The Canyon Trail

The Canyon at Pond Creek is a unique 150-acre private retreat nestled in the Sequatchie Valley near Pikeville, Tennessee. It gained significant attention as a premier destination for luxury glamping, featuring high-end geodesic domes perched directly on a cliff’s edge. These accommodations offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and are located just a short drive from Fall Creek Falls State Park. The property is designed to blend rugged outdoor adventure with modern comforts, providing guests with private decks, hot tubs, and direct access to hiking trails right from their doorstep.

Beyond its role as a resort, the site is a landmark for the Southeast climbing community due to its mile-long sandstone cliff line. Owner Matt McBride partnered with the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) to maintain public access to over 100 world-class rock climbing routes, making it one of the few places where private luxury and public recreation coexist seamlessly. Because the approach involves steep, rugged terrain, the property remains a hidden gem that recommends a 4WD vehicle for access, preserving a sense of secluded adventure for both climbers and vacationers.  The Canyon Trail hike starts at the northern end of the property at Yurt #6 and follows the cliffs along a white triangle blazed route that eventually meets Pond Creek after around two miles.  From here you cross the creek and finish at a bridge near the southern edge of the property.  The bridge requires 4×4 vehicle access, and from here you have the option of parking a vehicle or looping back to the Yurts via the main road which adds another ~2 miles to the hike.