Hiking Near Me in Gleason
Montgomery Bell State Park
1020 Jackson Hill Road, Burns, TN
Montgomery Bell State Park is located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County. The park was once the center of the iron industry in Middle Tennessee. The park’s namesake, Montgomery Bell, formed one of the largest iron industries in Tennessee. Iron was once thought to be more valuable than gold and was a very lucrative industry at the time.
Montgomery Bell State Park is equipped with a conference center that can host up to 500 people. The onsite restaurant is open every day and available to cater events. Within the center, the inn offers 120 rooms and five suites. The park also has eight environmentally-friendly modern cabins available for rent.
The park’s campground can accommodate 60 ft. campers on most electrical sites. The campground has on-site sewer at 40 sites and can accommodate small pop-up campers and large RVs. There are 94 campsites available at the park.
Group Camp One was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The camp is in a rustic setting and is considered a historic landmark. The buildings are constructed of hand-hewn stone. The 47 rustic cabins, which do not have air conditioning or heating, sleep 120 people.
The site of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church is also located at Montgomery Bell State Park. The church was founded in 1810 in the log cabin home of Reverend Samuel McAdow. A replica of the cabin and a church are located within the park.
There are many activities to try at the park. Most notably, are hiking, biking, golf, and fishing. There are nearly 19 miles of trails throughout the park with one that follows the circumference of the park. The Par 72, 18-hole golf course is a local treasure. The clubhouse, with a snack bar and pro shop, also has a furnished patio that can be reserved for events. There are three lakes within Montgomery Bell State Park for fishing and boating. Paddle boats, jon boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the park.
Activities
BIRDING
The primary habitat is open forest with small field openings and roadway edges. The lakes attract small numbers of waterfowl such as mallard and wood duck, and bald eagle primarily in winter. Twenty miles of trails wind through woods or adjacent to roadways or fields, allowing observation of such residents as Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, barred owl, and many more. During migration, a variety of warblers can be seen along with breeding red-eyed and yellow-throated vireos. Northern parula can be heard or seen in summer at the creek next to the visitor center. Montgomery Bell has had 139 species identified.
PADDLING
Kayaks and pedal boats are rented for use on Acorn Lake through PaddleEZ.com. The cost is $18 an hour. Private boats are allowed on Lake Acorn.
BIKING
The park has approximately 23.5 miles of dirt mountain bike trail. The mountain bike trails are not in the main section of the park. The various trails differ in difficulty from easy to difficult.
BOATING
Boating is allowed on all three lakes at Montgomery Bell State Park. Outboard motors are not allowed on boats at any time on any of the lakes. The Lake Woodhaven boat ramp is at the boat access entrance.
SWIMMING
The swim beach on Lake Acorn is free and available to the public, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
GOLFING
The course was built in 1973 and then redesigned by designer Gary Roger Baird in 1988. The entire course is heavily wooded and features an abundance of wildlife such as deer, geese and wild turkey.
HIKING
Montgomery Bell has several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, including a 10 mile overnight trail.
FISHING
Lake Woodhaven (50-acre) provides fishing for bass, bream and catfish.
Campground
TENT & RV CAMPSITES
Open year-round, the campground provides 20, 30 and 50 amp electric service and can accommodate 60 ft. campers on most electrical sites. There are 47 sites equipped with water and electric, 40 sites with onsite sewer and can accommodate pop-up campers to the largest RVs and 22 tent only campsites. There are two pull-through campsites accessible to persons with a disability. There are three bathhouses located in the campground. Two sites are accessible to persons with a disability. Picnic tables, trash cans and grills are available at campsites.
Please note, campsites may contain only one of the following combinations:
one motorhome, (fifth-wheel, travel trailer or pop-up, etc.) plus one tent, or
two tents only
Dogs, cats and other pets are welcome at the campground but are to be controlled and on a leash at all times. They may not be tied and left unattended outside. Pets are not allowed inside any buildings, rental units, pavilions, beach area or playground areas.
Some sites are available along the bank of the creek running beside the campground.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Back country camping is allowed on the overnight trail with a back country camping permit. Tent camping is not allowed on the overnight trail.
