BIG SODDY CREEK GULF

by | Jan 30, 2021 | Uncategorized

The Big Soddy Creek Gulf Family Trail was created from an old mining and jeep road. It’s broad, level and easy going along the bank of Big Soddy Creek. The first 1.5 miles of loose gravel can be navigated by baby strollers and wheel chairs.

 

Located near Soddy Daisy, 25 minutes from Chattanooga, this path is a leisurely stroll along a boulder strewn creek that’s perfect for visiting hikers that may not be able to negotiate more difficult terrain. There is parking on both sides of a railroad trestle at the trailhead.
The thick stand of trees lining the creek bank are stripped of their leaves during the winter and make viewing the picturesque creek much easier.
Intermittent and inviting, turquoise swimming holes draw throngs of sunbathers.
At one mile into the promenade, a small waterfall tumbles to the trail’s edge.
After the first 1.5 miles, hikers must cross the creek to continue. From here the trail splits and both branches become narrower and much steeper. The steepest trail to the right, leads to the Cumberland Trail and beyond.
The water level was low when we visited, which made rock hopping along the water’s edge enjoyable. The trail at this point rises away from the water into the dense forest.
We found a beautiful spot among massive boulders and took a break in quiet solitude.
The Big Soddy Gulf is extremely popular during hot summers. The smattering of wanderers an joggers we encountered on a chilly, winter day made social distancing easy and enhanced the rugged beauty unblocked by foliage.