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Franklin State Forest
10 reviews
4.5 of 5
The main trail that I know of runs along the bluff line and offers outstanding views of the valley below. From the trail that leaves from the forest office you will come to an intersection and you can ride either left or right. Either direction is an out and back singletrack. The trail to the left has the better singletrack but deadends after about 2 miles. The trail to the right is approximately 6 miles but contains some very technical sections. This section also crosses onto some doubletrack sections that can be included in your ride as well. If you stay above the bluff line your never that far from the hwy so explore a little.
I-24 to Monteagle, hwy 64 west to hwy 156, go south on 156 for approximately 5-6 miles to forestry office. Park in pull off in front of office, trail straight across hwy. Alternative trailhead is 2-3 miles down 156 at parking area on left (unmarked to my knowledge).
Summary: The trail directions are not correct, they should be "I-24 to Monteagle, hwy 41-A west to hwy 156". I also want to let every one know that we have built a new trail that runs from the south end trail head parking lot, around the west side of the forest and ties back into the Tom Pack Falls Trail to make a 19.5 mile loop when combined with the West Rim Trail. The first 4 miles of the new trail were built in 2004-2005, the last 6 miles were built 2006-2007 and some of this section needs weathering in. The 6 miles built this year is blazed with 2"x 6" plastic blazes. I have a new trail map that I hand out ot visitors when I am at the forest.
Recommended Route: Start at the Ranger's Station, (cabin), ride across the hwy, onto the Fern Trail, follow the faint white blazes, to Fern Creek, onto the double track, onto the single track at .6 miles, begine the West Rim trail, south to the trail head parking lot at 8 miles. Cross over hwy 156 and onto the Weast Side trail, follow the blazes.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Perimeter Trail at Sewanee, AEDC Trail near Tullahoma, Saint-Andrews-Sewanee race course at SAS School.
Summary: This trail just kicks ass,period.What a gorgeous place to ride with most of it being just a few feet from the ridgeline(west rim).I just rode it once but I definitely want to go back.I love the fact that not many people know about it.Watch out for the horses.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Signal Mountain
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Summary: These were the coolest trails I've been on. The West Rim Trail is so freakin pretty. A lot of this trail follows within a few feet from a ridge line, and has a couple of nice vantage points to stop at. When you eventually get to a fireroad, go to your left(I left my bike), about 50ft there is a cool chill spot under the rock face looking out over a waterfall. There were a couple of tough climbs for me, but most were doable. There is some fun technical stuff too, which made me glad I just bought a new helmet. This trail is a must, and I'm glad I made a detour to swing by.
Recommended Route: After entering at the trailhead keep hanging left, you'll come to a tight little section following a stream. To your left will be a bridge. I decided to skip this turn and keep going straight, eventually you'll come to some signs. Follow The west rim trail. That is what i did and it was the coolest trail I've rode on, there are plenty of other trails there, but I didn't have a map so I just went. I suggest you do the same.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Don't know. Stopped at the chickasaw trace on my way back through on I-65. It's not as cool as Franklin.
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Review Date November 23, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Aerobic Difficulty 3 of 5
Technical Difficulty 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: The Lone Clydesdale
,
Racer
Summary: Up on the Cumberland Plateau west of Chattanooga, fingers of creeks draining to the Tennessee River created hundreds of hollows, and the Plateau responds in kind, with rimming escarpments that total many hundreds of miles. There, Franklin-Marion State Forest straddles its namesake's county line and has a Boy Scout hiking trail open to bikes.
Webmaster Chris and I were part of a small group that checked out the 9-mile one way West Rim Trail that is out and back, providing two very cool perspectives. This is Tennessee plateau rake and ride in its glory, being passable in its sustainability by shallow side slopes and low usage. I did notice a few bench-cut sections, which I'd guess were from the Eagle Scout workdays. The trail head is easy to find, but the single-track breaks off inconspicuously, and in a manner that keeps ATV's off, at least the front end (some other jeep roads tie in along the way). Alternately smooth and flowing with some twists that are typical of hiking trails (i.e. pose no flow interruption for someone walking), the route resembles it sister trail up at Fall Creek Falls S.P., but offers stunning open views of the Sweeten Creek watershed. It includes awesome exposure when the trail comes within a few feet of dropoffs, most exceeding 150' freefall. When the trail comes to a tributary hollow, it typically turns up the contour but eventually makes a fall line drop to the stream. Here is where the trail throws the technical book at you. Surprisingly intact (illegal horses and dirt bikes and have tweaked some spots), these drops are not mudslides but killer rock gardens. A few are un-doable on a bike, and the rest make me applaud guys on hard tails, but if short technical descents, sketchy creek crossings, and steep climbs are your taste, this trail will flavor your mountain bike experience. We had a blast and were worn out after 18+ miles!
Recommended Route: From Chattanooga, off I-24 exit at South Pittsburg (U.S. 72) and go right, into town. Look for TN 156, a right turn just past the Bi-Lo. This goes straight up the mountain, and after about 10 miles you'll cross the forest boundary. Look for the West Rim trailhead shortly on the right. Starts on old rutted road, keep a close eye out for the white blazes.
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Review Date November 29, 2002
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Please Select
Reviewed by: J
, from M'Boro
Summary: I would really like to ride this trail. Could someone post directions on how to get there from Nash.(idiot proof) Appreciate it. Also is the trail open when wet.
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