Head of the Crow State Park
Head of the Crow is Tennessee's 57th state park, formerly known as the Lost Cove portion of South Cumberland State Park. It is located south of Sewanee, which is also home to the University of the South.
The park features two beautiful natural sandstone arches -- Sewanee Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge Trailhead) and Sherwood Natural Bridge (Pack Hollow Trailhead).
It is also home to Lost Cove Cave (Buggytop Trailhead), better known as "Buggytop Cave" because of a part of the rock escarpent, directly above the cave mouth, that 19th Century settlers said looked to them like the top of a horse-and-buggy carriage.
There are great overlooks along the Sherwood Day Loop trail (Pack Hollow Trailhead), including a view to the north that is the longest view in any of this region's three State Parks.
As a relatively "new" park, Head of the Crow doesn't yet have many amenities (no visitor center; no bathrooms; no campgrounds), but its three trailheads and trails are well-marked, and have gravel or paved parking areas. Many of these amenities are in the planning stages, and we will keep you posted on their progress!
The park's welcome center is in Sewanee's quaint village, walkable from several dining and shopping options. It also serves as a trailhead for the Mountain Goat Trail, a paved multi-use trail on the former path of the Mountain Goat Railroad, which connects many of the South Cumberland communities.
Trailheads
Natural Bridge (formerly Lost Cove North)
See the area's largest naturally-formed stone arch bridge; you can walk across it as well as under it!
Buggytop Trailhead (formerly Lost Cove West)
Also known as Lost Cove Cave, "Buggytop" Cave is one of Tennessee's largest public cave openings, out of which flow the headwaters of Crow Creek.
Pack Hollow (formerly Lost Cove East)
Two trails -- one easy, with great valley views; the other more difficult, descending into the bottom of Pack Hollow -- can be accessed from here.
Hikes & Attractions
Difficult
Buggytop Cave
This is a moderately difficult 4-mile roundtrip hike at Head of the Crow State Park takes you to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee, and the only one from which water normally flows. There are two steep ascent/descent areas; one at each end of this trail. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove West Trailhead.
Easy
Crow Creek Valley Overlook
Another outstanding overlook on the Sherwood Loop Trail at Head of the Crow State Park, the Crow Creek Valley overlook (near mile marker 2.5) offers views all the way into Alabama with multiple picturesque ridge lines framing the view. Access this adventure from the Lost Cove East trailhead.
Easy
Pack Hollow Overlook
One of two outstanding overlooks on the Sherwood Loop Trail at Head of the Crow State Park, the Pack Hollow overlook (at mile marker 0.5) has one of the longest viewing distances of any overlook in the region. The adjacent Sherwood Natural Bridge is also a great place for a photo. Access this adventure from the Pack Hollow trailhead.
Easy
Sewanee Natural Bridge
A remarkable natural sandstone arch, easily accessible via a 400-foot stair-stepped path from the parking lot. Access this adventure from the Head of the Crow State Park's Natural Bridge Trailhead.
Easy
Sherwood Loop and Pack Hollow Trails
This is an easy 2.9 mile loop trail at Head of the Crow State Park that includes the Sherwood Natural Bridge and several outstanding overlooks. The new Pack Hollow trail is a spur off the Sherwood Loop Trail. Access both of these adventures from the Pack Hollow Trailhead.
Nearby Places to Eat
Nearby Places to Stay
Sewanee
Sewanee Inn
43-room hotel on University campus with restaurant, bar, golfing & event space
Sewanee
The Grove Airstream Campground
3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground
Monteagle, Sewanee
Reverie Vacation Rentals
Licensed vacation rental management company offering 5-star stays in the South Cumberland and surrounding areas.
Sewanee
Caver's Paradise
Campground for cavers only with 11 RV hookups, shaded tent camping and direct hiking access to a nearby cave
More to do nearby
Altamont, Beersheba Springs, Coalmont, Gruetli-Laager, Monteagle, Palmer, Pelham, Sewanee, Tracy City
Mountain Mobile Massage
Individual or couple massages with optional add-on treatments in your accommodations
Sewanee
Sarah Sulfridge, LMT
Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.
Sewanee
Frame Gallery Gifts & Art
Full-service custom frame shop with an art gallery that showcases work by local and regional artists and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from around the world
Sewanee
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.
Sewanee
Tim Graham Mountain Bike Trails
More than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on the campus of St. Andrew's-Sewanee School that are open to the public year-round.
Sewanee
University of the South Archives & Museum
University Archives and Special Collections
Sewanee
The Course at Sewanee
This recently renovated golf course, featuring gorgeous bluff views, is open for play at the University of the South.
Sewanee, Monteagle, Tracy City
Mountain Goat Trail
A real-life version of “The Little Engine that Could”, and now a great paved trail running from Sewanee to Tracy City and beyond.
Sewanee
University of the South
History Awaits at the University of the South
Sewanee
Woody's Bicycles
A full service bicycle shop offering sales, service, and rentals of bicycles and electric bicycles. Woody's is an authorized Trek and Electra dealer and is a great resource for local trails, routes, and amenities
Sewanee
University of the South Ralston Listening Library
Million-dollar listening room with world-class collection of recordings
Sewanee
Taylor's Mercantile
Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items
Sewanee
Sublime Haven
A mountain sanctuary of sacred rituals—massage, facials, Reiki, reflexology, meditation and sound healing—infused with wild botanicals to restore your glow and renew your soul
Sewanee
Fine Arts at the Mountain
Full line musical instrument store and music school
Sewanee
Shenanigans Live Music
Restaurant & pub featuring sandwiches, pizza and craft beers with a back room "speakeasy" serving fine cocktails and live performance venue featuring regionally touring bands.
Sewanee
Bodyworks Youniversity & Mountain Massage
Pilates mat classes, private and duet sessions as well as yoga and YouFit cardio/weight training classes
Sewanee
Lemon Fair
Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items