John Muir National Recreation Trail - Hiking trail near Benton, Tennessee, United States - Description

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.

Camping is not allowed along the trail between Childers Creek and the Powerhouse.

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.