House Mountain Loop

Directions: Take I-40 East to Rutledge Pike, exit 392, and turn right off the exit. In ten miles, turn left on Idumea Rd. Turn left on Hogskin Rd and the House Mountain State Natural Area will be on the right.Beginning at the House Mountain State Natural Area parking lot, hikers will take West Overlook Trail from the trail junction. In 0.8 miles, the trail will switchback to Crest Trail, roughly 1.5 miles in length. Following the mountain ridge, hikers can take Crest Trail to the West Overlook which provides a view of the Cumberland Mountains to the North and the Smokies to the South.From there, Crest Trail continues uphill until it dead-ends at the East Overlook. The East Overlook is considered the more spectacular view of the two, offering a view of the Clinch and Unaka Mountain Range. Hikers will proceed to backtrack from the East Overlook to the trail junction at Crest Trail and Mountain Trail. Follow Mountain Trail back to the parking lot to conclude the hike!

House Mountain's summit is the highest point in Knox County, at nearly 2,100 feet above sea level.The House Mountain State Natural Area consists of roughly 525 acres, and was designated a state natural area in 1987.