trail toward Monteagle. The Lake Dimmick Trail will be on your right .6 miles north of the visitors center. Follow the trail 2.5 miles to the lake. This trail is great for hiking and mountain biking.
Caldwell Rim Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles (approx. 1.5 hours)
Parking area: Caldwell Rim Trailhead
We recommend doing the loop counterclockwise. You can also access this trail by parking at Sewanee Village and following the Ballpark Trail to Caldwell Rim (adds 1.2 miles/35 minutes total). This trail is great for hiking and mountain biking.
Forestry Cabin Loop
Distance: 5.3 miles (approx. 3 hours)
Parking area: Lake Cheston
From Lake Cheston, head toward the water tower and follow the Water Tower Trail until it intersects the Perimeter Trail. Turn left on the Perimeter Trail, passing the short spur trail to KA Point (scenic!) and follow signs to the Forestry Cabin. At the cabin, continue along the Forestry Cabin road (not the Perimeter Trail) until you get to Gate 5 on Breakfield Road. Turn right and proceed to Gate 14 on your left. Walk around Gate 14 and follow the fire lane for .4 miles until you hit the Parallel Trail. Turn left on the Parallel trail and follow it to the Wiggins Creek Trail. Take a left onto the Wiggins Creek Trail and follow the white markers back to Lake Cheston.
Strenuous
Shakerag Hollow to Beckwith Point Loop
Distance: 3.4 miles (approx. 2 hours)
Parking area: University Gates
One of Sewanee’s most popular hikes. From the University Gates, follow signs for Shakerag Hollow. After hiking through much of Shakerag Hollow, follow the spur trail toward Green’s View, which will lead up a set of steep stone stairs to an intersection with Beckwith Point Trail. Go left to follow Beckwith Point Trail back to the University Gates. Shakerag Hollow features beautiful wildflowers in springtime.
Please note: Mountain bikes are not permitted in Shakerag Hollow.
Proctor’s Hall Loop
Distance: 2.1 miles (approx. 1.5 hours)
Parking area: Memorial Cross
From the Cross, follow signs for the Perimeter Trail toward Morgan’s Steep. At the marked trail intersection, bear right and follow the short spur trail to Morgan’s Steep. From Morgan’s Steep, take the stone steps down and follow signs for Proctor’s Hall Trail. When Proctor’s Hall Trail intersects the Perimeter Trail, head left to return back to the Cross. Proctor’s Hall Trail has multiple steep ledges and is not recommended for those not comfortable with mobility limitations. For this reason, mountain bikes are not permitted on Proctor’s Hall Trail.
Bridal Veil Falls Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles (approx. 1.5 hours)
Parking area: Lake Cheston
From Lake Cheston, follow the Cheston Trail across Clara’s Point Road. The Bridal Veil Loop begins at the creek crossing. Go left to descend directly to the loop, or go right and follow the Perimeter Trail .9 miles to the Bridal Veil Trail sign on your left. (Note: The Perimeter Trail will traverse several private residences’ yards through this section). Either way you choose, you will end up back at the creek crossing to continue back along the Cheston Trail to Lake Cheston. This trail is not recommended during dry months.
Please note: Mountain bikes are not permitted on this trail.
