Enjoy 180° views of the Tennessee River Gorge via Snooper's Rock on this 6.2 mile hike. With such a close proximity to Chattanooga, Prentice Cooper State Forest can be crowded on nice weekends, and for good reason. This interesting trail passes several large rock formations while enjoying winter views of the river.

From the trailhead at the Cumberland Trail Parking Lot, cross Tower Drive that you drove in on, heading east. The trail travels gently downhill, crossing a dirt road at a third of a mile in. At half a mile in, head down the Stone Door, a narrow stairway between the crack in the rocks. At the bottom you'll reach the base of the large rock overhang of Indian Rockhouse.

Turn right along the Cumberland Trail, heading south. You'll make a few short steep ascents, but nothing too strenuous. Several points along the way will grant winter views of the Tennessee River, but will completely disappear in summer. Other than a minor split and immediate rejoin, the trail has no intersections until you arrive a Snooper's Rock.

At 3.1 miles the trail comes to a t-intersection. If you look to the left you'll see Snooper's Rock overlook. With vast views of the Tennessee River Gorge, Snooper's Rock is one of the best views in the area. Be warned, however, there is a much shorter hike from the Snooper's Rock trailhead making this a popular overlook on nice weekends.

If you still have some hiking left in the tank, continue on for a 9.3 mile hike along the Mullens Cove Loop. Otherwise, turn around and head back the way you came.