Sewanee: Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

Sewanee combines extensive trails, prominent viewpoints and a distinctive cultural side. When planning your trip, the question is therefore less about visiting just one attraction and more about the daily rhythm you want: Should a longer hike take center stage, a bike ride along a historic route, an excursion to a viewpoint or a cultural visit? A holiday apartment or holiday home in Sewanee is a suitable base if you would like to incorporate these different facets of the area into your plans.

Hiking and cycling with different stages

The trail network includes more than 65 miles of hiking trails and firebreaks. During the day, these trails are open for hiking and mountain biking; authorized riders may also use them for equestrian activities. The Perimeter Trail is a 20-mile loop with varying levels of difficulty; you can take this information into account when planning.

In Sewanee Village, a section of the Perimeter Trail runs along the regional Rails-to-Trails project, the Mountain Goat Trail. The paved Mountain Goat Trail follows a disused railway line and allows for a six-mile bike ride to Monteagle. Those who prefer to travel on two wheels will therefore find a clearly described route here with its own historical connection.

Forests, water and sweeping views

One of the special nature destinations is Shakerag Hollow, a wooded area just outside Green's View that has remained almost untouched by people. Abbo's Alley invites you to take a walk along a stream. Bridges, a wooden pavilion and an inlaid labyrinth provide several specific points of interest along this trail.

The viewpoints also offer different highlights. Natural Bridge lies south of Sewanee and is a 25-foot-high natural sandstone arch with a span of 50 feet. From there, you can enjoy a viewpoint over Lost Cove. Point Disappointment offers a view of almost the entire Lost Cove, while a short trail leads to Memorial Cross, a prominent landmark with far-reaching views over the cliffs. You can include these destinations in your daily itinerary depending on the combination of landscape, trail and views you prefer.

Lake Cheston is a popular place among students for swimming, fishing and canoeing. There is vehicle access there for non-motorized boats. Access is reached by turning right from Cosby Lane at the sign marked “service vehicles and boat unloading.” Anyone bringing their own non-motorized boat should take this specific direction into account when planning.

Culture and history in Sewanee

All Saints' Chapel is open daily for personal prayer and quiet reflection; on weekdays, there is also a designated quiet hour at midday. Services in the Episcopal tradition are held there during the week. The annual Lessons and Carols service regularly brings up to 3,000 people per year to campus. The University Art Gallery presents four to five exhibitions in each academic year, complementing the area's sacred and historical character with a changing program of exhibitions.

The Sewanee Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is no longer used for fire observation. ATO Spring, sometimes still called Otey Spring, has played an important role in the history of the University of the South since its founding. Those interested in music will find more than 15,000 LPs and 20,000 compact discs in the William Ralston Listening Library.

The University Farm has polytunnel greenhouses with an organic garden and an aquaponics project, as well as laying hens, beehives and a herd of goats. The Sewanee Herbarium also produces brochures about common vascular plants, amphibians and birds. This allows you to shape your trip not only around individual attractions, but also around nature observation, landscapes and local educational offerings.

Choosing the right base

When looking for accommodation in Sewanee, one simple priority can help: first consider which experiences should define your trip, and then plan your daily routes and activities accordingly. Hiking enthusiasts can focus on the Perimeter Trail and the other trails, while cyclists can plan to use the Mountain Goat Trail. For travelers interested in culture, the Chapel, Gallery, Listening Library and the history of the University of the South offer distinct areas of focus. If you would like to open another destination page for your trip planning in addition to Sewanee, you can also view Decherd.

For the overarching travel overview: Franklin County.