http://appalachianirishman.blogspot.com/2006/03/my-mountain.html

I have lived in Knoxville for almost a year and I've seen House Mountain from afar but this past weekend decided to go for a hike! We took the trail to the left up the mountain and rested once we arrived at the rock outcropping. There were many butterflies fluttering about and I am curious as to if they have mating grounds atop the mountain. ...

We enjoyed the hike and the view. The parking lot was full and we parked to one side without difficulty.
We took the easier route to the top, the blue trail. About halfway up, we missed the trail without knowing it. As we neared the top we found ourselves scrambling across rock faces. Oddly, there was a blue ink drawing on a rock along the way, ...

If you just really have to go hiking and you can't make the drive to the Smokies or one of the better state parks, House Mountain fills a void. Really, it's nothing to write home about. Just an average or maybe slightly-above-average day hike. There are some nice views from the top that would be impressive to anyone who's never hiking up a small mountain before.

Beautiful, strenuous hike. Give yourself at least three hours before dark to attempt entire trip to top and back.
When returning to our car we found a window knocked out and things stolen out of our car. This is an ongoing problem at this location. Wish they could catch who's doing it.

The hike was incredibly hard, although well worth it in the end. My fiancee and I took the trail to the the left, finished it huffing and puffing but quickly had our breath taken away when we looked at the overlook. However, the overlook to the right from the trailhead (West I think) made the first overlook we stopped at seem like nothing. It ...

Just spectacular! Incredible surprise. Have lived in Knoxville all of my life and have never made the trip until today. The 65-degree weather in January must have prompted the trip.

Take the Mountain Trail to the crest then follow the ridgeline west to the West Overlook (Leave some time to take your time on the crest -- spectacular views North ...

We really enjoyed house mountain and would definetly recommend it to anyone. It took about 1 hour to get to the top of the western overlook and another hour getting back down. The scenery was great and trails were well taken care of. Anyone can make the hike, but it does get steep in some places so go on a dry day and pace yourself.

My husband, 5 yo son and 2 yo son hiked this mountain this fall during peak leaf time and it was great. We had our 2 yo in a back pack sling (an asian baby carrier, they are by far the best way to carry a child!) and hiked the intermediate trail. At times we had to very closely watch and help our 5 yo cross some very narrow places, but it was breathtaking at the top and well worth the effort.

This place is a great kept secret!