{ "response":{ "_metadata":{ "page":1, "per_page":50, "total_count":4, "links":{ "self":"https:\/\/compass.rootsrated.com\/tidal\/v1_0\/hkT4MAkiVX1pgVELKQc643D7\/content?page=1&per_page=50", "first":"https:\/\/compass.rootsrated.com\/tidal\/v1_0\/hkT4MAkiVX1pgVELKQc643D7\/content?page=1&per_page=50", "previous":null, "next":null, "last":"https:\/\/compass.rootsrated.com\/tidal\/v1_0\/hkT4MAkiVX1pgVELKQc643D7\/content?page=1&per_page=50" } }, "distributions":[ { "id":"oDw4fWkhjLsbJurxQ3UYVHVP", "content_id":"v5zUtM1aGNUHpToj8gf1vrwg", "title":"Pickett State Park", "rootsrated_url":"https:\/\/rootsrated.com\/knoxville-tn\/hiking\/pickett-state-park", "published_at":"2015-12-17T20:53:15Z", "updated_at":"2015-12-17T20:53:15Z", "author":{ "id":10132, "name":"Tim Hill" }, "content":{ "legacy_review":{ "full_content":"", "sections":{ } }, "review":{ "full_content":"

Intro<\/b><\/p>

Dark skies, miles of trails, sandstone natural wonders and small crowds make this Tennessee State Park the perfect staging ground for exploring the wilds of the Cumberland Plateau.<\/p>

What Makes It Great<\/b><\/p>

If you are interested in hiking for natural sandstone arches, rock houses, waterfalls and overlooks, Pickett State Park has the trail, or rather trails, for you. Between the trails within the park boundary itself, the surrounding state forest land and the adjacent Big South Fork Recreation Area, there are miles of trail to explore, connect and experience. Fortunately, the State Park has a campground, cabins and inn-style rooms available so you can establish base camp and check it all out. <\/p>

Straight out of the campground or picnic area, a network of trails can be linked together to build a loop around and through some of the most interesting sandstone features of the area. From behind the playground, take the Natural Bridge Trail over this disconcertingly thin arch. From the arch, connect to the Hazard Cave Trail to pass under this giant rock overhang. Take note of the peculiar \u201cCumberland Sandwort\u201d growing on the sandy floor of the cave and continue on, either taking the Lake View Trail for some great overviews along the bluff of Thompson Creek or take a longer loop along the Ridge Trail. <\/p>

Just past the main park entrance on the right is an inconspicuous trailhead for the Hidden Passage Trail. At approximately 8 miles in length, not including the mile detour to Double Falls, and with a mild elevation profile, the loop is certainly not one to miss out on. Taking the loop counterclockwise, you will scramble through \u201cthe passage\u201d, stop by the small, but pretty \u201cCrystal Falls\u201d, cross several grand overlooks of Thompson Creek canyon, skirt past dangerously abrupt cliff faces and wander through the secluded \u201cGroup Camp\u201d. The side trail to Double Falls, a two tiered waterfall surrounded by sandstone rock outcrops, is worth the extra little climb back up. <\/p>

On the way back south on Hwy 154, a large grass field welcomes you to the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. In 2015, Pogue Creek SNA and Pickett SP became certified dark sky viewing locations by the International Dark-Sky Association. The lack of light pollution in this corner of Tennessee makes that grass field the perfect stargazing spot! In addition, a short 1.5 mile hike out of the parking area leads to a stunning overlook of Pogue Creek Canyon. <\/p>

Who is Going to Love It<\/b><\/p>

The views across these tree blanketed canyons are spectacular. The erosion-resistant sandstone features are great to explore. The Cumberland Plateau is the canyon country of the East and the area in and around Pickett State Park is one of the best places to see it all. <\/p>

Hikers of all abilities will enjoy the trails of Pickett State Park. Most trails form loops and offer choices regarding length. Also, the low elevation profiles make these trails of the fairly less strenuous kind. Navigating the boulders around the rock houses requires some finesse, however, so don\u2019t overestimate your pace. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to slow you down as well.
<\/p>

Directions, Parking, & Regulations<\/b><\/p>

-Everything is located off HWY 154, north of Jamestown, TN. Heading north, first you pass the trailhead to Pogue Creek Canyon, then a few miles later the main park entrance and a mile or so further the trailhead to the Hidden Passage loop.<\/p>

-Most park trails have several access points, but most can be started at the picnic\/beach area.<\/p>

-Tennessee State Park Rules apply <\/p>", "sections":{ "introduction":{ "title":"Intro", "body":"

Dark skies, miles of trails, sandstone natural wonders and small crowds make this Tennessee State Park the perfect staging ground for exploring the wilds of the Cumberland Plateau.<\/p>" }, "what_makes_it_great":{ "title":"What Makes It Great", "body":"

If you are interested in hiking for natural sandstone arches, rock houses, waterfalls and overlooks, Pickett State Park has the trail, or rather trails, for you. Between the trails within the park boundary itself, the surrounding state forest land and the adjacent Big South Fork Recreation Area, there are miles of trail to explore, connect and experience. Fortunately, the State Park has a campground, cabins and inn-style rooms available so you can establish base camp and check it all out. <\/p>

Straight out of the campground or picnic area, a network of trails can be linked together to build a loop around and through some of the most interesting sandstone features of the area. From behind the playground, take the Natural Bridge Trail over this disconcertingly thin arch. From the arch, connect to the Hazard Cave Trail to pass under this giant rock overhang. Take note of the peculiar \u201cCumberland Sandwort\u201d growing on the sandy floor of the cave and continue on, either taking the Lake View Trail for some great overviews along the bluff of Thompson Creek or take a longer loop along the Ridge Trail. <\/p>

