If you're anything like us, you just love to get outside and explore the incredible beauty and natural wonders in Tennessee. We love when we get a chance to pair that love for the outdoors with something wholly unique, and today's adventure checks both of those boxes. The Doe River Gorge Trail will have you hiking a gorgeous landscape but also offers something you just don’t see every day: there are two train tunnels you get to hike through on this trail, which makes for one epic Tennessee adventure.
The Doe River Gorge Trail is found within the boundaries of the Doe River Gorge Ministries Inc. This lovely area in Hampton is home to a Christian camp that is used for summer camps and retreats and events throughout the year.
Because the trail is located on private property there are a few requirements that must be met: You will have to call ahead (we provide a link to the camp below so you can call) and as long as there are no children on the premises for an event you are free to hike. They love this trail and they also love showing it off but of course, the safety of the kids within their care is the number one priority. If you plan ahead and get the green light then you can lace up those hiking boots for an epic and unique trail!
You will start the trail in the summer camp area where you can travel past the beautiful blue water and alongside an old train that has been converted to a snack shack.
Soon the first tunnel will come into view. This blasted-out hole has stood untouched for decades and is certainly a unique experience. You might be surprised by the sheer size of the walls stretching up to the sky and the tunnel itself appears as if it is the gaping maw of some kind of rock giant.
The sun is darkened as you travel deeper into the tunnel and the air cools significantly. We certainly love finding amazing points of interest along any trail we hike and this tops the cake.
When you emerge to the other side it's as if you have stepped through a portal to a whole new world. The path follows the railroad tracks along the rocks, but to the left, you will have continuous views of the river down below. Several sections of the trail will be lined with rhododendrons and steep cliff faces.
Soon enough you will come across the second tunnel which is longer and darker than the first one. It is well-worth the effort to forge ahead through this epic train passage, because shortly after that tunnel you will come across one of the best views along the whole trail.
You will get a good sense of the massive scale of the gorge when the trees no longer block your view and you can stand along a cliffside surrounded by towering cliffsides. This breathtaking scene is often when most people turn around but if you continue on there is one more sight to see.
The trail itself is a nearly five-mile, out-and-back trek and the ending point will lead you right to an old train trestle. The tracks will abruptly stop and the bridge is no longer in use, but seeing this tall structure overlooking the river is certainly a worthy reward for those who have hiked the full trail!
When it is all said and done we highly recommend you take a trip to hike the Doe River Gorge Trail. The friendly staff is happy to take your call and they are eager to show off this beautiful spot to the world. So with a little planning, you can travel through not one but two epic tunnels and be treated to some lovely views along the way. For more information and to call head please visit the Doe River Gorge website. For a more in-depth look at this trail check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment:
https://youtu.be/a-ue5uOKpmM
Not too far from that trail is another popular trail that is perfect any time of the year, Hike up Round Bald for some of the best views along the Appalachian Trail.
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