Sewanee traces its roots both to the construction of the Mountain Goat Railroad in the 1840s and to the founding of the University of the South in 1858, after Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church acquired 5,000 acres of land from the Sewanee Mining Company.
Today, the University’s land holdings, known familiarly as “the Domain,” stretch across more than 13,000 acres, making it not only an ideal location for education and research but also for outdoor recreation. The University’s iconic stone All Saints’ Chapel is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and draws visitors from around the world. The historic downtown area of Sewanee contains a number of lovingly maintained, century-old structures, as well as several options for dining and a variety of unique retail shops.
Sewanee’s Domain is an outstanding place for hiking and cycling with 65 miles of hiking trails, including the Bridal Veil Falls Trail and the Shakerag Trail, especially known for its spring wildflower displays in March and April. There are biking trails for every cyclist, from the paved, family friendly Mountain Goat Trail to the challenging 20-mile Perimeter Trail for experienced mountain bikers. Be sure to take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys at the Memorial Cross — itself an iconic point of interest — and at Green’s View, adjacent to an award-winning nine-hole public golf course. And, there are many more great discoveries to be made during your visit to Sewanee. Happy exploring!
