The Hidden Challenge of Big Ridge Trail: A Lesser-Known Gem in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Quick Facts

• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty Level: Very Easy
• Route Type: Point to point
• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Overview

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path biking experience, Big Ridge Trail might be right up your alley. Located in the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, this 5-mile point-to-point trail offers its own set of challenges and delights, mainly due to its natural, lesser-maintained condition.

Getting There

To find this hidden trail, head north on Hixson Pike and make a right turn onto Gold Point Cir N. Follow the signs towards Chester Frost State Park. Take another right onto Ridge Bay Dr and follow it until you reach Gold Point Cir S. Take a quick right and then an immediate left onto Nelson Spur. Pass the yellow gate and all the houses; a small grassy area for parking will appear on your left. The trailhead is on your right and is fairly difficult to spot. Keep a lookout for it approximately 1/4 mile from the yellow gate.

Trail Description

Let's get one thing straight: This isn't your well-maintained, highly-trafficked trail. It's filled with downed trees, broken limbs, and ground covered in leaves and pine needles. That said, Big Ridge Trail has an untamed beauty that appeals to those who don't mind going off the trodden path.

Key Features:

• Surface: Ground covered in leaves and pine needles, making navigation trickier
• Obstacles: Lots of downed trees, especially about half a mile past the trailhead
• Alternate Routes: Multiple shoot-off trails, though some may lead to dead ends
• Riders: Mostly deserted, save for a handful of regulars
• Additional Factors: Some uphill sections and narrow paths due to ground cover

Tips and Recommendations

• Trail Conditions: With many downed trees and broken limbs, this is not a trail you can blaze through. Exercise caution.
• Navigation: Be prepared for shoot-off trails that could lead to dead ends. Having a GPS can be helpful.
• Community Effort: Given the condition of the trail, every effort to clear debris and maintain it is worthwhile. Bring a saw if you're feeling community-minded.
• Local Proximity: For Chattanooga residents, especially those living near Hixson Pike, this trail is just a stone's throw away.

Final Thoughts

Big Ridge Trail isn't for everyone. However, it does offer a unique riding experience for those willing to accept its challenges. With its close proximity to residential areas and untamed natural beauty, it holds the potential to become a well-loved local trail if the community can rally around its maintenance. Until then, it remains an adventurous option for those looking for something different.