Cumberland Trail Conference, a Tennessee State Scenic Hiking Trail.


Cumberland Trail
  Piney River Segment

Click for PDF Description of Piney River Trail

Click for Detailed Nat Geo Explorer Topo Map of Piney River Trail

Piney River Trail: This 8.46 mile trail is rated moderate. Starting from the picnic area on Shut-in Gap Road the trail climbs steeply.  The Twin Rocks Nature Trail takes off to the left about .1 miles from the picnic area.  The trail continues up the slope, then follows the side of the mountain for another 3/4 miles, where a trail branches off to descend to the river.

After hiking another 2.2 miles the hiker encounters the picturesque 100 foot suspension bridge pictured above.  Then the trail follows an old dinky railroad, almost level, then crosses a 20 foot bridge over Pine Branch, then a 45 foot bridge over Rock House Branch.  A side trail leads 1/2 mile to the "bathtub", a 7 foot deep basin in the stream.

The trail continues, winding up and down the slope as it continues upstream, through a beautiful stand of large hardwoods called Big Cove.  Spider Den Bluff is the next interesting feature.  Then the trail winds past White Pine Cascades to cross the road.  The trail parallels the road generally uphill to Newby Forest Camp trailhead.

  Piney River Trail Map
Map contributed by volunteers Don Deakins and Caroline Woerner
MAP OF PINEY RIVER TRAIL

GPS Readings For Important Points:
Location GPS Waypoint in WGS 84 format
Piney River Trailhead N35 42.834 W84 52.821
McDonald Creek N35 42.091 W84 53.617
Piney River Bridge N35 42.219 W84 54.313
Pine Branch Bridge N35 41.980 W84 54.596
Rockhouse Branch Bridge N35 41.665 W84 54.800
Logging Camp Loop Spur N35 41.643 W84 54.758
Rockhouse Branch Spur N35 41.522 W84 54.784
Hemlock Falls Spur N35 41.488 W84 55.220
Deep Pool Bridge N35 41.574 W84 55.353
Spider Den Spur N35 41.422 W84 55.657
White Pine Cascades N35 41.218 W84 56.033
Duskin Creek Bridge N35 41.434 W84 56.797
Duskin Creek Parking N35 41.402 W84 56.997
Newby Branch Trailhead N35 42.076 W84 57.285


Twin Rocks Map
Map contributed by volunteers Don Deakins and Caroline Woerner
MAP OF TWIN ROCKS NATURE TRAIL


GPS Readings For Important Points:
Location GPS Waypoint in WGS 84 format
Trailhead N35 42.834 W84 52.821
Twin Rocks Overlook N35 42.568 W84 52.983


East Piney River Trail Picnic Area Trailhead:  Take Hwy 68 north out of Spring City.  Approximately one mile from Spring City turn left on Shut-in Gap Road.  Drive about a mile to the picnic area parking lot.  The trail starts just across the road from the picnic area. 

Newby Forest Branch Camp and Trailhead:  Drive past the East Piney River Picnic Area Trailhead.  Continue to the top of the plateau and until you see the sign on the left pointing to Newby Branch Forest Camp.  Follow the signs to the campsite and parking area.

ROAD MAP FROM SPRING CITY TO TRAILHEAD PARKING
Map contributed by Trail Volunteer Don Deakins
ROAD MAP FROM SPRING CITY TO TRAILHEAD PARKING


THE LEFT TURN FROM SHUT IN GAP RD ONTO WALDEN MTN RD
Picture contributed by Trail Volunteer Brandy Selman
THE LEFT TURN FROM SHUT IN GAP RD. ONTO WALDEN MOUNTAIN RD.

 THE NEWBY BRANCH TURN
Picture contributed by Trail Volunteer Brandy Selman
THE NEWBY BRANCH TURN

THE DUSKIN CREEK TRAILHEADTHE DUSKIN CREEK TRAILHEAD
Picture contributed by Trail Volunteer Brandy Selman
THE DUSKIN CREEK TRAILHEAD
ATTENTION OVERNIGHT CAMPERS

Camping Rules You are REQUIRED to register to camp and/or park after sunset at the trailheads. There is no fee.  The information you provide will help us to provide security and also to determine if there is a need to expand the camping area and provide designated campsites in order to enhance your hiking and camping experience.  As people discover this spectacular area, public use is increasing rapidly.

To register your group on-line, please complete the ONLINE CAMPSITE REGISTRATION FORM.  You will automatically be emailed a copy of your submission for your records.  A confirmation code will be supplied upon submission of the online form.  Please be prepared to supply this confirmation code to the Park Ranger if asked.

To register your group by phone, please call 423-566-2229 and give the information required on the online registration form by phone.



HIKERS ON 100 FOOT SUSPENSION BRIDGE ACROSS PINEY RIVER
HIKERS ON 100 FOOT SUSPENSION BRIDGE ACROSS PINEY RIVER

Email the Cumberland Trail Conference

Send email to cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com

Cumberland Trail Conference
409 Thurman Ave, Suite 102
Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 456-6259