Just past the main park entrance on the right is an inconspicuous trailhead for the Hidden Passage Trail. At approximately 8 miles in length, not including the mile detour to Double Falls, and with a mild elevation profile, the loop is certainly not one to miss out on. Taking the loop counterclockwise, you will scramble through \u201cthe passage\u201d, stop by the small, but pretty \u201cCrystal Falls\u201d, cross several grand overlooks of Thompson Creek canyon, skirt past dangerously abrupt cliff faces and wander through the secluded \u201cGroup Camp\u201d. The side trail to Double Falls, a two tiered waterfall surrounded by sandstone rock outcrops, is worth the extra little climb back up. <\/p>

On the way back south on Hwy 154, a large grass field welcomes you to the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. In 2015, Pogue Creek SNA and Pickett SP became certified dark sky viewing locations by the International Dark-Sky Association. The lack of light pollution in this corner of Tennessee makes that grass field the perfect stargazing spot! In addition, a short 1.5 mile hike out of the parking area leads to a stunning overlook of Pogue Creek Canyon. <\/p>" }, "who_is_going_to_love_it":{ "title":"Who is Going to Love It", "body":"

The views across these tree blanketed canyons are spectacular. The erosion-resistant sandstone features are great to explore. The Cumberland Plateau is the canyon country of the East and the area in and around Pickett State Park is one of the best places to see it all. <\/p>

Hikers of all abilities will enjoy the trails of Pickett State Park. Most trails form loops and offer choices regarding length. Also, the low elevation profiles make these trails of the fairly less strenuous kind. Navigating the boulders around the rock houses requires some finesse, however, so don\u2019t overestimate your pace. There will be plenty of photo opportunities to slow you down as well.
<\/p>" }, "directions_parking_regulations":{ "title":"Directions, Parking, & Regulations", "body":"

-Everything is located off HWY 154, north of Jamestown, TN. Heading north, first you pass the trailhead to Pogue Creek Canyon, then a few miles later the main park entrance and a mile or so further the trailhead to the Hidden Passage loop.<\/p>

-Most park trails have several access points, but most can be started at the picnic\/beach area.<\/p>

-Tennessee State Park Rules apply <\/p>" } } } }, "descriptors":{ "difficulty":{ "title":"Difficulty", "value":2, "qualifier":"" }, "time_to_complete":{ "title":"Time To Complete", "value":{ "value":5, "unit":"hours" }, "unit":"hours", "qualifier":"Approximate time for completing the Hidden Passage Loop. Other trails vary depending on chosen connections and length." }, "distance":{ "title":"Distance", "value":{ "value":8, "unit":"miles" }, "unit":"miles", "qualifier":"Distance of Hidden Passage Loop. Other trails vary from 1.5 to 3 miles and can be connected." }, "seasonality":{ "title":"Seasonality", "value":[ "spring", "summer", "fall" ], "qualifier":"" }, "land_website":{ "title":"Land Website", "value":"http:\/\/tnstateparks.com\/parks\/about\/pickett", "qualifier":"" }, "topo_map":{ "title":"Topo Map", "value":"", "qualifier":"" }, "fees_permit":{ "title":"Fees Permit", "value":false, "qualifier":"" }, "dog_friendly":{ "title":"Dog Friendly", "value":"yes", "qualifier":"" }, "destination_highlights":{ "title":"Destination Highlights", "value":[ "most_of_a_day", "weekend_trip", "good_for_beginners", "good_for_experts", "great_for_families", "great_for_dogs", "waterfalls", "panoramic_views", "swimming_hole" ], "qualifier":"" } }, "images":{ "feature":{ "api_id":409815, "title":"Fall on the Hidden Passage Trail", "alt":"Fall on the Hidden Passage Trail", "caption":"", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Tim Hill", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_cinema\/409828-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399243", "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/409827-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399243", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/409826-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399243", "small_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_cinema\/409825-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399243", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/409824-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399243", "small_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_square\/409823-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/409822-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "medium_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_cinema\/409821-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/409820-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "medium_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_natural\/409819-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "large_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_cinema\/409818-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "large_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_traditional\/409817-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242", "large_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_natural\/409816-pickett-state-park-feature.JPG?1444399242" } }, "gallery":[ { "api_id":409829, "title":"Arch over Thompson Creek", "alt":"Arch over Thompson Creek", "caption":"", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Desen Ozkan", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/409836-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399252", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/409835-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399252", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/409834-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399252", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/409833-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399251", "medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/409832-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399251", "medium_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_natural\/409831-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399251", "large_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_natural\/409830-pickett-state-park-gallery.jpg?1444399251" } } ] }, "seo":{ "meta_title":"Pickett State Park", "meta_description":"Dark skies, miles of trails, sandstone natural wonders and small crowds make this Tennessee State Park the perfect staging ground for exploring the wilds of the Cumberland Plateau. " }, "segments":{ "activities":[ { "id":"yhgqFm6xN8b7KfikRdCpWdSv", "api_id":3, "title":"Hiking" } ], "geo":[ { "id":"sxXESwNjpYDEkZaDZLwBPDiB", "api_id":4235, "title":"Pickett State Park", "city":{ "id":"G6tjU1sdJfsBdXfu1npeLjbs", "api_id":2, "name":"Knoxville", "coordinates":{ "latitude":35.970875, "longitude":-83.946479 }, "state":{ "id":"y4jo5SLQYGk6FsEHALpgtmQ9", "api_id":43, "name":"Tennessee", "iso3166":"TN", "region":{ "id":"BfScrRHa5W11unLeZ1ZmAVGR", "api_id":1, "name":"Southeast" } } } } ], "personas":[ ] }, "snippet":"rr('track', 'setArticleContext', 'oDw4fWkhjLsbJurxQ3UYVHVP', 'v5zUtM1aGNUHpToj8gf1vrwg');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'activity', 'Activity', 'yhgqFm6xN8b7KfikRdCpWdSv');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'Region', 'BfScrRHa5W11unLeZ1ZmAVGR');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'State', 'y4jo5SLQYGk6FsEHALpgtmQ9');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'City', 'G6tjU1sdJfsBdXfu1npeLjbs');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'Destination', 'sxXESwNjpYDEkZaDZLwBPDiB')", "meta":{ "template":"Experience" } }, { "id":"AMJ5K6EUfUsWYNyCjCSYjBmM", "content_id":"88adQEBLESFPUcZ5GirV9nZ8", "title":"Cumberland Gap National Historic Park", "rootsrated_url":"https:\/\/rootsrated.com\/knoxville-tn\/backpacking-camping\/cumberland-gap-national-historic-park", "published_at":"2015-12-17T20:59:47Z", "updated_at":"2015-12-17T20:59:47Z", "author":{ "id":10132, "name":"Tim Hill" }, "content":{ "legacy_review":{ "full_content":"", "sections":{ } }, "review":{ "full_content":"

