Homestead Trail

Homestead Trail is a 2.25-mile one-way trail in Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park, Tennessee. It is rated easy, has a natural surface and is open to hiking. The Homestead Trail begins in Dog Cove Historic Area, and crosses through several old fields and follows farm roads used by past generations. Dog Cove was the home for generations of folks, carving a living out of its soils, hunting the hillsides, and fishing the creek. The historic area now provides a glimpse into this past. At 1.2 miles in you will encounter the iconic Davis Homestead. At 2.25 miles in are the chimney remains of the Sapp Homestead. Other old chimney stacks and other remains point to the numerous families that once called this area home. In summer and early falls days, the old fields are abuzz with butterflies and birds. For spring wildflowers, head up to the Highwater Trail. This area is a true “cove”, and the water appears and disappears at intervals. At times, the main drainage of the cove, Lost Creek, can be impassable. Please use the “Highwater Trail” to access the cove during times of high water. 0.0 mile: Begin the hike at the Dog Cove parking lot. Hike back across the bridge, and the trail head is immediately on you right, just past the yellow bollards. .01 miles (500 feet): Highwater Trail on left and Homestead Trail on right, crosses creek bed, walking past big old red barn and the Beecher Wallace Homestead on right 0.3 miles: Creek crossing, usually dry during summer months 0.6 miles: Creek crossing, sandy and muddy 1.2 miles: Jimmy Davis Home on right, trail continues past home to creek crossing 1.21 miles: Creek crossing, mostly dry during summer months 1.7 miles: Limestone Flats, areas of sinking water from creek bed that trail intertwines with Lost Creek 1.9 miles: Highwater Trail on left; Homestead Trail continues on straight ahead 2.25 miles: Billy Sapp Homestead on right. You can continue on up to Little Lost Creek, and cross it to add another 0.25 miles and the end of the trail. Listed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (Tennessee State Parks).