Expert📏 29 miDirt

CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail

Bakewell, Tennessee · Hamilton County

CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail is a expert hiking trail near Bakewell in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The trail measures approximately 29 miles in length. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions 🗺️ Open in OSM

35.40903, -85.13142

Open in OpenStreetMap

5-Day Forecast

Weather at CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High78°F

Avg Low62°F

Peak Rain Chance24%

Humidity75%

UV (avg)8

Air Quality28 · Good

Today

⛈

Violent Rain

76°/68°

💧 24%🌬 7mph

↑ 6:27 AM ↓ 8:49 PM

Sun

🌧

Rain

77°/66°

💧 11%🌬 8mph

↑ 6:26 AM ↓ 8:49 PM

Mon

🌦

Light Drizzle

78°/66°

💧 14%🌬 8mph

↑ 6:26 AM ↓ 8:50 PM

Tue

☁️

Overcast

80°/57°

💧 6%🌬 11mph

↑ 6:26 AM ↓ 8:50 PM

Wed

☀️

Clear

78°/51°

🌬 9mph

↑ 6:26 AM ↓ 8:51 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail

What “Expert” Means

Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

Estimated hike time: 9.7 hours based on 29 mi + 0ft of climb (Naismith’s rule). Forecast averages 62–78°F with peak rain chance 24%.

👔 What to Wear

👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

💧
Water
~9.7 hr estimated hike → aim for at least 5.25L (177 fl oz).
🍫
High-energy snacks
Trail mix, bars, electrolyte chews — eat every 60-90 min.
🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
🔦
Headlamp + spare batteries
Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
🥾
Trekking poles
Save your knees on steep descents; help on uneven terrain.
⛑
Helmet (terrain-dependent)
Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Tennessee

Trail conditions in Tennessee change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
Tell someone your plan and expected return time
Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail?

CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail is 29 miles long with 0 ft of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in about 9.7 hours (Naismith's rule: 1 hour per 3 miles flat, plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climb). Your pace, breaks, and conditions will vary.

How hard is CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail?

CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail is rated Expert. Alpine, exposed, or technically demanding. For experienced hikers only.

Can I ride a bike on CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

What is the trail surface on CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail?

The surface is dirt. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike CT - Rock Creek Loop Trail?

Tennessee has trail conditions that vary by season. High-elevation routes are typically best from late spring through early fall; expect snow at higher altitudes outside that window. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

References & Maps

View original OpenStreetMap record — source data
Open OpenStreetMap at trailhead
Driving directions (Google Maps)

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Sunlit footpath winding through a tall conifer forest

Photo: Jay MantriEasyTN

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