[Saturday] 01.17.15 Mullins Cove Loop

 [Saturday] 01.17.15- Mullins Loop Cove

Mullins Loop Cove - Cumberland Trail

Ramblr Summary

Location: Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area
County: Marion
Latitude: 35.07964
Longitude: -85.25126
Distance: 10.00 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Population: Saw runners, hikers ~10 people
Trailhead: Tower Drive
For More Information
Address: PO Box 160
               Hixson, TN 37343
Phone: (423) 658-5551

Directions From Nashville:
From Nashville follow I-24 South. Exit at mile marker 155, headed north on highway 28. Take a right onto Highway-283, right passed the Whitwell Elementary School. Off of Highway 283 , you will turn right at top of the mountain. It is well marked

** In a Counter Clockwise Manner**

Other Trails
1.) Pot Point Loop @ mile 4.10
2.) Signal & Edward Points
3.) Poplar Spring @ mile 9.3

Camp-Sites
1.) Hemlock Campsite @ mile 4.2 & 6.6

Overlooks
1.) Mullins Cover Overlook
2.) Snoopers Rock Overlook

We used the trailhead (west) edge of the parking area, since we had parked here. We arrived at 9:00 am eastern time, and were the only vehicles in the parking lot. It was 28 degrees to start off.

Mullins Cove Parking Lot

The trail was well marked, and maintained. 

Points of interest along the way. 

Cascading stream

Large boulder off to the left of the trail passed Short Creek. This area is technical with areas of lots of rocks, boulders, and descents.

Eventually, you will Haley Road, which is a service/ 4WD road for hunters and ATV enthusiasts. Continue South for 0.15 miles and turn left back onto the trail where it is well-marked with double blazes.

Passed the Service Road

The view was amazing throughout the trail. Lots of stream crossings, technical areas, but noticed no sign of any wilderness.

As you continue down the trail you will come across the Mullins Cove Overlook. 

Mullins Cove Intersection

The view was amazing, with the leaves of the tree. We decided to keep moving and do lunch at Snoopers Overlook, because the area was a little small for 4 men.

Mullins Cove Overlook

 Really nice campsite with excellent fire pit. There was a a nice creek nearby, with a great source of water. This appears to be a seasonal source.

Hemlock Branch Campsite

Across the creek is another intersection. This is the first place you come to reach the Pot Point Loop. This trail is another 10 mile loop.

1st intersection for Pot Point Loop

 Continue pass the sign , and eventually you will come to Reach Tower Drive. Cross the road and follow the trail, until you come to a gravel parking lot. From here Snooper Rock is just around the corner.

Intersection pass Reach Tower Drive

 There was another family there already eating lunch. Got pretty busy but worth every step to get there. The overlook sits on a bend of the Tennessee River Gorge. Even though, it was busy the areas is spacious and relaxing.

Snoopers Rock Overlook

 As you leave Snoopers Rock the next section is fairly basic, with a few rock wall descents, switchbacks, creek crossing and frequent views of the Tennessee River.

Indian Rock house

This section is actually part of the Cumberland Trail. Indian Rock House, is the junction for the Poplar Spring Section. From the intersection turn left and veer right to get to the man-made steps, through a natural stone door (Resembles- Stone Door at Savage Gulf)

Ascends out

 Continue up the stairs and follow the trail for a gently ascent back towards Tower Drive.

Cross Tower Drive and back to the parking lot.

Trail Maps and Resource
Trail map- TWRA general area map
Cumberland Resource- Mullins Cove Loop