In Sewanee, long trails, distinctive landscape features and places connected to the University of the South sit side by side, offering different reasons to stay. When planning, it is worth first distinguishing between outdoor activities, quiet places and cultural offerings: the trails range from long routes to shorter walks, while the chapel and gallery offer their own reasons to visit.
Trails and Bike Rides in Sewanee
The Domain includes more than 65 miles of hiking trails and fire lanes. They are open for hiking and mountain biking during the day; horseback riding is restricted to authorized riders. Because specific access rules can change, check them before your outing. The Perimeter Trail is a 20-mile loop with varying levels of difficulty. Its length and changing difficulty provide two different points of reference for assessing the route.
In Sewanee Village, a section of the Perimeter Trail runs along the regional Rails-to-Trails project, the Mountain Goat Trail. This paved trail follows a disused railway line and makes a six-mile bike ride to Monteagle possible. The comparison is between a long loop with varying levels of difficulty and a specific bike ride with a named destination. When weighing these options, you can consider both the route type and the activity, rather than looking only at the mileage.
For a walk, consider Abbo’s Alley: the trail follows a creek, passing bridges and a wooden pavilion, and includes an inlaid labyrinth. A short trail also leads to Memorial Cross, a distinctive landmark with expansive views over the cliffs. These shorter destinations offer a different experience from the long trails. Point Disappointment offers views of nearly all of Lost Cove.
Landscape and History
South of Sewanee lies Natural Bridge, a natural sandstone arch that is 25 feet high and spans 50 feet. It offers a viewpoint overlooking Lost Cove. Shakerag Hollow is a wooded area just outside Green’s View that has remained nearly untouched. The two places represent different landscapes: a clearly named sandstone arch with its views on the one hand, and a wooded area with a particular connection to Green’s View on the other.
History can also be traced through individual names. The Sewanee Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is no longer used for fire observation. ATO Spring, sometimes still called Otey Spring, has played an important role in the history of the University of the South since its founding. All Saints’ Chapel, by contrast, connects a visit with the present-day university: it is open daily for personal prayer and quiet reflection; on weekdays, a designated quiet hour is held at midday. Services in the Episcopal tradition are also held there during the week.
Chapel, Music and Exhibitions
The annual program at All Saints’ Chapel includes the Lessons and Carols service. It regularly draws up to 3,000 people to campus each year; dates and attendance may vary. If you plan to attend this service or visit the chapel, check the current schedule. This helps distinguish a quieter visit for prayer and reflection from an event that draws a larger audience.
The University Art Gallery presents four to five exhibitions each academic year. Since exhibition schedules change, it is a good idea to check the program before your visit. Along with the services, the gallery offers a cultural perspective on Sewanee that differs from the hiking and biking options and deserves its own place in your day’s plans.
Lake Cheston
Swimming, fishing and canoeing are popular activities among students at Lake Cheston. There is vehicle access for non-motorized boats: from Cosby Lane, turn right at the “service vehicles and boat unloading” sign. Access procedures may be subject to local rules; check them before using the site.
Discover more destinations: Decherd.
Return to the main travel overview: Franklin County.
