University of the South
Sewanee traces its roots both to the construction of the Mountain Goat Railroad in the 1840s and to the founding of the University of the South in 1858, after Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church acquired 5,000 acres of land from the Sewanee Mining Company.
Today, the University’s land holdings, known familiarly as “the Domain,” stretch across 13,000+ acres, making it the second-largest private college campus in the United States and an ideal resource for education, research and outdoor recreation. The historic business district of Sewanee contains a number of beautifully maintained, century-old structures, offering authentic dining and shopping experiences.
The Domain has 65 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the 20-mile Perimeter Trail, Bridal Veil Falls Trail and the Shakerag Trail – the latter being especially known for its spring wildflower displays in March and April. The Memorial Cross and Green’s View are two of the many sites where visitors enjoy sweeping bluff vistas of the surrounding area. Multiple trailheads across the Domain lead to interesting trails, ranging from the easy, paved path of the former Mountain Goat Railroad (now the Mountain Goat Trail), to more challenging trails along the Cumberland escarpment.
Trailheads
Sewanee Visitor Center & Mountain Goat Trailhead
In the historic Sewanee Village, visit the Mountain Goat Trail headquarters, which also doubls as the visitor center for Head of the Crow State Park. Lots of videos, brochures and info here!
University Gates
This is the trailhead for Shakerag Hollow, one of the most spectacular displays of spring wildflowers, as well as an access point for the 21-mile Perimeter Trail, which generally follows the bluff-line around Sewanee.
Memorial Cross
A large Christian cross to memorialize Sewanee alumni who served in World War I, as well as an access point for the 21-mile Perimeter Trail, which generally follows the bluff-line around Sewanee.
Green's View
An historic overlook of the Elk River Valley, as well as an access point for the 21-mile Perimeter Trail, which generally follows the bluff-line around Sewanee.
Lake Cheston
An easy hike around one of several water sources for the University of the South, with two trail intersections that connect to the 21-mile Perimeter Trail, which generally follows the bluff-line around Sewanee.
Ballfield Road
An easy hike along the Caldwell Rim, a forested bluff-line forming the northern edge of Lost Cove.
Hikes & Attractions
Easy
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.
Difficult
Bridal Veil Falls Loop
2.7-mile out-and-back hike on the University of the South "domain", starting from Lake Cheston out to Bridal Veil Falls, which disappears into an underground stream. Not recommended during dry months.
Moderate
Caldwell Rim Loop
Moderate 2.7-mile hike at the University of the South, from the Sewanee Visitor Center. It leads to a wooded loop featuring views of Lost Cove
Easy
Green's View Overlook
A scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Green’s View is a favorite spot for picnics and sunset views. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Green’s View Road.
Easy
Lake Cheston Loop
This easy half-mile trail at the University of the South circumnavigates Lake Cheston, a popular swimming area for the University.
Moderate
Lake Dimmick
6-mile out-and-back hike or mountain bike ride starting on the paved Mountain Goat Trail, continuing on a dirt trail to Lake Dimmick, all at the University of the South.
Easy
Memorial Cross Overlook
This scenic and historic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee is also a favorite spot for sunsets. Access this adventure from University Avenue via Tennessee Avenue.
Easy, Moderate
Morgan's Steep Overlook
A third scenic overlook at the University of the South in Sewanee, Morgan’s Steep is also a favorite spot for picnics. Access this adventure by parking at Lake Cheston and hiking 3/4 mile each way to/from Morgan's Steep.
Easy
Piney Point
2-mile out-and-back hike from the University of the South's Western Gates to a beautiful overlook of Shakerag Hollow
Difficult
Shakerag Hollow
One of the University of the South's most popular hikes - especially when wildflowers are blooming in the spring. Descend into Shakerag Hollow, climb stone stairs up to Green's View.
Moderate
Tennessee Williams Trail
A moderate 2-mile out-and-back hike at the University of the South, from the Sewanee Village to Memorial Cross, with a dramatic overlook of Cowan, below.
Nearby Places to Eat
Nearby Places to Stay
Sewanee
The Grove Airstream Campground
3 vintage Airstream trailers in a private campground
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
Monteagle, Sewanee
Reverie Vacation Rentals
Licensed vacation rental management company offering 5-star stays in the South Cumberland and surrounding areas.
More to do nearby
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
Taylor's Mercantile
Florist with gift items including collectables, jewelry, stationary, gift baskets and gardening items
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
University of the South Archives & Museum
University Archives and Special Collections
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
Fine Arts at the Mountain
Full line musical instrument store and music school
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
Sarah Sulfridge, LMT
Local Professional Massage Therapist offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Cupping massage to The Mountain.
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
The Course at Sewanee
This recently renovated golf course, featuring gorgeous bluff views, is open for play at the University of the South.
Sewanee
Lemon Fair
Clothes, jewelry & accessories, home goods and Sewanee-themed items
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
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
University of the South Ralston Listening Library
Million-dollar listening room with world-class collection of recordings
Sewanee
Abbo's Alley
An easy-to-walk and carefully tended ravine garden at the University of the South in Sewanee.