Intro<\/b><\/p>

In the late 18th<\/sup> and early 19th<\/sup> century, thousands of settlers passed through the Cumberland Gap in search of a new life in the seemingly boundless wilderness of the then-newly established United States. Now, the famous Gap is a small and relatively unknown National Monument nestled in the corner of three states. Miles of mountain laurel-lined ridgeline, a giant sand cave, and several grand overlooks await the next generation of explorers. <\/p>

What Makes It Great<\/b><\/p>

Cumberland Gap National Park runs along a 26 mile stretch of Cumberland Mountain and ties in the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. A 21 mile, aptly named, Ridge Trail extends from end to end of the park along the top ridgeline with several side trails dropping off the north and south side along the way.<\/p>

The best way to experience the park is to either set up an overnight shuttle from the Visitor Center to the Ewing Trailhead or plan an out-and-back backpack along the Ridge Trail. Several backcountry sites dot the trail to vary your trip. From the base of Cumberland Mountain to the top requires a stiff climb. For either route, the Thomas Walker Trail to the Pinnacles on one end or the Ewing Trail to White Rocks on the other, think ascending 1500 ft in about 3 miles. <\/p>

To the modern eye the \u201cSaddle of the Gap\u201d, where so many Americans once passed through on their way to the new frontier, appears as a simple clearing in the woods, hardly distinguishable except for a small wooden sign marking the spot. Take a side trip up to the Tri-State Peak and stand at the intersection of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia as well as the northern terminus of Tennessee\u2019s Cumberland Trail State Park (one day planned to extend all the way to Chattanooga). <\/p>

Return and finish the ascent to the Pinnacle Overlook. From this impressive view, consider the significance of that modest gap to wagon loaded travelers heading to start a new life.<\/p>

If you only have time for a day-trip, start at the Ewing Trailhead and head up the mountain for the views at White Rocks (overlooking the rolling farmland of southwest Virginia) and then to explore the depths of the Sand Cave (a massive rock house with an oddly sandy flooring). <\/p>

Who is Going to Love It<\/b><\/p>

Day hikers, backpackers, equestrians, trail runners and just about everyone in between. Many of the trails are open for horse as well as foot traffic. Numerous trailheads allow for varying trip itineraries. The Wilderness Road Campground in VA has plenty of sites for an overnight stay as well. Check out the Henley Settlement or tour the Gap Cave for a less strenuous side adventure.<\/p>

Directions, Parking, & Regulations<\/b><\/p>

There are several ways to access the park from Knoxville. Either head up I-75 to Exit 134 in Caryville and take Hwy 63 North through the Powell Valley or veer off Hwy 441 in Halls to Hwy 33 and wind up through Union County.<\/p>

Trailheads exist at the Visitor Center (follow signs after crossing into Kentucky through the tunnel), at the Wilderness Road Campground off Hwy 58 and at the Civic Park in Ewing.<\/p>

Usual National Park regulations apply, except that dogs are allowed on leash. <\/p>", "sections":{ "introduction":{ "title":"Intro", "body":"

In the late 18th<\/sup> and early 19th<\/sup> century, thousands of settlers passed through the Cumberland Gap in search of a new life in the seemingly boundless wilderness of the then-newly established United States. Now, the famous Gap is a small and relatively unknown National Monument nestled in the corner of three states. Miles of mountain laurel-lined ridgeline, a giant sand cave, and several grand overlooks await the next generation of explorers. <\/p>" }, "what_makes_it_great":{ "title":"What Makes It Great", "body":"

Cumberland Gap National Park runs along a 26 mile stretch of Cumberland Mountain and ties in the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. A 21 mile, aptly named, Ridge Trail extends from end to end of the park along the top ridgeline with several side trails dropping off the north and south side along the way.<\/p>

The best way to experience the park is to either set up an overnight shuttle from the Visitor Center to the Ewing Trailhead or plan an out-and-back backpack along the Ridge Trail. Several backcountry sites dot the trail to vary your trip. From the base of Cumberland Mountain to the top requires a stiff climb. For either route, the Thomas Walker Trail to the Pinnacles on one end or the Ewing Trail to White Rocks on the other, think ascending 1500 ft in about 3 miles. <\/p>

To the modern eye the \u201cSaddle of the Gap\u201d, where so many Americans once passed through on their way to the new frontier, appears as a simple clearing in the woods, hardly distinguishable except for a small wooden sign marking the spot. Take a side trip up to the Tri-State Peak and stand at the intersection of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia as well as the northern terminus of Tennessee\u2019s Cumberland Trail State Park (one day planned to extend all the way to Chattanooga). <\/p>

Return and finish the ascent to the Pinnacle Overlook. From this impressive view, consider the significance of that modest gap to wagon loaded travelers heading to start a new life.<\/p>

If you only have time for a day-trip, start at the Ewing Trailhead and head up the mountain for the views at White Rocks (overlooking the rolling farmland of southwest Virginia) and then to explore the depths of the Sand Cave (a massive rock house with an oddly sandy flooring). <\/p>" }, "who_is_going_to_love_it":{ "title":"Who is Going to Love It", "body":"

