Jacob's Loop

The Piney Creek area of the Davy Crockett National Forest has 53 miles of well-marked trails that meander through the gently rolling forest lands. To make the trails useful for those on foot, this hike is designed as a loop utilizing the Yellow Trail and Orange Trail, combined with a short section along forest roads. The directions show a clockwise loop that covers the road section early in the hike, but it can be done in either direction.The starting point is the 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp, one of two USFS trailheads in the area. There is a large parking area with vault toilet and trash receptacles. The trails are wide, clear, well-marked, and lightly used. We have always had them to ourselves. This hike can be combined with other loops in the area for a long weekend of day hiking or running. The whole trail system can be used for a more freeform backpacking trip.

The area was timbered by the Central Coal and Coke Company (4-C) many years ago. The remains of the lumber old mill are located at the nearby Ratcliff Lake Recreation area where you can also camp or stop by for a swim in the lake after a hike.