Hiking the Dark Hollow Trail at Big Ridge State Park: A Journey into Tranquility

Big Ridge State Park, located about 25 miles north of Knoxville, is known for its serene woodland trails, picturesque lake views, and rich history. Among its many trails, the Dark Hollow Trail offers a peaceful and moderately challenging hike through the park’s dense forests and rolling hills. This 2.5-mile loop is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and explore the quiet beauty of East Tennessee.

The Experience

The Dark Hollow Trail begins near the park’s main trailhead and quickly takes you into the heart of Big Ridge’s woodlands. The trail meanders through a mix of hardwood forests and evergreen groves, with gentle inclines and well-maintained paths that make it accessible to hikers of all levels.

As you follow the trail, you’ll pass bubbling creeks, moss-covered rocks, and small clearings that feel like secret pockets of wilderness. Birdsong fills the air, and you may even spot deer, wild turkeys, or rabbits along the way. The trail loops around a section of the park’s rugged terrain, offering a mix of shaded hollows and open ridges.

The Dark Hollow Trail also has historical significance, as remnants of old homesteads and stone walls can be found along the path. These echoes of the past add an intriguing layer to the hike, reminding visitors of the generations who once called this land home.

Why Hike Here?

The Dark Hollow Trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and a touch of history. Its moderate length and peaceful atmosphere make it an excellent choice for both solo adventurers and families looking for an easy escape into nature.

What to Know

Trail Distance: 2.5-mile loop.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some gentle inclines and uneven terrain.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Insider Tips

Pack Light: Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy after rain.
Wildlife Watch: Early morning or late afternoon hikes offer the best chances to spot animals.
Extend Your Adventure: Combine the Dark Hollow Trail with other nearby routes, such as the Lake Trail or Ghost House Trail, for a longer hike.

Nearby Activities

Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s designated picnic areas overlooking Norris Lake.
Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake’s calm waters after your hike.
Learn about the area’s history at the park’s visitor center, which offers information about the local Appalachian heritage.

Hiking the Dark Hollow Trail at Big Ridge State Park is a peaceful and rejuvenating experience that showcases the natural beauty and quiet charm of East Tennessee. Whether you’re drawn by the scenic woodlands or the park’s rich history, this trail is a perfect way to connect with nature and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Kasey Loftis6 months ago

We stayed in the cabins here at Big Ridge and we enjoyed our stay, but there were a few things you really need to know before booking your stay. The pros: We personally loved the rustic-ness of the cabins and park, but that may not be for everyone. We loved the CCC history of the park. The cabins are in a great location and the ones that are on the lake have good access to just go down and fish. The swimming beach is so cool because it is completely concrete, so it's like a pool, but in the lake. I've never swam in a place like it. The woman that worked the desk in the VC was so nice and accommodating. She answered any questions we had and was just overall wonderful to talk to. There are a lot of things to do for the kids:hiking, fishing, swimming, playground, a small exercise place, volleyball court, basketball court, tennis court, and you can rent board games and puzzles and balls from the VC. The cons: the cabins are rustic, so that's a plus to some but a negative to others. They are super cheap though. But there is no TV and no WiFi in the park. The kitchen is TINY and two people can not be in there cooking at the same time, also no microwave. There were only 3 different pans also, so we had to cook things one at a time. Not many bowls or utensils either and the can opener was a no go. So in a way, it really was like glamping. Parking at the cabins is okay if you have one car, but if you bring two, you'll need to park one down the road in the overflow lot so other cabin visitors can have a spot too. The road is a one lane road with just pull offs, so you will have to make a 7 point turn to turn around. The cabins stayed booked. That isn't a problem for us as we don't mind the people or the noise, but some people may have an issue with it. You also will have a lot of stairs to walk all of your stuff up to the cabin. The website said 20 stairs but it was closer to 30. The day we were leaving, I had just woken up and just had walked outside when I saw the housekeepers coming up the stairs to our cabin. I overheard one say "I'm just going by the papers that they checked out early this morning." I never said to anyone or implied we would be leaving out early and had I walked out just 10 seconds later, they would have been coming in...which is fine. No big deal. But it did somewhat make me feel like we really needed to hurry. You cabin doesn't have it's own fire pit and you can't have fires inside the cabin. The cabins do have a grill but it was like right in the middle of the stairs, so it was a little awkward of a spot.

Sherry Claya year ago

Great park. So much to do. It's beautiful and peaceful. Clean bathrooms. It's a beautiful lake. We walked a short trail by the old mill and it was perfect with lots of shade and lake views.

Amanda Mueller6 months ago

We had a nice hike today and checked out the campground and cabins. The trails were very well marked but minimally maintained. They went through beautiful forest and beside the gorgeous green lake with markers at points of interest. Some of the trails we hiked were very overgrown (poison ivy reaching out everywhere!) and washed out with broken down bridges. It has been raining a lot in this area. Others were nice and dry and one went over the Big Ridge dam on a good sturdy bridge. There was a nice replica of the old grist mill that was originally on the site, a swimming area and a canoe and kayak rental place. The campground was not one we would stay at, the sites were all on top of each other, too crowded for our liking. The cabins looked basic and nice, some with a nice view of the lake. Overall a nice park with lots of great hiking trails. We will be back to explore more trails.

Jacklyn Schnieppa month ago

Started out foggy but trails were still easy to navigate. Neat to come across the two cemeteries and the ghost house while still in the fog. Gave the hike an extra little spooky season vibe. Fog cleared by the end and we got to see the water clearly. Beautiful hike all around. Elevation was moderate, nothing terrible but a little huffing and puffing. Parking was easy, bathroom was clean.

Sharon Rumley6 months ago

We had a wonderful time on the lake in the park. Beautiful views of the mountains. Little islands you could still and get off on. The water is clean and we enjoyed swimming.

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Hiking the Dark Hollow Trail at Big Ridge State Park: A Journey into Tranquility