Southern’s 1,300-acre campus, nestled in a quiet valley, includes 800 acres of forest, crisscrossed with nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails are spread across White Oak Mountain on the west side of the valley and Bauxite Ridge on the east. They stretch from the lowest point of the valley to the ridge tops overlooking the university. The trail system is perfect for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country trail runners. With sections of varying difficulty, the trails are suitable for everything from a lazy meander to a muscle-toning endurance workout. The pine and hardwood forest through which the trails wind is also a paradise for the nature enthusiast, with wildflowers, birds, a creek habitat, and many other natural features.
The trails are maintained by Landscape Services. For more information, call 423.236.2747.
In 2015, Southern gave the name “Fenton Forest” to its wooded areas on Bauxite Ridge. This immortalizes a series of parables—based in a fictional Fenton Forest—written by former Southern president Gordon Bietz, which he frequently used as sermon illustrations. The trail names in this area are also inspired by the stories.
All are welcome to enjoy Southern’s trails, surrounded by God’s beautiful creations. Please respect the facilities and follow the posted blazes, notices, and etiquette.
Southern Adventist University's hiking and mountain biking trails are enjoyed by our students, employees, alumni, and members of the local community. If you would like to contribute financially to the improvement of these resources, please consider giving online.