Day hikers, backpackers, equestrians, trail runners and just about everyone in between. Many of the trails are open for horse as well as foot traffic. Numerous trailheads allow for varying trip itineraries. The Wilderness Road Campground in VA has plenty of sites for an overnight stay as well. Check out the Henley Settlement or tour the Gap Cave for a less strenuous side adventure.<\/p>" }, "directions_parking_regulations":{ "title":"Directions, Parking, & Regulations", "body":"

There are several ways to access the park from Knoxville. Either head up I-75 to Exit 134 in Caryville and take Hwy 63 North through the Powell Valley or veer off Hwy 441 in Halls to Hwy 33 and wind up through Union County.<\/p>

Trailheads exist at the Visitor Center (follow signs after crossing into Kentucky through the tunnel), at the Wilderness Road Campground off Hwy 58 and at the Civic Park in Ewing.<\/p>

Usual National Park regulations apply, except that dogs are allowed on leash. <\/p>" } } } }, "descriptors":{ "difficulty":{ "title":"Difficulty", "value":4, "qualifier":"Steep climb up Cumberland Mountain" }, "time_to_complete":{ "title":"Time To Complete", "value":{ "value":5.5, "unit":"hours" }, "unit":"hours", "qualifier":"Estimated time for day trip from Ewing Trailhead to Sand Cave\/White Rocks" }, "distance":{ "title":"Distance", "value":{ "value":8, "unit":"miles" }, "unit":"miles", "qualifier":"Round Trip from Ewing Trailhead to Sand Cave\/White Rocks" }, "seasonality":{ "title":"Seasonality", "value":[ "spring", "summer", "fall", "winter" ], "qualifier":"In late Spring\/early Summer go to check out the blooming mountain laurel" }, "land_website":{ "title":"Land Website", "value":"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cuga\/index.htm", "qualifier":"Cumberland Mountain" }, "topo_map":{ "title":"Topo Map", "value":"", "qualifier":"" }, "fees_permit":{ "title":"Fees Permit", "value":false, "qualifier":"" }, "dog_friendly":{ "title":"Dog Friendly", "value":"yes", "qualifier":"One of the few National Parks that are dog friendly" }, "destination_highlights":{ "title":"Destination Highlights", "value":[ "most_of_a_day", "weekend_trip", "good_for_beginners", "good_for_experts", "great_for_families", "great_for_dogs", "panoramic_views" ], "qualifier":"" } }, "images":{ "feature":{ "api_id":419166, "title":"Sand Cave", "alt":"Sand Cave", "caption":"", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Gabrielle Cantor", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_cinema\/419179-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616581", "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/419178-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616581", 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"medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/419171-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616579", "medium_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_natural\/419170-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616579", "large_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_cinema\/419169-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616579", "large_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_traditional\/419168-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616579", "large_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/large_natural\/419167-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-feature.jpg?1445616579" } }, "gallery":[ { "api_id":419188, "title":"Sand Cave", "alt":"Sand Cave", "caption":"", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Tim Hill", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/419195-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616583", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/419194-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616583", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/419193-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616582", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/419192-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616582", "medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/419191-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616582", "medium_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_natural\/419190-cumberland-gap-national-historic-park-gallery.jpg?1445616582", 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It may be billed as the most wonderful time of the year, but for ski-loving Salt Lake City locals, the holidays can also be, well, not so wonderful, thanks to the tourist crowds that flood the town and slopes\u00a0from now through early 2016.<\/p>\n\n

And while we can't blame the resorts, who rely on this influx of tourist dollars to turn a profit, we can grumble a little bit.<\/p>\n\n

Even so,\u00a0there\u2019s no reason for locals to be left out in the cold if we\u2019re just a little strategic about our plans to get in some turns this holiday season. Late December and early January tend to attract generous snowstorms, so you won\u2019t want to miss the powder plunder.<\/p>\n\n

Over years of careful research, we've learned a thing of two about how to not only survive the holidays at Utah ski resorts, but how to thrive\u2014and score some fresh turns and tourist-free apr\u00e8s in the process. Here's all the intel you need to know.\n

1. Know which crowds are going where (and avoid them).<\/h2>\n
\"\"
General rule of thumb: The more people you see doing this, the further away you should be. Roderick Eime<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>While the Park City and Deer Valley resorts are usually jolly good fun, this is just not the time of year for a local to venture that way. These resorts draw huge crowds from near and far during the holidays, so lift lines can skyrocket and you\u2019ll probably end up parking a mile away. (Ever walked a mile on asphalt in alpine boots? You won\u2019t do it twice.)<\/p>\n\n

The Cottonwood resorts are slightly mellower, although Snowbird<\/a> attracts quite a few tourists with its vast on-site lodging, so plan on a Tram waiting line of theme-park proportions. Brighton brings all the local families and teens to its slopes thanks to moderate prices and a kid-friendly ski school.<\/p>\n\n

For a real golden-ticket idea, head north to Snowbasin<\/a> or Powder Mountain<\/a>, both of which offer top-notch skiing and have minimal lodging options (hence few holiday tourists). Yeah, you\u2019ll drive 45-60 minutes to get up there, but it's well worth a joyful day of snow shenanigans minus the tourists. Powder Mountain is best for minimal\u00a0crowds, while Snowbasin is ideal\u00a0if you perk up at the idea of gourmet dining\u00a0and chandeliers in the bathrooms.\n

2. Get smart about where you apr\u00e8s (hint: not up-canyon).<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Apres is extra-awesome without the holiday crowds. Matt Brown<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>There are few pleasures as great as skiing right to the resort bar, peeling off your ice-caked helmet and wet gloves, and sitting down for a nice hot plate of unnaturally colored nachos and a pitcher of beer.<\/p>\n\n

That is, normally, <\/em>it\u2019s one of the finer pleasures in life. But when you\u2019re competing with throngs of people clamoring\u00a0for colorful cocktails, all of a sudden your favorite bartender is torn in too many directions for anyone to have fun.<\/p>\n\n

