Stretching approximately 13.5 miles, the Perimeter Trail at the University of the South weaves its way around the Sewanee campus, offering hikers a tangible connection to Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. This route isn’t just a loop—it’s an invitation to engage with a landscape that shifts from dense forested stretches to open overlooks, where the wind seems to whisper secrets over vast valleys and ridges. Expect an elevation gain of around 1,500 feet spread over varied terrain: rugged rock outcroppings, soft humus trails, and occasional wooden bridges crossing streams that challenge and cheer your progress.

Starting at the Trailhead near the University’s central campus, the path soon submerges you into mixed hardwood forests—oaks and maples standing watch like steadfast guardians, their leaves rustling with a steady conversation. The forest floor, thick with leaves and occasional wildflowers, cushions your every step, while shadows play alongside the trail, shifting with the day’s light.

Midway, unexpected vistas demand your pause. The bluff edges push out into panoramic overlooks where the horizon stretches wide enough to welcome your gaze. Here, the landscape isn’t static—the distant hills breathe and roll, shaping themselves anew with the sun’s journey across the sky. Streams punctuate this solitude, daring you to steady yourself on slick stones or mud-soaked banks.

This hike strikes a balance—both inviting to casual trekkers and engaging for seasoned hikers seeking varied challenges. Its rugged stretches call for steady footing and awareness; steep sections test your lung power but reward it with expansive views that feel earned, not given.

Preparing for this trail means gearing up wisely. Footwear with solid tread will secure each step, while layering clothes help adjust to changing temperatures as elevation shifts and canopy density varies. Carry at least two liters of water—streams run, but never rely solely on natural sources—and plan your trek during daylight hours to fully appreciate the sights without rushing.

The Perimeter Trail demands respect, not conquest. It’s nature fiercely itself, shifting moods as you move through it, pushing back lightly against your intrusion. Yet it invites cooperation—a measured pace, a quiet breath taken in sync with the forest’s pulse.

Set your sights on this trail for a day that combines rich sensory immersion with practical hiking enjoyment. Breathe in the earthy aroma of wet leaves, feel rugged stone under fingertips, and trace your path along a course designed to reveal both the hidden and the grand within Sewanee’s landscapes. This is hiking that re-centers you—grounded, engaged, and vividly alive at the edge of Tennessee’s wild side.