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North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park Montlake Road Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ Running trail in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park Montlake Road Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Outdoor area along a creek known for swimming in naturally forming pools.
What runners say about North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park Montlake Road Trailhead
“There are some awesome huge rocks on which you can sit and take in the natural beauty of the canyon or snap some beautiful photos.”
This area is amazing for all sorts of adventures! There are some awesome huge rocks on which you can sit and take in the natural beauty of the canyon or snap some beautiful photos. There are trails on which you can hike to waterfalls and amazing overlooks.
This really is a lovely State Park and is managed well by several Park Rangers. The only negative is the parking so I would suggest going early to ensure you get a spot. The water is beautiful and there are several spots along the trail where you can get in and swim going to and from the Blue Hole.
I went to Strip Mine Falls via the Cumberland Trail, a 2.7 mile out and back. I took my dachshund/terrier mix along. With recent rain, the creek was roaring and I saw whitewater kayakers enjoying the water.
We stopped here to check out and go swimming. It was a 1.25-mile hike back to the actual bluehole. Rocky terrain in spots. On the hike we passed a few swimming spots where the water was very blue. The actual blue hole did nothaveblue water but was great for jumping off the rocks. Proper footwear is a must.
Trail conditions & character
“There are some awesome huge rocks on which you can sit and take in the natural beauty of the canyon or snap some beautiful photos.”
“Get here early on the weekends or you will not get a parking spot Reminder - POISON IVY is all over.”
“When the trail turns uphill from the creek, it gets rocky, which was a bit of a challenge with my long bodied, shorter legged dog and a leash.”
“Swimming available at many spots along the trail ( can be rocky and steep to get down to the water) Nice swim hole at the end of the road heading down left.”
“Easy to moderate hike along the Hogskin branch loop, with a small waterfall.”
“Swimming available at many spots along the trail ( can be rocky and steep to get down to the water) Nice swim hole at the end of the road heading down left.”
Plan your run at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park Montlake Road Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetnstateparks.com
- Phone+1 423-708-8313
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Soddy-Daisy
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Strip Mine Falls Trailhead
5 ★★★★★
Soddy-Daisy Veterans Park
4.7 ★★★★★
Playground featuring swings and slides, plus a walking track, tennis courts and a baseball field.
Mowbray Pike Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★
Hiking trails, including a 3.5-mi. portion of the Cumberland Trail, and rock-climbing options.
North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park
4.8 ★★★★★
Peaceful state park featuring hiking trails and a scenic gorge with swimming holes.