Trail Lenth
2.4 Miles
Flint Mill Trail
Holston Mountain
Route Type
Out and Back
Elevation Gain
1,375 Feet
Skill Level
Very Difficult
Pet Friendly
Yes on leash
The Flint Mill Trail is an approximately 2.4 mile out and back hiking trail that’s located on Holston Mountain in East Tennessee between Elizabethton and Bristol. The trail features chances to see wildlife as well as incredible mountain views. The Flint Mill Trail is open year round. The trail is marked with blue blazes and is well marked / maintained. The Flint Mill Trail is a very difficult trail with extremely steep inclines / declines, loose rocks, and a bit of rock scrambling in places. The trail has a total elevation gain of approximately 1,375 feet, or approximately 573 feet of elevation per mile. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail, but in my opinion you should exercise caution if thinking about bringing pets or children due to the difficulty of this hike.
If you’re only interested in the pros and cons list and / or directions to the Flint Mill Trail, scroll to the bottom.
One thing to be aware of if you’re planning on hiking the Flint Mill Trail is that the road (Flatwoods Rd) to the trail is extremely poorly maintained. Even on the part of the road that is paved, there are extremely deep potholes that require slow travel and evasive maneuvers to avoid. Once the road turns to gravel, it gets even worse with deep holes in the road as well as muddy areas that are hard to get across. Unless you are in an off-road capable, high clearance 4×4 vehicle, prepare to make your hike a bit longer with a walk down the service road. Another option would be to take a different route to the trailhead, although this will add travel time, and I’m unsure if the other roads in are in any better condition. I had to park about .7 miles from the trailhead, extending the 2.4 mile hike to around 3.8 miles.
Once you reach the Flint Mill Trailhead, note that there are no signs or anything letting you know you’re in the right spot. Look for a small pull off parking lot from Flatwoods Rd that will hold around 3 cars. There is a firepit just off of the road. This is how you know you’re in the right spot. Head back into the woods and you will see your first Flint Mill Trail (Trail 49) sign after about .1 miles. One thing to note is that the directional arrows for the trails are located under the trail names.
The first part of the Flint Mill trail is a very peaceful walk along a creek through the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. This trail is absolutely stunning during the greens of Spring, which is when I am writing this. The first .5 miles of the trail has a nice steady incline to it, but right about .5 miles you are left staring up into the side of an imposing mountain; a mountain that you’ll have to conquer about 900 feet of elevation in about .4 miles. Once you start up the steep part of the trail, make sure to pace yourself and take plenty of breaks, as this is an extremely tough section of the hike.
From about .5 miles to 1 mile into the trail, you’ll have to deal with some extremely difficult elevation gain. There are loose rocks and many roots all around during the climb. Make sure you’re wearing proper foot-gear for this trail. I would recommend sturdy hiking boots like the Salomon Quest 4D GTX (Link to the Men’s and Women’s here). As you make your way up the mountain, make sure to check out the views behind you from time to time. The higher up you get, the better the views through the trees will become.
After about 1 mile on the trail, you will reach Flint Mill Rock. Flint Mill Rock boasts one of the best views in all of Northeast Tennessee. You are overlooking the whole of South Holston Lake, which is a 2.5 square mile lake. The elevation Flint Mill Rock is right around 3,380 feet above sea level. Take a well deserved break here, but stay aware, as copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are known to hang out near the rocks. I did not see any on my hike, but a handful of people have told me they have seen them.
After you’re finished at Flint Mill Rock, you can either turn around, or carry on into Cherokee National Forest. The Flint Mill Trail continues on past Flint Mill Rock for about .2 miles until it finally meets up with the Holston Mountain Trail. Continuing on past Flint Mill Rock is a great chance to see wild flowers blooming in the beautiful forest. Do be aware of a large patch of wild blackberries that have the potential to attract bears in the spring. When you reach a 4 way intersection with the Holston Mountain trail, the Flint Mill Trail has officially ended, and you can either choose to continue to explore the Holston Mountain Trail, or head back down the mountain via the Flint Mill Trail (the Holston Mountain Trail does not meet back up with the Flint Mill trail at a separate location).
After you’re done taking in the incredible scenery, head right back down the same way you came up. Make sure to take your time on the way down, as the descent can be very hard on your knees, and the loose rocks can slide out from under you if you’re not careful.
When you make it back down the mountain, enjoy your peaceful walk through Cherokee National Forest on the way back to your vehicle.
NOTE: If you want to experience the views from Flint Mill Rock, but don’t want to / aren’t physically able to do the Flint Mill Trail, Flint Mill Rock can be accessed by the Holston Mountain trail (Trail 44), or by Forest Service Road 4202. Both alternate routes are longer than the Flint Mill Trail, but the elevation gain is more spread out for an easier hike.
PROS:
- Amazing views of South Holston Lake and the surrounding mountains from Flint Mill Rock
- Nice views throughout the climb to the top
- Usually not very busy
- Well maintained trail
- Cherokee National Forest is beautiful during Spring and Fall
- Close to other points of interest like the Appalachian Trail
CONS:
- Elevation gains / descents can be brutally difficult at certain parts of the hike
- Access road is in terrible condition (4×4 recommended)
- Snakes have been known to hang out near Flint Mill Rock
Directions to the Flint Mill Trail using GPS:
Navigate to this location (Flatwoods Rd.)
If you don’t have GPS, click the links below:
Sarah Swainson