Trail 26: Look Rock
Overview
This is a short but rewarding overlook hike that is just a moderate drive from Knoxville. The entire hike is paved — but the trail is steep. Start at a parking area with a very scenic overlook. The trail starts steep but then levels out. At the top is a tower that affords views of the Smokies as well as the Tennessee Valley and Knoxville. Clear days are more often found in the winter, spring, and fall (after the humidity drops). Consider coupling with a drive along the Foothills Parkway, or take visitors here after you pick them up from the airport in nearby Maryville, as we have with our parents! This is a fun family thike with littles that serve as a nice and usually not crowded introduction to the Smokies.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 30 minutes - 1 hour |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 0.6 |
| Elevation Change | Moderate |
| Pets | Not Allowed |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Required |
| Restroom(s) | No |
| Best Ages | Toddlers and Little Kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Partially accessible (paved but very steep) |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Look Rock Lower Overlook, 7210 Flats Rd, Tallassee, TN 37878
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.63099, -83.94083
The above address takes you to a large parking lot with a scenic overlook. Park, and look for the scenic overlook—the Murry Gap Overlook. From there, walk along the back of the parking lot, and then along a sidewalk. Cross the road to the Look Rock Trail to begin the hike.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start at the Murry Gap Overlook. |
| 0.15 | Cross the road to the Look Rock Trail. |
| 0.35 | Intersection. Turn left to continue on the Look Rock Trail. |
| 0.4 | Weather station to the right. Continue on the trail. |
| 0.5 | Reach the overlook. Climb the ramp to reach the top—and take a look in all directions! Return back down the ramp to return to the start. |
| 0.65 | Intersection. Turn right to return to the parking lot and trailead. |
| 1.0 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
- Visiting Abrams Creek. See the Abrams Creek hike for a nearby, lengthier expedition.
- Driving the Foothills Parkway. On the way to the trailhead for this hike, you briefly drove on the Foothills Parkway—Tennessee’s scenic parkway that receives far fewer visits than the well-known Blue Ridge Parkway. But this is an underrated road featuring scenic overlooks of the Smokies and limited traffic. Drive from here to Walland or Wears Valley and then turn back; or head home from there.