Zone 7
Eastern Mountain States (Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri)
Missouri
Wagon Wheel Loop
3.0 mile loop; 131ft. vertical change; Moderately Difficult
While the Wagon Wheel Trailhead may have been named for a tree that grew up through the iron loop of an old wagon wheel, the loop hike offers hikers views and a couple of easy (but fun) stream crossings.
Arkansas
Rattlesnake Ridge
2.2 miles out & back; 429ft. elevation gain; Moderate
Rather an exciting name for a hike that’s usually not too crowded. The views from the top of Rattlesnake Ridge are worth the trek.
Kentucky
Chimney Top Trail
0.6 mile loop; 58ft. vertical change; Easy
For a view over the Red River Gorge, the Chimney Top Trail may be one of the best. It’s short, which means it can be crowded, but the views stretch for miles.
Tennessee
Fiery Gizzard
12.2 mile shuttle; 493ft. vertical change; Strenuous
The “Fiery Gizzard” Trail in Grundy Forest State Natural Area (where do they get these awesome names?) is a fantastic little adventure. Swimming holes, campsites, waterfalls, old-growth forests, viewpoints – what’s not to love?
Zone 8
Southeast & Gulf states (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana)
Louisiana
Lamotte Creek Trail
8.2 miles out & back; 93ft. vertical change; Easy to Moderate
Enjoy a stroll through the woods past lakes on the Wild Azalea Trail, then down the Lamotte Creek Trail. Multiple creek crossings make this hike a little more exciting.
Mississippi
Dunns Falls
0.4 miles out & back; 36ft. vertical change; Easy to Moderate
Not only does Dunns Falls offer visitors a short hike to the waterfall, it also has an ancient grist mill (not in working condition). You can also scramble down to the pool below the falls for a swim on a warm day.
Alabama
Narrows Ridge Loop
3.5 mile double loop; 252ft. vertical change; Easy
The waterfall along the Narrows Ridge Trail may be the hot spot in the summer for swimmers, but the entire trail system is a peaceful escape from the rush of Birmingham. There are multiple trail options, so you can tailor the trail length to your current energy level (note that the trails close at 4pm).
Florida
Falling Waters Sinkhole
1-2 miles out & back; 75ft. elevation gain; Easy
The trails near the Falling Waters Sinkhole actually showcase several sinkholes in the area. But the most interesting is the one with a waterfall dropping into the sinkhole. Stairs lead down for a better view of the falls, which is best after a heavy rain.