CT - Graysville Mountain Trail

CT - Graysville Mountain Trail is a moderate long-distance hiking route in Rhea County, Tennessee, running about 8–9 miles out-and-back with roughly 1,148 ft of climbing. The route is part of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail system and is known for a sustained uphill, multiple creek crossings, and a payoff at overlooks of Cranmore Valley/Cranmore Cove.

From the start near Roaring Creek on Brayton Mountain Road (by Soddy-Daisy/Graysville), the hike begins by following an old roadbed beside the creek. Expect white metal blazes early, with the creek often livelier after rain and spring.

After you leave the roadbed and start climbing, the tread gets rockier and switchback-heavy. Along the ascent you’ll cross drainages and tributaries and pass older mining-area remnants; the trail can feel more exposed near bluffs where rock overhangs show up for brief shelter in sudden rain.

Near the top, the route transitions to more open, gently undulating hiking across Graysville Mountain. You reach lunch-and-view opportunities around the Graysville-area overlook, then continue into forested sections punctuated by named features.

A key part of the route is the steep run to Roaring Creek Overlook (Don Deakins), followed later by Cranmore Cove Overlook (Don Deakins). There are also checkpoints along the way including Wildcat Hollow Falls and crossings over Gilbreath Creek (plus additional wet-weather branches) before the turnaround.

Seasonal water shows up in cascades near Roaring Creek and in the falls along the route, but some small streams may be dry in summer—so treat any water you find. With the repeated creek and stepping-stone crossings plus the rockier climb, scout the line before committing and check current conditions if it has been wet recently, since slick stone and runoff can change the footing.

The trail ends at a temporary endpoint very close to TN 30; between the end marker and RT 30 is private property pending arrangements. Plan on an out-and-back that returns to your start parking area rather than counting on a through-hike to TN 30.

More information: Conditions, Backpacking Archives - Tennessee Trails Association, Trails & Parks in Graysville, Tennessee — 7 Outdoor Spots ...