House Mountain State Natural Area, Tennessee, United States

4Andrew G 5:00 PM Apr 11, 2010

Great Hiking in the City
I went to House Mountain for the first time this past weekend (April 11) and was pleasantly surprised with the experience. The parking lot was full when I arrived, and some people had parked their cars further down the entrance road. Fortunately, a spot had just opened up in the front. I hiked up the Mountain Trail, which was well-maintained other than some serious trail erosion in the higher portions. Upon reaching the top I went to the eastern extreme of the Summit Trail, which awarded me with great rock outcrops from which I had unblocked views of the valley below. Further west on the Summit Trail is the summit itself, which is neat but awards no good views. The western extreme of the Summit Trail had more rock outcrops and lots of places to sit, but again, vegetation blocked any really good views. I took the West Overlook trail back to the base of the mountain. This trail was WAY steeper and more strenuous than the mountain trail. The vegetation on this side of the mountain was much more lush and varied. Unfortunately, trail erosion is an even bigger problem on this trail. Park officials have put up orange mesh fencing to discourage cutting switchbacks. The mesh really detracts from the "natural" experience, but certainly didn't ruin the hike. All in all, the hike took about 3.5 hours and was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. If you go, carry bug spray and a sting kit (especially if you have allergies) as there were a lot of stinging insects flying around on the mountain.

4jake_brake2007 5:00 PM Mar 2, 2008

House Mtn.- quick getaway outside of knoxville
HMSNA is located about 30 minutes northeast of Knoxville. It doesn’t take long to forget that you are that close to the city. It consists of a picnic pavilion and bathrooms next to the parking lot. Two overlooks can be enjoyed once visitors reach the top. This is a fairly strenuous (ascending) hike. One trail is approximately 1 mile to the western overlooks. The other trail is approximately 1 mile to the rim trail. At that point, the eastern and western overlooks are about .7 miles in the opposite directions. The views are worth it.