Postcards & Passports

Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Tami

Anytime is a good time to hike Tennessee! And there are so many great options. Among the alternatives is the hike to the Walls of Jericho near the TN-AL state line.  Legend claims that in the late 1700s Davy Crockett explored this area when his family owned land nearby. In fact, an itinerant preacher who made his way to the Walls of Jericho in the late 1800s and performed baptisms there assigned its biblical name.  My son and I have been hiking companions for decades; we completed this 7-mile, out and back trail, in four hours with camelbacks full and a light lunch.  Reviews of the trail say it could take longer with some calling it a brutal hike. I wouldn’t go that far but the climb back out does gain 1500 ft of elevation.

So much to see

This hike delves into a ravine enfolding the Walls of Jericho. These limestone ramparts are a natural amphitheater with water features including pools and falls.  As you hike Tennessee to the Walls of Jericho you’ll experience a forest consisting of maples, oaks, hickories, beech, red cedar and plants associated with limestone.  The Walls of Jericho is found in the longest hardwood forested plateau on Earth, the Cumberland. It is an archive of nature that includes Hooded, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Chestnut warbler. There are Ruffed grouse as well as Green, Tennessee Cave, and Four-toed salamander, with Mountain Chorus frog and Milk snake too. Gray, Indiana, and Rafiesque’s big-eared bat abound and Allegheny woodrat.

Clear signs to mark the way

We arrived at the trailhead to hike the Walls of Jericho coming from the Nashville area. We took I-24 east toward Chattanooga to exit 127 and Highway 64 turning toward Winchester. After driving on the 64 for about 15 miles, we turned south on Hwy 16 for 16 miles to the parking lot.  The pathway was mostly obvious but we got confused a couple of times crossing rocky stretches, being distracted by the scenery and getting lost in conversation. We looked more earnestly for the red marks on tree trunks to keep from losing the trail. We traversed bridges and heard the woodpeckers as we descended.  Close to the Walls of Jericho, we passed a primitive campsite and greeted the happy campers as we passed through.

A lot to explore at The Walls of Jericho

Our hike was in October which is a perfect time to hike Tennessee.  You’ll enjoy this hike nearly anytime throughout the year.  When we rounded a corner and the Walls of Jericho came into sight we were glad we had made this our destination.  We first rested and took in the scenery as we ate our lunches.  Then we scrambled about to see things in greater detail.  Because it was Fall we did not see the tallest of the falls but were able to get a picture in the basin that you’ll not get in the Spring or early summer.  There were interesting creatures all about and in the rocks we saw interesting patterns.  We poked our heads into caves where perhaps we might have seen some bats.  We had the place to ourselves at first, then were joined by about five more hikers.

No pain no gain

We now had the 1500-ft ascent to deal with to exit this beautiful area.  We did not drain our Camelbaks in anticipation and when you hike Tennessee and depart from the Walls of Jericho you should do the same.  For a little variety and because it was Fall we made the nearly dry stream bed our path back to the primitive campsite before rejoining the trail that scales the ravine back to the parking lot.  We had begun our hike early, around 8am, to avoid crowds and as we hiked out we passed a lot more hikers on their way to the Walls of Jericho.  Common courtesy on the trail is for ascending hikers to stand aside for descending hikers and we were happy to do so; our legs and lungs appreciated the rest. 

Hike Tennessee hints

Before too long we were back at the parking lot, thankful to hike Tennessee and its stunning Walls of Jericho.  Are you fortunate enough to live in this magnificent area?  Will your travels take you here or nearby?  Please consider seriously a day well spent in this picturesque area of Tennessee.  Perhaps you, like myself, can’t get enough of this great state; check out more wonderful destinations in this blog post: Four Waterfalls Near Manchester.  

• I opted for thin-sole, lightweight footwear for this hike (for the 1500’ elevation gain hike back to the car)
• I’m not a hiking pole fan but for those who are, you’ll get good use of them hiking into The Walls
• Bring seasonally appropriate amounts of water & save at least half of it for the ascent out of The Walls
• Keep watch for the red paint patches on tree trunks to mark the path
• Hike early to avoid or minimize crowds and bring a companion who shares your love of nature 
• The hike is almost completely shaded (except maybe not in winter when the leaves are down)

May you hike Tennessee with great enjoyment! TNVacation (Tennessee’s Tourist website) rates hiking Walls of Jericho as a stunning experience. I would have to agree.

This post was authored by my husband and favorite travel partner, Darren Wilcox. He is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore and discover wildlife. We are a traveling family, and I often entice family members to share their experiences with you! Feel free to ask questions in the comments below if you’d like more information about this hike.

Not hikes, but some more Tennessee options:

5 Reasons to Visit Bell Buckle, TN

Visit Manchester, TN for Small-Town Vibes

Fall Foliage Favorites

Five Perfect Family Destinations This Year