Andrews Ridge Trail - Norris Dam State Park

The Andrews Ridge Trail is in the western section of Norris Dam State Park.  From the park entrance, take the first left toward the West Campground.  Parallel parking is available on the right side of the road near the trail maintenance office and pay telephone.  The trail starts across the road from the parking area.  A trail sign denotes four trails.  The Hootin Hollow and Rock Creek Loop trails were closed due to storm damage. The Sinkhole Loop Trail was open, but I did not hike it.  

In the early 1930s, over a dozen families had tracts of land on Andrews Ridge.  These subsistence farmers were relocated by the Tennessee Valley Authority during the construction of Norris Dam and their property is now part of Norris Dam State Park.  A large sign near the trail head was erected as "a memorial to those original families whose sacrifice made way for progress, and to honor their rich and vibrant culture."

The trail is wide and fairly flat for the first mile before splitting to loop down toward the lake before returning to the top of the ridge.  The total hike is about 2.8 miles and the elevation changes about 130 feet.  Several benches including a few with canopies have been installed along the trail for those that want to pause along the way.  There are no waterfalls or scenic vistas along this trail.  However, if you prefer solitude while hiking, this may be the trail for you as there were no other cars in the parking area and no other people on the trail when I hiked it one evening after work in early June, 2013.

Trail mileage sign

Remnants of a foundation

The initial trail is wide and level

Some areas of the trail show the effects of recent rains

Rock Creek Loop trail is closed

Storm debris has been moved off the main trail

The far end of Rock Creek Loop trail is also closed

A simple bench beckons the weary

The loop portion of the trail is not as wide as the initial portion

Severely damaged bench and canopy

Sunlight barely filters through the foilage

Sheltered bench in excellent condition

There were no other cars in the parking area and I did not see anyone else on the trail.

The park website is http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/NorrisDam/.