Tennessee seems to be running a little late with the fall colors this year. All through October we kept watching the trees, waiting for any sign of autumn to peek through. And then, almost overnight, the colors arrived — the brilliant golds and fiery reds painting the hillsides in that unmistakable fall glow. But with November’s arrival, we knew the season would be short-lived, with winter storms already on the horizon.
We had to get out and soak up those late-peak colors while we could. Fortunately, a newly designated state park was just waiting to be explored — Head of the Crow State Park. There have been several new state parks created in Tennessee this year, and this one had only been officially added a few weeks earlier. Fall and state parks — two of our favorite things — made for the perfect combination.
Exploring Head of the Crow State Park
Park Guide & Visitor Information
Head of the Crow State Park is one of Tennessee’s newest and smaller state parks, encompassing a few distinct natural areas. Before earning its own designation this year, it was part of the larger South Cumberland State Park. Located in Franklin County, it sits just a short drive from Sewanee and the University of the South.
A great place to begin your visit is at the visitor center, where you can pick up information about the trails and a map of the park. It’s also the trailhead for the Mountain Goat Trail, a scenic rail-trail that winds its way through the mountains toward Chattanooga.
Currently, the park covers about 4,258 acres and offers four main trails to explore. As development continues, more areas and hiking opportunities are expected to open — making this a park to watch in the coming years. (For more information on the trails, check out the park map).
- Sewanee Natural Bridge (0.10 miles-one way)
- BuggyTop Trail (2.05 miles- one way)
- Pack Hollow Trail (1.6 miles- one way)
- Sherwood Day Trail (2.85 miles- loop)
For our visit we began at the natural bridge, as it is a local favorite. Then we went for a longer hike on the Sherwood Day Trail.
Sewanee Natural Bridge
The highlight of Head of the Crow State Park is undoubtedly the Sewanee Natural Bridge. It’s the shortest trail in the park, but this is one stop you definitely don’t want to miss. Calling it a “trail” almost feels misleading — it’s more of an experience — one part exhilaration and one part heart-pounding awe.
Visitors can carefully walk across the bridge, following the few-feet-wide span to the other side. Take it slow and steady; there are no railings or handholds, just open air on either side and a stunning view all around. Once across, you can follow the path down to the forest floor, where you’ll get an incredible view of the bridge arching high above the trees.
We met another couple while exploring and offered to take their picture on the bridge. They returned the favor, which turned into a fun little photo exchange involving some strategic climbing and phone swapping — but it was well worth it for one of our favorite family pictures of the day.
Sherwood Day Trail
After braving the bridge, we drove to another area of the park where both the Pack Hollow Trail and the Sherwood Day Trail begin. We chose the Sherwood Day Trail, which winds through the rises and valleys of the gorge — and it turned out to be absolutely beautiful. The trail was the perfect mix of autumn color, moss-covered rocks, and sweeping views beneath the November sky.
We eventually reached a lookout known as the Alabama Gander. From this vantage point, you can see where Tennessee blends into Alabama. There’s no sign or marker to tell you where one state ends and the other begins — just a vast expanse of forest stretching endlessly into the distance.
Further along, the trail led us between massive boulders, creating natural corridors and crevices that felt almost magical — the kind of place where you could easily imagine sprites and fairies darting through the shadows.
This trail also has its own natural bridge, smaller and more approachable than the first, but still thrilling to cross. There’s something about stepping onto a bridge shaped entirely by nature that never fails to spark a little awe.
Another rise brought us to a final overlook, a breathtaking panorama of forested hills rolling out toward the horizon. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but imagine all the future trails that will one day wind through that expanse. The layers of trees, rocks, and sky felt like a perfect reward for a day well spent in Tennessee’s newest state park.
Head of the Crow is truly an up-and-coming park — a hidden gem still in its early days. But even now, it’s easy to imagine it becoming one of Tennessee’s most beloved places to explore. Visiting it just weeks after its official designation felt like witnessing the beginning of something special. And to see it dressed in the full splendor of fall made it all the more unforgettable.
Want more of Tennessee state parks in the fall? Then you may be interested in these:
Thanks for coming along on this fall visit to the new Head of the Crow State Park. May you feel brave to cross bridges to whatever lies beyond.
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