The town of Manchester, Tennessee is in Coffee County, just between the cities of Nashville and Chattanooga. The rural area is lush with vegetation come the warmer months, and during the winter the rugged bluffs are laced with ice. Manchester also plays host to the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, a state park that boasts hiking trails, waterfront routes, and an abundance of waterfalls. The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is here as well, and it’s considered one of the best in trails Tennessee for families at just under 3 miles.
Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park is named for what appeared to be a stone fort built on the property before the arrival of European settlers. The area was inhabited by Native Americans initially but was eventually abandoned. It wasn’t until 1966 that the state of Tennessee purchased the acreage that ultimately became the heart of the state park.
The park is popular for its dramatic scenery that includes waterfront views and rocky waterfalls, and the area’s past welcomes history buffs from all over. Old Stone Fort has a great visitors center, one that’s outfitted with a small theater and several exhibits that exhume the story of the surrounding area.
The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is a 2.8-mile footpath that’s located within the park and can be utilized throughout the year. Dogs are welcome to wander the trail with you, but you’ll have to make sure they stay on a leash the entire time. Keep an eye out for trail markers, but the well-maintained trail is easy to traverse. With so much to see and do this is one of the best loop trails in Tennessee, especially for families.
The route is mainly used for walking, trail running, and bird watching. Since you’ll be walking for almost 3 miles, you’ll want to pack the proper amount of water and snacks for your party. If you come during the summertime, you can expect a few bugs and wildlife sightings along the way, so bug spray and a healthy dose of common sense are a must. Remember to never approach a wild animal in Tennessee’s state parks.
The scenery along the trail is beautiful, and the easy 278-foot elevation gain makes the route traversable for folks of all ages. Perhaps one of the better aspects of the Old Stone Fort Loop Trail is that it is family-friendly, so adventurous little ones are welcome! If you love hiking in Tennessee you are bound to love this trail.
The park has a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and entrance, but it may be difficult to maneuver the trail. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to ask the folks on staff at the visitor’s center for assistance.
You can choose to use the state park during the day, or you can stay overnight at one of the park's 50 campsites. Reservations are available and you can find the link at the end of this article.
The Old Stone Fort Loop Trail follows the main course of travel used by Native Americans years ago, so when you walk the trail, you walk along the route of history. You too can traverse the land inhabited by Tennessee’s first residents, an adventure unlike anything else.
You can learn more about this stunning state park by visiting the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park website. If you're interested in a hike along the Old Stone Fort Loop Trail. Then make sure to download the AllTrails app for your hike. If you would like to spend the night then make sure to reserve your campsite on the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park website. This is one adventure that's perfect for the entire family, so make sure you bring the tiniest ones and grandma. The right shoes and a can-do attitude are all you need to trek this 2.8-mile trail in Tennessee.
For another family-friendly trail make sure you check out this OnlyInYourState video:
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