Sequatchie Valley Railroad Grade

The Sequatchie Valley cuts Tennessee like a knife wound, and this abandoned railroad grade follows its length through some of the state’s most dramatic terrain. Built in the 1890s to haul coal and timber from the Cumberland Plateau, the old Tennessee Central Railway roadbed now serves as a rugged trail past towering limestone bluffs and forgotten mining camps. The route parallels the Sequatchie River for miles, passing through tunnels blasted from solid rock and over trestles that offer commanding views of the valley floor 800 feet below the plateau rim.

Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance vehicles for the rockier sections, though much of the grade remains surprisingly intact. Spring and fall provide the best weather and visibility through the hardwood canopy. No permits required, but some sections cross private land – respect posted boundaries. The reward is traveling through Tennessee’s geological wonder while following the path of iron horses that once connected mountain communities to the outside world. Bring a camera for the trestle views.