About House Mountain State Natural Area
House Mountain State Natural Area protects a forested ridge in Knox County, north of Knoxville, near Corryton. It is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as a state natural area, and its trails climb the ridge through hardwood forest. It is well outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The hike
Trail difficulty and distances vary by route. For current maps, rules and any closures, use the state natural areas page before your visit.
When to go
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for climbing the ridge.
Getting there
The area is reached from Corryton, about 25 minutes north of downtown Knoxville. A national park parking tag is not needed here.
Know before you go
Bring water and sturdy shoes. State natural areas can have limited facilities.
Visiting the national park too?
If you are also spending time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these hikes are good companions:
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Oconaluftee River Trail: an easy riverside walk near Cherokee
- Big Creek Trail: a quiet walk to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Planning and safety
Plan the details before you go, since this is not a single marked trail with one trailhead. Look at a current map, pick a section that fits your time, and arrange parking and any shuttle in advance.
Land outside the national park is managed separately, so check the land manager's page for closures, fees and seasonal road access before you drive. Carry a map, since cell service is limited, and bring water, rain gear and a charged phone.
