Explore The Rainbow Lake Trail At Prentice Cooper State Forest In Tennessee, Then Get A Bird's-Eye View From Edwards Point
By Meghan Kraft|Published April 06, 2022
×
Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
If you’re a fan of experiences in the great outdoors, then the state of Tennessee is bound to be akin to heaven. The varied topography of the state shifts from the rocky mountains of East Tennessee to the lowlands in the west that soften into the Mississippi River. In Chattanooga, located on the border of Tennessee and Georgia, you will find the small town of Signal Mountain. The hike from Rainbow Lake to Edwards Point is one of the most popular in the area, both for its stunning natural views and isolated beauty.
The hike along Rainbow Lake Trail to the Edwards Point overlook is one of the best in the greater Chattanooga area, and its moderate difficulty and stunning payoff make it a must-try for locals and visitors. As you hike, the out-and-back route will take you from Signal Point to Edwards Point and even along the Cumberland Trail.
The trail is roughly 6 miles in its entirety, and you should prepare yourselves not only for a solid elevation gain but also for more technical sections around the Middle Creek Gorge. Visitors recommend you carve out at least 3.5 to 4 hours to complete the entire 5.8 miles.
The trail is open throughout the year, but it is most popular during the warmer months. If you visit during the summer you will be treated to lush vegetation, whereas the autumn boasts stunning colors and the winter season provides the opportunity for a more isolated trek.
The Bee Branch Bridge is located along the route, and we would recommend you come prepared to either wade through the river if the bridge has been washed away due to weather or to take the precarious walk across the suspension bridge. It's not far off the water below, but you should definitely be prepared for the experience.
The trail is fairly well-maintained and marked clearly with white blazes along the entirety of the route. Be prepared to stop often to enjoy stunning geological elements and grand overlooks, as well as pretty waterfront views.
The view from Edwards Point is stunning. Along the trail, you will be privy to views of the Chattanooga Valley and both the Tennessee River and Middle Creek Gorges. Make sure to bring your camera too. This view is spectacular!
Will you be hiking in Chattanooga anytime soon? Do you think this 6-mile hike is bound to be one of your new favorites?
What an unforgettable hike! You can learn more bout the trek from Rainbow Lake to Edwards Point in Signal Mountain, Tennessee on its AllTrails profile.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
