Exploring House Mountain State Natural Area: Knoxville’s Panoramic Escape

Just a short drive from Knoxville, House Mountain State Natural Area offers hikers a chance to escape into nature and enjoy some of the best views in East Tennessee. Known for its rugged trails and sweeping vistas, this 500-acre natural area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rewarding adventure close to the city.

The Experience

The trails at House Mountain are steep and challenging in parts, but the payoff is spectacular. With an elevation of 2,064 feet, House Mountain is the highest point in Knox County, and its summit offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains to the south and the Cumberland Mountains to the north.

West Overlook: One of the area’s highlights, this viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. It’s a perfect spot for a well-earned break and some stunning photographs.
East Overlook: Slightly less traveled but equally beautiful, this vantage point offers quieter views of rolling hills and distant peaks.

The two primary trails are the Mountain Trail and the West Overlook Trail, which can be combined to form a loop. The trails pass through rocky terrain, shaded forests, and wildflower-covered slopes, creating a dynamic and ever-changing hiking experience. The forest is alive with birdsong, and you might even spot deer or wild turkeys along the way.

Why Visit?

House Mountain State Natural Area is perfect for those seeking a challenging hike with incredible views. The area’s natural beauty and sense of tranquility make it a must-visit for both seasoned hikers and those looking for a memorable outdoor escape.

What to Know

Trail Distance: ~5 miles of interconnected trails. The loop to both overlooks is ~4.5 miles.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with rocky terrain and steep sections.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and colorful foliage. Early mornings in summer are also ideal to avoid midday heat.

Insider Tips

Wear Sturdy Shoes: The trails are rocky and uneven, so hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes are essential.
Pack Water and Snacks: The hike is strenuous, and there are no water sources along the trail.
Check the Weather: The summit is exposed, so plan accordingly for wind and sun.

Nearby Activities

Stop by Knoxville’s Market Square for a post-hike meal or coffee.
Combine your visit with a trip to Seven Islands State Birding Park for more hiking and birdwatching.

House Mountain State Natural Area offers a challenging yet deeply rewarding hiking experience. With its rugged trails, rich natural beauty, and awe-inspiring views, it’s a gem in Knoxville’s outdoor scene that promises adventure and inspiration for all who visit.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Heather Tate9 months ago

This was our first visit and this was a tough one for us! We went up the East trail and I'm not sure how my 6 year old made it but I'm super proud. I only made it because I didn't want to be beat by her and made fun of on the way home. The top of the mountain was gorgeous and had great views! We considered camping at the top or calling a helicopter to rescue us but we trudged on. We came down the West trail which was a heck of alot easier! Basically just a gravel road....we of course went up the extremely rugged path..Wish we had started that way... took us 6 hours for a little over 2 mile round trip hike.... lots of laughing, breaks to catch our breath, prayers and alot of crying hahaha. Overall, we had a great trip and everyone on the trail were very kind. Just take the West trail if it's your first time.... I promise you will thank me.

Mary Nelle Osbornea month ago

Trail is in very poor shape. Overused and with many downed trees that require going over or under. This is recent damage. The trail has many areas where people have gone off trail and made areas of erosion which, in the rain, would cause more rockslides. There are areas that are quite dangerous because of be poor trail quality with steep drop offs. Do not go in the rain! I hiked the east trail it 4 years ago and the trail was rough to the top. Now it is rough and dangers.

EM9 months ago

Great hike close to Knoxville! Depending on the trail, it’s moderate, but not insanely long of a hike in comparison to some Smokey mtn trails. Highly recommend doing this when it hasn’t been raining, and make sure to walk the spine of the mountain when you get up there, but also take a breather at the lookout point as soon as you hit the top. This isn’t the best location if you’re looking for vast overlooks of mountain chains, but is if you’re looking for some exercise that will only take a portion of the day - I hiked to the top in 45 minutes going fast. If they run out of parking at the trailhead or you want to elongate the hike a little bit, there’s an overflow parking lot down the road that adds a few minutes to the hike, but it’s incredibly reasonable and easy to get to the connecting point

Jason Burrisa month ago

This place is just so amazing. It's close to Knoxville, yet far enough away that you get that out in the middle of nowhere feeling. It's a strenuous 4mi hike if you go out to both edges of the mountain. The views are just fantastic!!! Being the fall of the year the color was amazing. I no longer live in Knoxville, but I often travel back to visit friends and I always make sure that house mountain is on my list of things to do while in town!!!

Vince8 months ago

Steep ascend/descend, but it's only about quarter mile on either side. Nice view and plenty of signs on the loop to let you know how far you've traveled. The boy scouts left a bench on the west side of the trail that's good to grab a smoke or lunch. East side of the trail has better panoramas.