Frank Coggins Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

This is an easy trail marked with purple blazes, and is about 1.3-miles long one-way and around 2.0 miles total to get back to the start. This trail is easily accessed from the Caesars Head Ranger Station but can also be accessed from other trails in the park.

From the ranger station, the trail heads north from Geer Highway, gradually descending for about 0.5 miles except for one steeper section at the end. At the intersection with Coldspring Connector Trail, take a left to continue on the Frank Coggins Trail. This section of the trail is nice and easy, with a wide track and minimal brush. At about 0.67 miles, the trail splits into the loop.

Going left, the trail goes up a little hill and then rolls up and down for a bit. At about 0.75 miles from the trailhead the Rim of The Gap Trail (marked with yellow blazes) heads left off to the north. Follow the Frank Coggins Trail right to continue along this loop. Around 1.04 miles will be the trailhead for Naturaland Trust Trail #14, marked with a pink(ish) blaze, which will first head south and then over towards Raven Cliff Falls. Stay right to continue the loop back to reconnect onto itself after crossing a log bridge, which completes the lollipop loop, but you'll still have to return via the "stem." Take a left to backtrack a little over 0.5 miles back out the way you first came in with a gradual climb to the trailhead.

This trail isn't too long and only has a couple steeper sections and small creek crossings. It might be a nice option for families with adventurous kids.

Hardwood trees such as oak and hickory can be found along the trail. Hikers will also find shorter trees like flowering dogwood and rhododendron with ferns, plus flowers and mosses at ground level. Animals in the area include; black bears, white-tailed deer, reptiles, amphibians, wild turkey, wood peckers, warbles, eastern blue birds and spring migratory songbird to name a few.