Face it: From December 20 to January 3, your resort bar kinda isn\u2019t your own. So hop directly in your car and mosey down to the valley (beating the apr\u00e8s traffic) for beers and warm platters of carbohydrates at the Porcupine, Lone Star Taqueria, or Bombay House, all of which are within minutes of the Cottonwood Canyons. You\u2019ll skip the crowds, enjoy all-star culinary delights, and sip your preferred beverage in peace, all while toasting your brilliance and plotting how to\u00a0beat the crowds again tomorrow.\n

3. Be the early bird.<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Plan it right, and you may just be able to snag first tracks. Beth Lopez<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>
Normally we spoiled Salt Lakers show up at the resort at whatever time we feel like it. But not this time of the year. To stay ahead of the lumbering masses, show up a few minutes before first chair. Instead of wasting precious time on breakfast, throw a Thermos of coffee and granola bar\u00a0in your pack and wolf them down while you wait.<\/figure>
Showing up early is an effective strategy for a couple of reasons: Tourists with kids have a really hard time getting out the door early (it\u2019s tragicomic to watch two parents trying to get three kids to carry their own skis to the lift), and those\u00a0sans\u00a0kids are often\u00a0nursing a little case of the bottle flu (see aforementioned colorful drinks under the apr\u00e8s section). So beat them to it and enjoy an hour or two of serene schussing on the slopes.<\/figure>\n

4. Don't get sucked into the\u00a0resort parking derby.<\/h2>\n
\"\"
The bus can save a lot of parking hassles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>Repeat after us: \"The ski bus is my\u00a0friend.\" The underutilized UTA ski bus<\/a> is included with most resort passes, so not only can you go to the resort in peace but you can go for free. <\/em>If you don\u2019t have a season pass, it costs just a few dollars. Well worth avoiding the parking crowds\u2014in fact, the bus drops you off right up front, so you can thumb your nose at all the parking-lot schleppers sliding around on the ice.<\/p>\n\n

You can leave from the mouth of either canyon or various points around town. You can even go to Powder Mountain and Snowbasin these days. You'll have to decode the route names, but you can clearly see which buses go to which resort\u00a0and\u00a0what part of town they leave from.\n

5. Don't even bother with resort lunch.<\/h2>\n
\"\"
While everyone else is wasting time with lunch in a crowded lodge, you're wolfing a sandwich and enjoying fewer crowds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>We know your dirty little secret: Chili cheese (cheez?) fries assembled from frozen Sysco ingredients are a ridiculously satisfying ski lunch. (We know your secret because we share this love.)<\/p>\n\n

But, if the resort is slammed, you\u2019ll perish of hunger before you ever get to the front of the everlasting line. So don\u2019t Donner-party it: Bring your own lunch.<\/p>\n\n

There may be nowhere to sit inside the restaurant (although if you peek inside you\u2019ll observe many hapless ski-dads out of their seats, chasing their runny-nosed kids with overflowing trays of food, picking up dropped gloves and goggles along the way).\u00a0As an alternative to participating in the culinary circus, simply plan to chow down in your\u00a0car or on the lift. Knowing you might be eating on the move, pack accordingly. A sandwich in your pocket will go a long way, and a Thermos of mac\u2019n\u2019cheese can literally save your life.<\/p>\n\n

