![]() The windows can be seen from below at the edge of the creek. These large “windows” are cut through the ridge, presumably eroded by past wind and water. This limestone ridge is where the Window Cliffs are found. The final vertical 25 feet of this ridgeline is bare limestone with patches of vegetation growing here and there out of cracks and fissures. ![]() This knife ridge extends 100 feet above the creek banks and forms a thin ridgeline that at the top is less than 10 feet wide. At the tightest bend of Cane Creek, there is a knife ridge that separates the two sides of the creek. The trail that ventures out to the window cliffs and back is just over 2.5 miles long and has varied terrain. This tree is found at the base of the cliffs closer to the banks of Cane Creek which bends back on itself sharply at the base of the cliffs. This site is its most western occurrence in the state, and one of the last locations that you can find this grass in the southeast, as it is usually not found outside of sparse populations following the Appalachian Mountains. It is also home to the northern white-cedar tree (Thuja occidentalis). It is home to one of two known locations in the state of the plains muhly grass (Mulenbergia cuspidate), which is a shortgrass prairie species found commonly in the western plains. The plants found at the cliffs are not just unique to the area, but rare to the State of Tennessee. The addition of Window Cliffs State Natural Area was made for two reasons: The geologic features found in the Cane Creek gorge, and the rare plants found on those geologic features. It was first open to the public as a State Natural Area in April of 2017. The Window Cliffs Trail is a unique showcase of rare geological features and plant populations placed throughout a challenging but rewarding 2.5-mile out and back hiking trail. National Recreation Trails (NRT) Database.Link to trail map: Window Cliffs SNA Trail Mapīrief overview: Cedar groves, waterfalls, creek crossings, and some cliffs with a view, this hike will keep you on your toes with beauty and diversity. Trailhead: Window Cliffs State Natural Area (8400 Cane Creek Rd Baxter, TN), Be aware that trail may close without notice when water levels are high. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and hike an A+ trail in Tennessee that’s surprisingly close to Nashville. Just something for everyone here at Window Cliffs, folks. Northern white cedars are also not common in the south and prefer to grow in rocky places. Plains muhly has only 2 known locations in TN and looks like spindly desert grass that grows in rocky or sandy areas. ![]() You can’t really see the ‘windows’ from the top, but there’s what I’ll call an ‘underlook’ (because you are looking up to the view) where you can see the windows in the limestone.Īs another bonus, there’s two rare plants – at least in the TN area – in this area: plains muhly and northern white cedar. The view from the top of the cliffs was more stunning that I thought it was going to be. So, just be prepared for a challenging last half mile! Also, the first (downhill) and last half mile (uphill) are pretty dang steep, but the rest of the trail is relatively level. There was always something different around the bend and kept my attention the entire time. There’s a waterfall, cedar groves (low key one of my favorite nature things), spots that felt like Smoky Mountain Balds, the creek crossings, and the namesake limestone cliffs. Let’s talk about the highlight of this trail. There’s cables at every creek crossing but I’d also highly recommend trekking poles for balance and stability. The terrain is not particularly rocky or root-y so hiking sandals worked perfect for me. I’d recommend hiking in Chacos or Tevas or something comparable so you don’t even have to worry about wet socks and shoes. If it’s just rained, I would call ahead to check the status of the trail.) (Please note that when water levels are high, the trail may close without notice. (Also, I’m sure the water is freezing, so probably not the most pleasant experience.) All that to say, don’t be deterred by the creek crossings in the summer and fall, they are totally doable. Just like most trails in the Cumberland Plateau area, water levels are highest in the late winter (Jan-March), so that might not be an ideal time to hike this trail. I went during a relatively dry period and the deepest creek crossing was about knee-high and a couple were completely dry. So, let’s start off with perhaps the most daunting thing about this hike: the NINE creek crossings of the winding Cane Creek.
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