House Mountain State Natural Area — Attraction in Tennessee

I wasn't expecting such a tough hike, but the view was worth it. Being from Florida, going 'up' is not part of our standard walking so I was definitely not in shape enough to hit this trail when I did. Literally, 5 minutes in, I questioned whether I should turn back as my lungs were already starting to burn. I struggled and had to go slower than I would have liked, stopping to catch my breath quite a bit. It took me about 45 minutes to reach the crest trails (at the 1 mile mark) but the views were gorgeous once I got up there.

If I'm in the area again, I'll likely do the hike again. It was almost all under cover on the way up so I didn't have to worry about sunburn. There weren't many annoying insects, even in the mid summer heat. I would recommend some decent hiking boots/shoes as my regular sneakers lost traction a few times, almost twisting an ankle or hyperextending a knee. A hydration backpack might also be nice as I went through my water bottle pretty quickly.

Once at the top, the Eastern crest trail is easier and ends with a great view. The Western trail was a tougher hike and rocky/slippery. I got about halfway down the trail and wasn't sure if I was still on the trail or an access road and, since my legs were about done and I knew I still had a decent trek back down the mountain, I turned back. Next time.

All in all, I'm glad I went and glad I pushed myself to...

I have done this hike several times over the years. It is a moderately difficult Trek depending on which way you go up the mountain. The views at the top are absolutely stunning and are well worth the effort it takes to get to the summit. The payoff for the short but strenuous hike is high, as you get a good view of Knox County. On my hike today, however, there were several trees downed across several parts of the trail. Does created a lot of obstacles that were difficult to maneuver around, as some places you could not simply climb over the tree. Additionally, the trail needs work, as the blazes have faded, and some of the trail is hard to navigate. I have never had difficulty staying on trail and following glazes until today. As an additional notes, the parking lot needs to be expanded. The Overflow lot is about a half-mile away from the trailhead, and the actual Trailhead only has room for...

This state natural area has about 4 miles of trails total. There are some steep parts, but the views are worth the climb to the top. House Mountain is an easy 30 minutes drive from downtown Knoxville. There are 2 parking areas and clean restroom available in the parking area. I've climbed the mountain several times, and most of the time it is not crowded at all. I visited most recently on Jan.1, 2020. Lots of people had brought their children out to enjoy the mountain that day. The climb is moderate, but all the kids that I passed on the trail seemed to be having fun, and were able to manage the hike to the top. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. Recent trail improvements have been made. If you are lucky, you'll see a hawk flying by, or spot some bluebirds. Take your time , bring some water and a snack, and enjoy the valley views from the top of...