Good luck out there this holiday season\u2014and as always, if a non-local asks where they should go, say Park City.<\/p>", "sections":{ } } }, "descriptors":{ }, "images":{ "feature":{ "api_id":450959, "title":"2015_12_5499460319_039cc2d571_b.jpg", "alt":"2015_12_5499460319_039cc2d571_b.jpg", "caption":"Oskar Karlin", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Oskar Karlin", "credit_url":"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/oskarlin\/5499460319\/in\/photolist-9nYaXn-9zTpuy-64qLyj-9o2kzf-9rgNST-9aXJUW-9aUM5B-9aUDKH-9aUbsK-h4Qg8X-4CcCpw-cm5iV-69NPiJ-9aUwdk-9aUyYk-9aXkt7-9aXvhf-9aXM85-9aUsPz-9aXGP5-9aXbPs-6eEnKS-bcq9VR-9o2jwJ-bmp6Eq-i5gMt1-pUodx9-bxhWcV-ayYpfc-9aXxA7-hSaxob-9ofCQi-7v4Vpj-9aXLRh-9aXKas-beL5Ep-4FeC6b-Erdz2-i5hNPn-hSazbN-7BptHG-7v15hp-9aXHzC-9aUqi2-95obe-7v4QL1-9aUmBk-9aXkKS-9hriH-9aTDp4" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_cinema\/450972-how-to-survive-the-holidays-at-utah-ski-resorts-feature.jpg?1450959750", 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Crowded slopes. Overrun bars and restaurants. Here's your guide to surviving the holidays at Utah ski resorts." }, "segments":{ "activities":[ { "id":"1SJtTav3FMzSzHPDRC6CaVqG", "api_id":12, "title":"Skiing & Snowboarding" } ], "geo":[ { "id":"9WvrxHp9sLWiohPVGLuAtXM8", "api_id":4, "name":"Salt Lake City", "coordinates":{ "latitude":40.777849, "longitude":-111.931221 }, "state":{ "id":"1fbrGzyLGcqLXGUrg9YAxhpF", "api_id":45, "name":"Utah", "iso3166":"UT", "region":{ "id":"24oSeJ56hKGVEVP2XQXG23YU", "api_id":3, "name":"Mountain" } } } ], "personas":[ { "id":"LWzh4TbNEE6kkg4F3UN8QDPw", "title":"Outdoor Native", "description":"Getting outside has been key to the lifestyle of The Outdoor Native for some time and will continue\n to be in the future. They are getting outside as much for the mental benefits as the physical ones \u2013\n motivated by enjoyment and the experience. A desire for competition is lesser than the intrinsic\n motivation to improve their own performance in their activities. The Outdoor Native balances\n leisurely, family-oriented activities with some of their personal passions in traditional activities. They\n aren\u2019t as into stylish gear and would rather have something that is functional and high quality. " }, { "id":"AwjcrYHLR3PXcWtREi1h1aov", "title":"Urban Athlete", "description":"The Urban Athlete is getting outside, likely not from an inherent love of the outdoors, but rather to do\n activities they enjoy. With many in urban environments, they have a less traditional definition of the\n outdoors \u2013 just as inclusive of parks and basketball courts as mountains and lakes. They have\n significant barriers to increasing engagement \u2013 feeling tight on time, being far from outdoor places,\n preferring indoor comforts, and having little exposure to more traditional outdoor activities. Many grew\n up in team sports and are very active and competitive. They are highly style-conscious, often favoring\n athletic wear, and bringing this apparel into their outdoor activities." }, { "id":"h4cJQdHQv9C6tE6S4dbudUnx", "title":"Aspirational Core", "description":"The Aspirational Core is aspirationally outdoorsy. They turn to the outdoors for adventure, which\n may take them farther from home. This may not be realistic in their everyday life, but it may warrant\n an annual ski trip. Rather than participating in a large range of activities, they focus on improving\n their performance in a select few. They do feel they need good gear, but are open to relying on\n rentals. They favor athletic and fashion brands slightly more than traditional outdoor brands." } ] }, "snippet":"rr('track', 'setArticleContext', 'q9i1mm1c23S7NvFFBNqdqL3c', '97gF362DFYKG8FaHPMBeHPjk');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'activity', 'Activity', '1SJtTav3FMzSzHPDRC6CaVqG');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'Region', '24oSeJ56hKGVEVP2XQXG23YU');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'State', '1fbrGzyLGcqLXGUrg9YAxhpF');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'geo', 'City', '9WvrxHp9sLWiohPVGLuAtXM8');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'persona', 'Persona', 'LWzh4TbNEE6kkg4F3UN8QDPw');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'persona', 'Persona', 'AwjcrYHLR3PXcWtREi1h1aov');rr('track', 'setSegmentContext', 'persona', 'Persona', 'h4cJQdHQv9C6tE6S4dbudUnx')", "meta":{ "template":"Story" } }, { "id":"WWHGd2twZJRMY7q3TXynkNZg", "content_id":"3u1isB3SVAWzzcXzE6geyqAe", "title":"Chilhowee Recreation Area - Mountain Biking", "rootsrated_url":"https:\/\/rootsrated.com\/chattanooga-tn\/mountain-biking\/chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking", "published_at":"2015-12-24T03:05:10Z", "updated_at":"2015-12-24T03:05:10Z", "author":{ "id":10589, "name":"Jeff Bartlett" }, "content":{ "legacy_review":{ "full_content":"", "sections":{ } }, "review":{ "full_content":"

Intro<\/b><\/p>

The trails at the Chilhowee Recreation Area have been around for a long time. They existed long before anyone started riding mountain bikes in the woods in this part of the world, and when mountain biking caught on the Forest Service was quick to designate them as open to bikes.<\/p>

It\u2019s mostly old, twisty, hand-built singletrack connected by short stretches of abandoned logging road. Start at the Clemmer Trailhead, next to Parksville Lake, and you\u2019ll start your ride with a long climb but reap the downhill rewards on your way back to the car.<\/span><\/p>

For many years, this was one of the only places to ride MTB near Chattanooga, and despite the singletrack renaissance which has brought many miles of modern purpose-built trail to the region it\u2019s still a great place to go ride.<\/span><\/p>

What Makes It Great<\/b><\/p>

The Cherokee National Forest isn\u2019t known for mountain biking; between the various wilderness areas, the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, few of the thousands of miles of trails in this part of Tennessee actually allow mountain bikes. Yet Chilhowee is a hidden gem, as worthy of a visit as the well-known neighboring Tanasi<\/a> \/ Brush Creek trails at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.<\/p>

We recommend parking at the Clemmer Trailhead, at the foot of the mountain, then beginning your ride by climbing all the way up the Clemmer Trail to the first signed junction. Here, take a left to continue onto the Slickrock Laurel Loop and climb until it merges with an old forest road; stay to the right here, then take a sharp left at the sign onto the Slickrock Hancock Loop.<\/p>

The trail turns to singletrack here, with some steep sections, and you\u2019ll reach the high point of your climb at about the 4 mile mark. Continue on a fun, rocky downhill until you reach a grassy road, then take a right and follow the road to a clearing.<\/p>

Once at Benton Falls, you have a couple of options. First, we highly recommend walking your bike down to the falls themselves if you\u2019ve never been. Those who prefer a shorter ride can cruise back to Clemmer and blast downhill from there, returning to the vehicle the way you came. If you still have some leg remaining, take a left and ride out to the campground, then cross the parking lot and hop onto Azalea at the sign. Ride Azalea to its conclusion and follow the Clear Creek Trail from there until you reach the T-junction.<\/p>

One more decision to make. Do you want to ride down the gorge and back up the other side on Rim Rock, then finish with Clemmer, or do you want to drop off the eastern brow of the mountain on the Clear Creek Trail? If the former, take a right and get to it. Rim Rock heads straight back to the Benton Falls Trail, with a picturesque creek crossing at the bottom. A left brings you back to Clemmer; add in the Rim Rock Spur loop (on your left) if you want one more quick hit of narrow singletrack.<\/p>

If you prefer the Clear Creek route: Clear Creek involves a steep climb, a few fun rock gardens, some seriously gnarly and technical terrain that will have most riders walking a short stretch or two, then some fast-and-loose descending with a couple of wide creek crossings at the bottom. It\u2019s wonderful, but it\u2019s for advanced riders only. Proceed with caution!<\/p>

