In the far northeast of the Dade Valley, tucked up close to Lookout Mountain, the community of Wildwood offers some relaxed attractions allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. For example, hike the Laurel Point Loop, a 3.2-mile hiking trail, generally considered to be novice level. It takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete. In addition to hiking, the trail is good for running and mountain biking. As a bonus, you rarely encounter other people. To get there, take exit 175 on I-24E to Elder Mountain Rd., then turn onto TVA Access Rd.
Or you may want to try paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking on Lookout Creek, only minutes south of Wildwood. Those who enjoy fishing for crappie will find them plentiful. The creek empties into the Tennessee River at Moccasin Bend. To get to the put in point, take Highway 136 east out of Trenton to the Lookout Creek Bridge. Turn right onto Sells Rd. and look for a parking area on the left at the ruins of an old grist mill. The take out point is at the bridge just before the Lookout Mountain Flight Park.
