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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyUnpaved

Hawks' Ridge

Ooltewah, Tennessee · Hamilton County · Hamilton County

Hawks' Ridge is a easy hiking trail near Ooltewah in Hamilton County, Tennessee.. The surface is unpaved. Managed by Hamilton County. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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35.09748, -85.11609
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Hawks' Ridge

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

Avg High85°F
Avg Low71°F
Peak Rain Chance40%
Humidity82%
UV (avg)6
Air Quality51 · Moderate
Today
🌦
Light Drizzle
89°/77°
💧 12%🌬 11mph
6:42 AM8:51 PM
Thu
🌧
Rain
82°/72°
💧 33%🌬 7mph
6:43 AM8:50 PM
Fri
🌧
Heavy Rain
82°/71°
💧 29%🌬 7mph
6:44 AM8:49 PM
Sat
🌦
Rain Showers
79°/66°
💧 40%🌬 4mph
6:44 AM8:49 PM
Sun
Thunderstorm
95°/69°
💧 21%🌬 9mph
6:45 AM8:48 PM

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

About Hawks' Ridge

Hawks' Ridge is a easy hiking trail near Ooltewah in Hamilton County, Tennessee.. The surface is unpaved. Managed by Hamilton County. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

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.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    40% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 6)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

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 hard is Hawks' Ridge?

Hawks' Ridge is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Hawks' Ridge?

No — this trail is closed to bicycles.

What is the trail surface on Hawks' Ridge?

The surface is unpaved. Suitable for strollers and most footwear.

When is the best time to hike Hawks' Ridge?

Tennessee has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Hawks' Ridge?

Hawks' Ridge is managed by Hamilton County. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.