Walls of Jericho

The trail begins at the parking lot off highway 79.  Be  Prepared for a quick descent after a few hundred feet of flat trail. You will immediately be thrown into a series of switchbacks that are short and sharp. Do not attempt to bypass these as the area in between them hosts protected plant species and is generally covered in pine straw and ot

her plant matter that is extremely slippery at such a steep angle.

Going down is a fast-paced run almost that goes by incredibly quickly. Near the bottom of the hill you will come across a small log bridge that allows you to cross over Hurricane Creek. From here the trail levels out onto and leads directly to one more crossing and the only campsite area along the trail adjacent to Clark Cemetery. Clark Cemetery is a fun little plot with only one truly legible grave marker that gives the cemetery it's namesake and is dated 1835. If you plan on taking the kids out for an overnighter make sure and haver fun ghost stories on hand. Nothing too scary though. It's unsettling sleeping next to a cemetery and you might scare yourself.

Just to the west of the campsite is a great little meadow that is wonderful for birdwatching and has a few patches of blackberries for summer consumption. it's also a great spot for a short picnic in the tall grasses.

If camping go ahead and set up camp at the campsite but if not continue on down the trail along Turkey Foot Creek. which eventually leads to both the Tennessee state line and the walls themselves which are to your left and to your right there will be small cave and what is refereed to as the amphitheater which is a series of circular rock formations carved into the hillside. The walls are popular rock climbing destination so don't be surprised to see people literally climbing the walls.

Some basic precautions should be taken for this trail. Do not let yourself get to the bottom of the trail and find that you are unable to get out. The climb back out is steep and unless you have a basic level of fitness that can\ allow for an over 3 hour climb do not attempt going in. Printed maps are generally available at the kiosk in from of the trail at the parking lot. This will give you some idea as to the lay of the land and what is available to see there.