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
Buggytop Trailhead (formerly Lost Cove West)
Natural Bridge (formerly Lost Cove North)
Pack Hollow (formerly Lost Cove East)
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
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
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