This typical backcountry bridge crosses Montgomery Fork of New River. Notice the stone staircase on the far side of the bridge beginning the uphill climb on the first of several switchbacks. Numerous stone stairways have been built to assist hikers. Though the Cumberland Trail only reaches a height of 3000 feet or so at its highest point, it is like a roller coaster, traveling along a ridge line, then down to cross a drainage, then up again -- over and over. The Cumberland Trail sign is visible on the tree on this side of the bridge. White paint blazes are used to mark the trail along its length. Remember: fires are not allowed on state scenic trails. In fact, we were not even allowed a fire while backcountry camping during construction of the trail.
Rock retaining walls are utilized to stabilize the trail where it has been built up above drainage level, as seen here where the trail makes a 120 degree turn around a tree and begins heading uphill to a section built on an old logging road. Our AHS crew built this section of trail, taking care to assure that rain water stays to the right of the trail tread and doesn't erode the trail. A pink flag can be seen in the photo. These were used to mark the proposed trail corridor we were to follow.
Spring is a magnificent time to enjoy this trail. Summer, with its bugs and heat and humidity, could be a brutal time to hike here. This is a photo of Green's Branch of Montgomery Fork, near the bridge which takes the Cumberland Trail over the creek.
Vertical rock formations as shown above predominate in an area known as the Devil's Racetrack, which is at the western edge of the trail's Cumberland Mountain segment. The trail follows a knife-edge ridgeline and the trail travels on/over/across these rock formations for 1/4 mile or so. The tree in the foreground has a white blaze denoting the Cumberland Trail. Views to the south of Cove Lake State Park and the town of Caryville make this a very scenic section. A side trail near the western switchbacks leads to a marvelous overlook atop rock formations, and the next photo was taken at this overlook.
Interstate 75 is seen from this overlook, as well as the panorama of Fork Mountain on the right and beyond to Cross Mountain and the Tennessee Valley Divide stretching out to the south. The trail descends through ten or more switchbacks, parallels the expressway for some distance heading towards Cove Lake State Park, and then uses a culvert to pass beneath the traffic before traversing the Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area and up Cross Mountain on the far side of the Interstate (which begins the Smoky Mountain segment of the Cumberland Trail).