Trail 12: House Mountain
Overview
This hike is not for the faint of heart! Perhaps this comes as a surprise given its proximity to Knoxville, but this hike features significant elevation change, rocky and uneven terrain, and even sections where it is unclear where precisely the trail goes. If you have littles that need to be carried, we recommend waiting to tackle this hike (Katie carried our oldest in a baby carrier up this hike when he was a baby and will honestly tell you she doesn’t have fond memories of this hike). This one always challenges us, but the flip side is that House Mountain offers a hike that is very rewarding and challenging hike closer to home than you would expect. The trail climbs up House Mountain from the west, reaching the West Overlook before heading down to complete the loop.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 2.5 hours - 4.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 2.5 |
| Elevation Change | Steep |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | No |
| Best Ages | Pre-teens and older |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: House Mountain Parking and Trailhead, 463P+WV Corryton, Tennessee
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.10483, -83.76276
Park at the large parking area and look for the large covered picnic area. The Connector Trail near the picnic area tis where you’ll begin the hike.
A family of conifers recognizable by their needles, which usually grow in bundles, and their seeds, which develop in stiff cones—making them distinct from hemlocks, spruces, and firs.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start on the Connector Trail. |
| 0.1 | Turn left onto the West Overlook Trail and begin your ascent. |
| 0.85 | Rocky prominence. The trail changes here to the Crest Trail and flattens. |
| 1.25 | Reach the West Overlook. Continue on the Crest Trail. Optionally, this is a suitable turn-around spot. |
| 1.6 | Intersection with the East Overlook Trail. Turn right. |
| 1.7 | Steep descent. |
| 2.0 | Trail levels out, and the descent becomes more gradual and winding. |
| 2.3 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
- Spend some time at Zoo Knoxville on the way home. Zoo Knoxville (3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914) is accessible from I-40, on the way to House Mountain for those traveling from Knoxville or west of the city center, is a fantastic place to spend half a day (or longer)! It is one of our family’s favorite spots.