Chattanooga's Prentice Cooper State Forest : Haley's Road a 4x4 Adrenalin Rush

This weekend I went down to Chattanooga to see my son's family and give the Jeep a workout on Haley's Road in Prentice Cooper State Forest.  Haley's Road is off of TN Highway 27 in the Sequatchie Valley.  This road for 4x4 vehicles only takes you to the top of Prentice Cooper Mountain within the Prentice Cooper State Forest.  This 7000-acre state forest is named after the 39th Governor of Tennessee; Prentice Cooper.  The State Forest is a four-wheelers recreation heaven. 

It takes us about 2 hours to overland the 6.2-mile road in a Jeep Wrangler JL. We came across two obstacles that we had to go around. First, taking an easier 4x4 route made the trail have a moderate rating and, for me, much more enjoyable.   There were obstacles that a stock Jeep just couldn't handle. Luckily we were able to get around those areas. The best part of the trip was a steep descent into a creek bed. Then the steep ascent that leads out of the creek bed. After fording the creek, the Jeep crawled up the other side with no problem.   It was a complete adrenalin rush.

After completing Haley's Road at the top of Prentice, Cooper Mountain it's a short drive to Snoopers Overlook.  We couldn't spend much time there because a wedding was getting ready to start.  So we got our pictures wished the couple good luck, and left.  

Here is the description of the State Forest from the State of Tennessee State Parks web page.  

" Prentice Cooper State Forest is located in southeastern Tennessee, Marion County. The forest is approximately 10 miles west of Chattanooga. It is situated on the scenic Tennessee River Gorge.

Approximately 6,939 acres are designated as unregulated scenic zones that protect this view shed and other scenic areas of the forest. Hicks Gap Natural Area (350 acres) also occurred in the forest and was developed to protect the federally endangered Large-flowered Skullcap. 

There are 35 miles of hiking trails, including the south end of the Cumberland Trail State Park. There also are two designated camping areas. Hunting has been a traditional use of the forest. Other recreational activities include OHV use in designated areas, rock climbing, hiking, Mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping."

The recreation opportunities are endless at Prentice Cooper State Forest. So if you spend any time in Chattanooga, please make your way to the Prentice. Be prepared for an awesome time. You won't regret it.