The CT is designed for hikers by hikers. The long distance trail provides access to some of Tennessee's most stunning landscapes: waterfalls, gorges, four bird and wildlife rich Tennessee Wildlife Management Areas, a National Park Wild and Scenic Area, two State Parks, two protected State Natural Areas, and two National Parks. The CT is primarily a hiking trail, designed and built to minimize the potential environmental impact on sensitive wildlife habitat, unique aquatic or terrestrial habitats, or endangered/threatened species.

Designed as a sustainable single file backcountry-hiking trail, part of the Great Eastern Trail, the CT's environmentally conscious footprint on the land provides the hiker with numerous picturesque waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a wilderness experience rare in the eastern US. Due to its location in more remote areas of the Appalachians, the Great Eastern Trail will provide hikers with a more primitive backcountry experience, an alternative to the relatively crowded Appalachian Trail.

Still a work-in-progress, the Cumberland Trail will pass through 11 Tennessee counties and numerous communities on the eastern escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau. In addition to providing quality outdoor experiences and supporting tourism, the CT brings opportunities for conservation education and the protection of natural and cultural resources. Tennessee's hiking trails are a prime attraction to the most visited parks and provide numerous opportunities for environmental and cultural education. The CT brings watershed and viewshed protection, greenway corridors, and wildlife conservation to this rich ecological region. Located in an economically challenged region; the Cumberland Trail will provide both recreation and viable renewable economic opportunities to the communities of the Cumberland Plateau.

The CT allows hikers access to areas preserved for their natural or scenic beauty that cannot be otherwise accessed. The very remote scenic trail follows follows numerous sparsely populated ridge lines where the trail designers have strategically routed the trail to spectacular overlooks and scarce drinking water sources. The very rugged and very scenic trail dips into remote and spectacular gorges where hikers enjoy scenic waterfalls and beautiful swimming holes.

To join organized Cumberland Trail Hikes and Events, see the Activities page.

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