From this clearing, there are three ways to go: far left is the upper part of the Naked Widow loop, middle is the lower part of Naked Widow, and the far right-hand option is the conclusion of the Hancock Loop. All three are fun, and the middle option is the rockiest and most technical. Both sides of Naked Widow intersect with Benton Falls; Hancock returns to a forest road, and you\u2019ll need to go left and ride downhill a bit longer before reaching the Benton Falls Trail. At the end of the trail, you\u2019ll intersect highway 30. Take a right, follow the pavement past the Parksville Lake Campground, and you\u2019ll find yourself right back at the parking lot.<\/p>

Who is Going to Love It<\/b><\/p>

Chilhowee is a bit of a time capsule. It harkens back to a time when trails were hand-built and mountain bikes had 26\u201d wheels. Beginners with the right attitude will have fun here, but expect soaring heart rates and the occasional short hike-a-bike. There is a sort of \u201cWestern North Carolina\u201d feel to these trails, from the thick bands of rhododendron and mountain laurel to the Pisgah-esque feel here and there.<\/p>

Who will like it? Anyone who likes riding on raw, old-school trail without buffed grade reversals and bermed turns. A mile away from either trailhead, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re the only person in the forest, an experience which is difficult to replicate at any of the trail systems in town.<\/p>

Endurance riders will find no shortage of gravel forest roads to link with the trail system here, most notably the long slog from the campground north to Oswald Dome where encountering traffic is relatively rare. <\/p>

Directions, Parking, & Regulations<\/b><\/p>

From Chattanooga, take I-75 north to exit 20 and take a right onto highway 64. Stay on 64, following signs for the Ocoee River. After passing Rock\/Creek on your right and entering the forest, you\u2019ll skirt the edge of Parksville Lake \/ Lake Ocoee.<\/p>

Do NOT follow signs for the \u201cChilhowee Recreation Area\u201d unless you intend to drive 7 miles up to the top of the mountain and start from the campground. Instead, to reach the Clemmer Trailhead (as described above), drive a little further. You\u2019ll take a left onto highway 30 toward the Parksville Lake Campground, and the gravel trailhead parking lot will appear immediately on your left.<\/p>

Please be respectful of hikers, the vast majority of whom will be accessing Benton Falls from the campground atop the mountain or will be parking at Clemmer in order to hike the Scenic Spur Trail to hike to Rainbow Falls (Rattlesnake Falls). Also, please DO NOT MODIFY any trail features. One of the best rock gardens at Chilhowee was recently chopped and dismantled by a visiting mountain biker, gone forever. These are not beginner-level flow trails; if that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for, Chilhowee is probably not for you.<\/p>", "sections":{ "introduction":{ "title":"Intro", "body":"

The trails at the Chilhowee Recreation Area have been around for a long time. They existed long before anyone started riding mountain bikes in the woods in this part of the world, and when mountain biking caught on the Forest Service was quick to designate them as open to bikes.<\/p>

It\u2019s mostly old, twisty, hand-built singletrack connected by short stretches of abandoned logging road. Start at the Clemmer Trailhead, next to Parksville Lake, and you\u2019ll start your ride with a long climb but reap the downhill rewards on your way back to the car.<\/span><\/p>

For many years, this was one of the only places to ride MTB near Chattanooga, and despite the singletrack renaissance which has brought many miles of modern purpose-built trail to the region it\u2019s still a great place to go ride.<\/span><\/p>" }, "what_makes_it_great":{ "title":"What Makes It Great", "body":"

The Cherokee National Forest isn\u2019t known for mountain biking; between the various wilderness areas, the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, few of the thousands of miles of trails in this part of Tennessee actually allow mountain bikes. Yet Chilhowee is a hidden gem, as worthy of a visit as the well-known neighboring Tanasi<\/a> \/ Brush Creek trails at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.<\/p>

We recommend parking at the Clemmer Trailhead, at the foot of the mountain, then beginning your ride by climbing all the way up the Clemmer Trail to the first signed junction. Here, take a left to continue onto the Slickrock Laurel Loop and climb until it merges with an old forest road; stay to the right here, then take a sharp left at the sign onto the Slickrock Hancock Loop.<\/p>

The trail turns to singletrack here, with some steep sections, and you\u2019ll reach the high point of your climb at about the 4 mile mark. Continue on a fun, rocky downhill until you reach a grassy road, then take a right and follow the road to a clearing.<\/p>

Once at Benton Falls, you have a couple of options. First, we highly recommend walking your bike down to the falls themselves if you\u2019ve never been. Those who prefer a shorter ride can cruise back to Clemmer and blast downhill from there, returning to the vehicle the way you came. If you still have some leg remaining, take a left and ride out to the campground, then cross the parking lot and hop onto Azalea at the sign. Ride Azalea to its conclusion and follow the Clear Creek Trail from there until you reach the T-junction.<\/p>

One more decision to make. Do you want to ride down the gorge and back up the other side on Rim Rock, then finish with Clemmer, or do you want to drop off the eastern brow of the mountain on the Clear Creek Trail? If the former, take a right and get to it. Rim Rock heads straight back to the Benton Falls Trail, with a picturesque creek crossing at the bottom. A left brings you back to Clemmer; add in the Rim Rock Spur loop (on your left) if you want one more quick hit of narrow singletrack.<\/p>

If you prefer the Clear Creek route: Clear Creek involves a steep climb, a few fun rock gardens, some seriously gnarly and technical terrain that will have most riders walking a short stretch or two, then some fast-and-loose descending with a couple of wide creek crossings at the bottom. It\u2019s wonderful, but it\u2019s for advanced riders only. Proceed with caution!<\/p>

From this clearing, there are three ways to go: far left is the upper part of the Naked Widow loop, middle is the lower part of Naked Widow, and the far right-hand option is the conclusion of the Hancock Loop. All three are fun, and the middle option is the rockiest and most technical. Both sides of Naked Widow intersect with Benton Falls; Hancock returns to a forest road, and you\u2019ll need to go left and ride downhill a bit longer before reaching the Benton Falls Trail. At the end of the trail, you\u2019ll intersect highway 30. Take a right, follow the pavement past the Parksville Lake Campground, and you\u2019ll find yourself right back at the parking lot.<\/p>" }, "who_is_going_to_love_it":{ "title":"Who is Going to Love It", "body":"

