The rock is soft and highly erosive, so stay on trail. PLEASE DON’T SHORTCUT THE SWITCHBACKS; IT CAUSES SERIOUS TRAIL EROSION; STAY ON TRAIL AT ALL TIMES.) At an elevation of 2,064 feet, House Mountain is Knox County's highest point and is less than 30 minutes from downtown; perfect for an afternoon hike or trail run. This relatively flat, relaxing walk takes you around the top of House Mountain. With nearly six miles of mountain trails, this park gives you a Smoky Mountain feel with a fraction of the travel time. USGS House Mountain. The House Mountain hike near Lexington Virginia is really two out-and-back hikes in one. What a great hike. It's home to scenic hiking trails and fun road cycling routes. There is a shelter just a hundred feet up the trail toward Big House Mountain on your right and several fire rings for camping can be found around the saddle. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. House Mountain is only about 30 minutes outside of downtown Knoxville so it’s an easy day trip. Anyone! The view from the summit is … If you want to strap on your cycling shoes instead of your hiking boots, House Mountain is also a great place to find road biking routes. Take Nelson Street west past the W&L soccer fields (Nelson Street is also US 60) just over 2 miles. House Mountain is located in an isolated position southeast of Prairie, Idaho. Another option is the 1.5-mile Crest Ridge Trail. There is one trail that traverses the ridge to the cliffs. From the FS-128/FS-137 junction, it is 5.3 miles to the summit. Once a pasture and apple orchard, "the saddle" looks up at the cliffs of Big House Mountain to the west (3,645 feet) and Little House Mountain to the east (3,386 feet). You may want your trekking poles for the Mountain Trail; they'll help you with the climb for sure, but they'll come in extremely handy for the knee-jarring descent. This hike is especially worthwhile in the winter when the leaves have fallen, and you can enjoy unobstructed views along the entire climb. House Mountain in the distance as viewed from the approach. House Mountain State Natural Area - Hiking. There are no trails to the summit of Little House Mountain, but it is possible to climb to the summit where great views of Lexington can be found. The parking for the House Mountain Hike has been changed (Spring 2019). From the parking lot, The House Mountain Trail follows an old jeep trail to the saddle of Little House Mountain and Big House Mountain. Sawmill Loops (easy) White blazes. Please stay on the designated trail, as there's been erosion from hikers making their own short cuts between the switchbacks. Big House Mountain, with great views to the west from Goat Point Overlook, and Little House Mountain, with its spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley to the northeast. The climb up to Big House Mountain is quite strenuous with few switchbacks. The House Mountain Road leaves FS-128 at the high point between the two drainages at a marked intersection. Hikers, bikers, and trail runners all have something here. 8 reviews of House Mountain State Park "You need to know how to get here. Sneffels 3.16 miles You will encounter some steep hills, but the downhills are like riding your own personal roller coaster. After passing Kelly's Corner, turn left onto Route 641 (Jacktown Road) and drive for approximately 2.5 miles. The hiking information kiosk has also been moved to the new location. There is a new sign posted showing the new location. These unique peaks are volcanic in nature, built from layers of consolidated ash. -83.762748, Live like a Knoxville local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. To the Saddle and the Cliffs of Big House Mountain. The cliffs are over 100 feet high, so great caution should be taken when approaching the edge. Along this hike, you can see the Unaka and Cumberland mountain ranges to the north, the Smoky Mountains to the south, and on a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of downtown Knoxville from the West End Overlook. House Mountain Hike. The other trail near the top to the left offers outstanding views of Lexington to the South. Distances to other peaks Teakettle Mountain 1.86 miles Coffeepot 1.94 miles Mt. View 7.5 minute Topographical Map in a new window. House Mountain is located in an isolated position southeast of Prairie, Idaho. The blue-blazed Mountain Trail is a strenuous route. My GPS track. Be sure to wear long pants or gators for this hike. Courthouse Mountain is an exceptionally striking peak south of Owl Creek Pass in the Cimarron Mountains sub-range of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. In 2015, the road was smooth and well-graded until the last mile, where it becomes rocky.