Home › Tennessee › Baxter › Window Cliffs State Natural Area
Window Cliffs State Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 330 Google reviews · Running trail in Baxter, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 5.4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Window Cliffs State Natural Area'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.
Popular outdoor recreation area featuring 275 acres of rocky terrain crisscrossed by creeks.
What runners say about Window Cliffs State Natural Area
“Very beautiful trees of oaks, hickory, maples and wild flowers in bloom.”
“Sat there for an hour to eat and take in the peaceful quiet time before making our way back.”
Really enjoyed the 5 mile hike. The park was built in 2014 with lot's of creek crossings and limestone features. The parking lot is huge and gravel, plus they have EV plug-ins. They currently just have Porta-pots, no restrooms.
Best hike in this area so far! It says it's 5 1/2 miles but it adds up to about 6. We counted 30 different fungi, 15 different wild flowers, and saw all kinds of wildlife! Do not wear hiking boots, wear something you can get wet and that won't slip on the slick rocks in the river. Wet hiking boots get heavy!!
This is a day hike area to an interesting, narrow, geological cliff with 2 natural windows that formed millions of years ago. There is also a nice little water fall on the way. You go down a switch back trail and then have to cross Cane Creek a total of 18 times for the 5.4 mile round trip hike.
Great hike for the adventurer, yes getting in and out has the large hill (350’ or so) sucked but the rest is done nicely as long as you have good supportive water shoes. ***Seriously, get some nice shoes.
Trail conditions & character
“This trail has everything - trickling creek, rushing waterfalls, happy birds, wildflowers galore, and amazing views.”
“Great hike for the adventurer, yes getting in and out has the large hill (350’ or so) sucked but the rest is done nicely as long as you have good supportive water shoes.”
“They really close this park at 4:00 🤯 they lock the parking area with an electronic gate at 4 pm.”
“There is parking with electric car charging available and a couple of porta potties.”
“You go down a switch back trail and then have to cross Cane Creek a total of 18 times for the 5.4 mile round trip hike.”
“Sat there for an hour to eat and take in the peaceful quiet time before making our way back.”
“no wheelchair accessible And very important this hike it is Level 5 I will not going to recommend it if you suffer of knees or hips problems!”
“The trail is well marked and the 1st trek is steep and rock & roots, has steps and handrails for support on way down.”
“no wheelchair accessible And very important this hike it is Level 5 I will not going to recommend it if you suffer of knees or hips problems!”
“This was an easy walk on the paved path which is handicap accessible.”
Plan your run at Window Cliffs State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance5.4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetnstateparks.com
- Phone(931) 432-5312
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–4 PM |
Running trails near Baxter
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Burgess Falls State Park
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Cane Creek Park
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West End Park
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Walnut Park
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