O THE WILD CALL

Whether you’re a relatively new day hiker or a longtime weekend hiker, answer the call of the Heart of Appalachia. Here you'll find miles upon miles of hiking trails that deftly guide across striking mountains, peaks, meadows and valleys.

BURKE'S GARDEN

Tazewell Easy

For pristine views of notoriously beautiful Burke's Garden, pick up the Appalachian Trail in Tazewell at Burke's Garden Road or West End Road. This beginner-friendly hike rewards with breathtaking views of Burke's Garden, the bucolic bowl-shaped valley carved out of a mountain top.

DEVIL'S BATHTUB

Fort Blackmore Moderate

The curiously-named Devil's Bathtub hike in the Jefferson National Forest delivers you to a refreshing crystal-clear swimming hole that's a welcoming oasis on a warm summer day. Even better, there is a small waterfall and two rope swings. Bring water shoes. There are multiple water crossings along the yellow-blazed Devil's Fork Trail.

Easy

At Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, a mellow hike leads to Big Cedar Creek Falls (aka Big Falls). Three different styles of falls impress. Set your towel down on the stone-covered beach, then rush in for a splash. Stroll the Pinnacle View Trail to ogle the park’s namesake, The Pinnacle, a massive dolomite cliff that towers 600 feet over Big Cedar Creek.

8.1

SAND CAVE Ewing

Moderate

Once a massive rock, wind eroded the sandstone over time to create the 250-foot-wide half-dome, Sand Cave. Inside, an acre of beach-like sand awaits. A hike from Civic Park on the Ewing Trail and Ridge Trail leads to this awe-inspiring natural cave. From Sand Cave, continue to White Rocks, a beacon for westbound settlers en route to Cumberland Gap.

LITTLE STONY FALLS Dungannon

Moderate

This peaceful hike rewards as you walk alongside burbling Little Stony Creek on your way to the swimming hole at Little Stony Falls. The trail follows Little Stony Creek through a 400-foot-deep and 1700-foot-wide gorge along an old historic railroad bed in Scott County.

POWELL RIVER TRAIL Appalachia

Easy

This paved hike sidles up against the North Branch of the gently flowing Powell River. Old railroad artifacts allow for a wellshaded history lesson. Footbridges and a brick tunnel keep this hike engaging from start to finish.

TRI-STATE PEAK Cumberland Gap

Easy

The hike to 1,990-foottall Tri-State Peak at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park leads to the tripoint where Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee meet. A historic iron furnace sits along Gap Creek. It was used from the 1820s to the 1880s to create pig iron, which was then sold to area blacksmiths. Post-hike, make the short drive to Pinnacle Overlook for more views across the three states.

THE GREAT CHANNELS Rosedale

Moderate

The hike to the Great Channels along the Brumley Mountain Trail is a popular one, leading to an enigmatic maze of sandstone crevices. Plan to duck, squeeze, climb and crawl with brazen child-like curiosity as you explore this 20-acre labyrinth set atop Clinch Mountain within Channels Natural Area Preserve.

GUEST RIVER GORGE TRAIL Coeburn

Moderate

For a longer hike, plan on the Guest River Trail, which follows the flowing Guest River through a rugged and remote gorge in the Jefferson National Forest. This multi-use trail passes several cascading waterfalls and awes with remarkable views of river rapids, car-sized boulders and massive sandstone cliffs.