Bauxite Ridge
FLOWING CROSS-COUNTRY IN A STORIED FOREST
Just across the valley from White Oak Mountain near Southern Adventist University, Bauxite Ridge, officially known as Fenton Forest, offers a smooth, approachable companion to its rockier neighbor. Built on conservation land owned by the university and named after the fictional setting in parables written by former university president Gordon Bietz, this 10-mile system carries a quiet identity rooted in place and story. Trail names drawn from those parables give Fenton Forest a character unlike any other system in the region.
Where White Oak Mountain challenges with technical climbs and exposed ridge lines, Bauxite Ridge was designed with cross-country flow in mind. Machine-built tread, rolling terrain, and steady grades make it especially welcoming for beginner and intermediate riders. Like White Oak, the trails stay open until 10 PM daily, making Bauxite Ridge a popular destination for evening rides and winter night laps.
Together, the two systems form one of the largest and most diverse trail networks surrounding Chattanooga.
Recommended Routes
BAUXITE RIDGE FULL LOOP (CLOCKWISE)
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 725 ft
Difficulty: Intermediate
Start/End: Oak Hole Lane Trailhead
A fun sample of the Bauxite Ridge system in one flowing cross-country loop. Be sure to follow directional signage; this route runs clockwise on Sun · Tue · Thu · Sat. From the Oak Hole Lane Trailhead, roll clockwise onto Box Turtle, one of the most popular trails in the region, before connecting to Murky Marsh to climb back out. Optional Pogo's Place adds extra mileage and spice — skip it to keep things beginner-friendly by riding out on Rolling Ridge.