Zone 7
Eastern Mountain States (Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri)
Missouri
Chubb Trail
6.7 mile shuttle; 714ft. elevation gain, 667ft. elevation loss; Moderately Strenuous
You’ll find rock outcroppings, flint mines, and vistas along the Chubb Trail. Keep an eye out for bicyclists, who find this trail a fun challenge.
Arkansas
Whitaker Point Trail
2.8 miles out & back; 547ft. elevation gain; Moderate
Some would call Whitaker Point “one of the most scenic lookout points in Arkansas.” The hills from the point are definitely impressive, even if the trail is short and popular.
Kentucky
Perry Park Trail System
4.6 mile loop; 911ft. elevation gain; Strenuous
There are plenty of ups and downs on the Perry Park Trail System. A few views and rock formations set off the otherwise wooded experience.
Tennessee
Chestnut Top Trail
8.6 miles out & back; 1,486ft. elevation gain; Strenuous
You’ll probably have the Chestnut Top Trail to yourself, despite its location in Great Smokey Mountain National Park. It’s best hiked when the leaves are in color or else after the leaves fall off the trees – the only time you’ll be able to see the views along the trail.
Zone 8
Southeast & Gulf states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana)
Louisiana
Port Hudson State Historic Site Trail
3.0 mile loop with spur; 164ft. elevation gain; Easy
With towers and walkways to explore, the Port Hudson State Historic Site Trail may be a favorite. There is also plenty of history – even some cannons not far from the trailhead.
Mississippi
Richardson Creek Trail
8.0 mile loop; 800ft. elevation gain; Moderate
The Richardson Creek Trail has had some recent maintenance, making it a great place to hike! Creeks, forests, and occasional wetlands are featured along the trail.
Alabama
Cave Creek Trail
6.7 mile loop; 1,105ft. elevation gain; moderate
Views, outcroppings, and two peaks can be found along the Cave Creek Trail. The viewpoints are even better with the lack of leaves on the trees.
Florida
Palm Bluff Loop
11.0 mile triple loop; 32ft. elevation gain; Moderate
There’s so little elevation gain on the Palm Bluff Loop that you might just think it’s totally flat. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring – in fact, in wet weather, the creek crossing may pose quite the challenge.