Chestnut Flats Loops

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This route climbs from Griffith Branch Trailhead to the top of the ridge on Holston Mounntain. Most of the climbing is on forest road and doubletrack with the bulk of the descending on fun, technical singletrack.

This area can be popular with equestrians. Also do not park in front of the gate.

Starting at Griffith Branch, begin climbing on FS Road 5081. You'll cross over Chestnut Flats Trail #2021 several times but stay on the FR road. Climb til you reach the intersection with Chestnut Flats Connector and make a left here. Climb this rocky doubletrack til it intersects Holston Mountain West #2020 and continue climbing up the ridge.

Right before you reach the gate and radio towers make a left on Holston Mountain West #2020. As of February 2020, the sign has been torn down. Began to descend this little-used and technical singletrack. At the bottom of the downhill, the trail merges with a old road bed. Follow this til you come to Low Gap Trail #2024. Climb here and cross Panhandle Road 202/FS Road 56 and descend the singletrack on the other side.

Enjoy the fun technical downhill until it intersects Rye Patch Trail #2023 and make a right on this doubletrack. Once crossing the creek, it turns to singletrack and the hike-a-bike begins. Follow the singletrack til it intersects FS Road 5081 and make a right.

Follow 5081 back past where you began climbing the connector and descend down until you see a small clearing. On the far side of the clearing Chestnut Flats Trail #2021 begins. Make a short climb then descend. You'll cross the road two times in a short section of trail. Continue on singletrack back to the trailhead.