Backbone Rock
Backbone Lodge is located 1/2 mile north of Backbone Rock on
TN Highway 133. A short walk to the top of this rock is one that
you will never forget. Some history and hiking are detailed
below (check out the picnic and rock climbing sections on this
website for more recreational opportunities at Backbone Rock).
HISTORY
During the early 1900’s one
of the primary industries in the Southern Appalachian Mountains was timber harvesting. The Tennessee Lumber
Company moved to the Sutherland area at this time and set up a mill to cut
timber. The company hired 400 men to keep the operation running. The Tennessee
Lumber Company sawed 100,000 board feet a day. To get the timber to market,
railroad lines were constructed throughout the land. Most of the track was laid
following the natural terrain.
In 1901 the Empire Mining Company was laying
track and they came to a stone ridge that stands seventy-five feet high, and
was approximately 20 feet thick. The ridge was named Backbone Rock because of
its appearance. This rock was above the Sutherland Community. It was an
extension from the Iron Mountain Range. Beaverdam Creek flowed around the end
of the rock.
The company decided to
blast a short tunnel through the rock to lay its tracks. The Empire Mining
Company built the Beaver Dam Railroad to connect with the Virginia-Carolina
line. After the tunnel was blasted and the track was laid the smoke stack of
the train's engine could not pass through the tunnel. The
top of the tunnel had to be hand chiseled to eliminate this
problem.
After logging stopped the
United States Forest Service used the railroad bed as a truck trail. A
trail (see picture below) was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s to the
top of Backbone Rock above the tunnel. Today Highway 133 goes through
the tunnel.
HIKING TRAILS
The area around Backbone Rock was developed for
camping, picnicking, fishing, and hiking. Beaverdam Creek runs next to
Backbone Rock and through the picnic area. You will find 44 picnic tables, two
logged sheltered picnic tables, open fireplaces, horseshoe pits, and camping sites.
There are several hiking trails. One goes across the top of the rock.
Another hiking trail takes you to Backbone Rock Falls.
See trail descriptions below:
Backbone Rock Hiking Trail
Rating: Easy
Elevation: 2,200'
Length: 0.5 mile
Trailhead: Backbone Rock parking lot
Managed by: Cherokee National
Forest
Directions: Trail starts at the back of the parking lot. Go up the
steps. Once you get to the top turn right. There are no guardrails, so watch
how close you get to the edge.
Notes: Backbone Rock Park has a nice picnic area alongside scenic Beaverdam Creek.
Backbone Falls Hiking Trail
Rating: Easy
Elevation: 2,200'
Length: 1.0 mile
Trailhead: Backbone Rock parking lot
Managed by: Cherokee National
Forest
Directions: On the south side, cross over Hwy 91, go south along the
road for about 100'. The looping trail is on the left. There are lots of steps.
Notes: Backbone Rock Park has a nice picnic area alongside scenic Beaverdam Creek.