Chilhowee is a bit of a time capsule. It harkens back to a time when trails were hand-built and mountain bikes had 26\u201d wheels. Beginners with the right attitude will have fun here, but expect soaring heart rates and the occasional short hike-a-bike. There is a sort of \u201cWestern North Carolina\u201d feel to these trails, from the thick bands of rhododendron and mountain laurel to the Pisgah-esque feel here and there.<\/p>

Who will like it? Anyone who likes riding on raw, old-school trail without buffed grade reversals and bermed turns. A mile away from either trailhead, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re the only person in the forest, an experience which is difficult to replicate at any of the trail systems in town.<\/p>

Endurance riders will find no shortage of gravel forest roads to link with the trail system here, most notably the long slog from the campground north to Oswald Dome where encountering traffic is relatively rare. <\/p>" }, "directions_parking_regulations":{ "title":"Directions, Parking, & Regulations", "body":"

From Chattanooga, take I-75 north to exit 20 and take a right onto highway 64. Stay on 64, following signs for the Ocoee River. After passing Rock\/Creek on your right and entering the forest, you\u2019ll skirt the edge of Parksville Lake \/ Lake Ocoee.<\/p>

Do NOT follow signs for the \u201cChilhowee Recreation Area\u201d unless you intend to drive 7 miles up to the top of the mountain and start from the campground. Instead, to reach the Clemmer Trailhead (as described above), drive a little further. You\u2019ll take a left onto highway 30 toward the Parksville Lake Campground, and the gravel trailhead parking lot will appear immediately on your left.<\/p>

Please be respectful of hikers, the vast majority of whom will be accessing Benton Falls from the campground atop the mountain or will be parking at Clemmer in order to hike the Scenic Spur Trail to hike to Rainbow Falls (Rattlesnake Falls). Also, please DO NOT MODIFY any trail features. One of the best rock gardens at Chilhowee was recently chopped and dismantled by a visiting mountain biker, gone forever. These are not beginner-level flow trails; if that\u2019s what you\u2019re looking for, Chilhowee is probably not for you.<\/p>" } } } }, "descriptors":{ "difficulty":{ "title":"Difficulty", "value":4, "qualifier":"The trail surface isn't typically very technical, but some sections\u2014especially the uppermost portion of the Clear Creek descent\u2014will require some walking for most riders. The trails are also older, hand-built singletrack, which is typically more challenging terrain for those used to modern machine-cut flow trail. Starting from the Clemmer Trailhead, as described, also means beginning one's ride with a 2.5-4.3 mile climb (depending on route)." }, "time_to_complete":{ "title":"Time To Complete", "value":{ "value":3, "unit":"hours" }, "unit":"hours", "qualifier":"Plan on 2-3 hours to do the suggested 20-mile loop " }, "distance":{ "title":"Distance", "value":{ "value":20, "unit":"miles" }, "unit":"miles", "qualifier":"While there are many, many options for riding at Chilhowee, the described loop is approximately 20 miles." }, "seasonality":{ "title":"Seasonality", "value":[ "spring", "summer", "fall", "winter" ], "qualifier":"Chilhowee's trails are old and well-bedded, meaning this can be a good choice when some of the trails closer to Chattanooga are too saturated." }, "land_website":{ "title":"Land Website", "value":"http:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/cherokee\/recreation\/camping-cabins\/recarea\/?recid=35078&actid=31", "qualifier":"Chilhowee Recreation Area - USFS" }, "topo_map":{ "title":"Topo Map", "value":"http:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/Internet\/FSE_DOCUMENTS\/stelprdb5278520.pdf", "qualifier":"Chilhowee Recreation Area - Mountain Biking" }, "fees_permit":{ "title":"Fees Permit", "value":false, "qualifier":"Parking at Clemmer, as suggested, is free. Parking at the Chilhowee Campground at the top of the mountain requires a $3 day use fee." }, "dog_friendly":{ "title":"Dog Friendly", "value":"yes", "qualifier":"" }, "destination_highlights":{ "title":"Destination Highlights", "value":[ "classic_destination", "waterfalls" ], "qualifier":"Benton Falls is a must-see; the spur trail to the base of the falls is foot-traffic-only, but worth walking your bike down (and back up) to spend a moment taking it in." } }, "images":{ "feature":{ "api_id":441864, "title":"Chilhowee 7", "alt":"Chilhowee 7", "caption":"A wide, shallow creek crossing at the bottom of the Clear Creek Trail.", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Jeff Bartlett", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_cinema":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_cinema\/441877-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-feature.jpg?1449243549", 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"title":"Chilhowee 1", "alt":"Chilhowee 1", "caption":"A tunnel of rhododendrons at the top of the Upper Slickrock \/ Hancock loop.", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Jeff Bartlett", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/441885-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449243550", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/441884-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449243550", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/441883-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449243550", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/441882-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449243549", 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"alt":"Chilhowee", "caption":"It's worth hiking your bike down to Benton Falls to soak it all in.", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Jeff Bartlett", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/442071-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449263419", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/442070-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449263419", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/442069-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449263419", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/442068-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449263419", "medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/442067-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449263419", 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"caption":"The trail down to the falls isn't rideable, but it's short.", "credit":{ "credit_name":"Jeff Bartlett", "credit_url":"" }, "sizes":{ "thumbnail_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_traditional\/442443-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449340967", "thumbnail_square":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/thumbnail_square\/442442-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449340967", "small_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_traditional\/442441-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449340967", "small_natural":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/small_natural\/442440-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449340967", "medium_traditional":"https:\/\/static.rootsrated.com\/media\/article\/medium_traditional\/442439-chilhowee-recreation-area-mountain-biking-gallery.jpg?1449340967", 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