JeepGirl Travels - Hiking

John Muir Trail

This trail follows the route said to have been taken by Sierra Club founder, John Muir, during his travels from Kentucky to Florida. Beginning at the Childers Creek trailhead near Reliance, TN and ending on FH 37 near Farner, TN, this trail follows the Hiwassee State Scenic River and provides access to several recreation sites and to the trophy section of the river between Childers Creek and Big Bend. It also provides some beautiful views of the Hiwassee River Gorge and the section from Childers Creek to Big Bend is famous for its wide assortment of wild flowers.

Directions: From the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger Station, travel east on Hwy. 64 for 2 miles to State Hwy. 30. Travel west on 30 for 10 miles to Reliance, TN. Turn left onto Hwy. 315, cross the bridge and turn at first right onto Childers Creek Road and proceed 1 mile to Childers Creek parking lot on the right.

Trail Information: Travel time is 10 hours.

Trail is marked with white rectangles on trees at eye level.

Site Amenities: Restroom facilities are available at Big Bend, Towee and the Powerhouse Boating Site. Parking is also available at these locations and at Coker Creek Trail junction, Highway 68 and Forest Roads 311 and 37.

Difficulty Level: Childers Creek to Powerhouse – easy. Powerhouse to terminus – moderate.

Requirements: Hiking only. Camping is not allowed along the trail between Childers Creek and the Powerhouse.