Harpeth River State Park
1230 Cedar Hill Road, Kingston Springs, TN
The Harpeth River State Park is a linear park that manages nine river access sites along 40 river miles. Sites include several natural, archaeological and historic areas. The park is popular for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Canoe access areas are located at all sites (excluding archeological areas).
The Harpeth River is a Class I river. It is appropriate for beginners to advanced paddlers. Visitors can bring their own canoe or kayak. Rentals and trip information are available from local outfitters in and around Kingston Springs.
Access sites close for safety during high water. Much of the property around the Harpeth River is private land. Please be courteous to landowners and be aware of trespassing laws. The park and access sites are day-use only. There is no camping or overnight parking. Please observe park hours and plan your trip accordingly as the gates to access sites are locked at designated closing times. The average paddle time is 2 to 3 mph, depending on river flow.
Henry Horton State Park
4209 Nashville Highway, Chapel Hill, TN
Henry Horton State Park was constructed in the 1960s on the estate of the former governor of Tennessee, Henry Horton. The park is located on the shores of the historic Duck River, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Remnants of a mill and bridge operated and used by the family of Horton’s spouse for over a century may be seen today on the Wilhoite Mill Trail.
The park offers several lodging options, including an inn, eight cabins, 56 RV campsites, 10 tent campsites, nine primitive campsites and three backcountry campsites. There are also three group campsites available. The inn features The Governor's Table Restaurant, open seven days a week.
The Buford Ellington championship golf course at Henry Horton State Park is temporarily closed for greens renovations until mid-September, 2015. This challenging course is heavily treed with hardwoods and contains 37 bunkers.
Duck River anglers can catch largemouth and smallmouth and red-eye bass and catfish, among many other species.
The Henry Horton Trap and Skeet Range includes five skeet fields, two trap fields and a lodge building with concessions. Gun rental and ammo are available. A picnic shelter is available for large shoots or related gatherings. No pullers provided. Must be 18 years of age or youth sportsman. A valid hunter education card required for shooters under the age of 18.
Activities
BIKING
Bikes are allowed on paved roads throughout Henry Horton State Park.
DISC GOLF
There is an 18 hole disc golf course inside the park that is free to the public. With level terrain and well defined fairways, this is one of the best disc golf courses in Tennessee.
SWIMMING
Henry Horton's Olympic-sized pool is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, ages three and older and $2.50 for campers.
TRAP AND SKEET
The Henry Horton Trap and Skeet Range is one of the finest in the state and offers Skeet, Trap, Wobble Trap, and Five Stand Shooting.
GOLFING
The Buford Ellington championship golf course at Henry Horton State Park measures 5,625 yards from the Forward tees and 7,020 yards from the Championship tees. This challenging course is heavily treed with hardwoods and contains 37 bunkers. Although the length may scare some golfers away, the fairways are generous in width and the greens larger than average.
HIKING
With over 10 miles of hiking, Henry Horton State Park is a wonderful place to get outside and into nature. From deep and cool sinkholes to dry and hot cedar glades, from riverbank ecology to areas with deep cultural history, the trials here are unique, diverse and rewarding around every bend.
FISHING
The Duck River provides catches of Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Redeye, and catfish. Fishing can be very good from the banks as well as by small boats. Some areas provide excellent opportunities for flyfishing.
BIRDING
Birding is exceptional for residents such as Carolina chickadee and tufted titmouse, pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers and migrating warblers. Over 70 species of birds have been observed throughout the year.
Campground
CAMPSITES
Campsites are limited to six people and two vehicles maximum. Only two tents or an RV and one tent allowed on camp sites. All sites have tables and fire rings. Two bathhouses are available seasonally and one remains open during the winter to accommodate tents and small campers without self-contained facilities. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash. Pets may not be left tied unattended. WiFi is available in the campground and firewood is sold onsite. A large group tent camp site is also available.
The newly renovated campstore sells basic camping supplies, snack and drinks as well as gift items such as t-shirts, hats and toys. We recently added a new coffee and seating area as well as expanding our inventory. Come out and see us!
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
328 Cedar Forest Rd, Lebanon, TN
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is located in Wilson County and is part of the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest. The park is named for Eastern Red Cedar trees found throughout the area. The trees reminded early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon in what is now the Mediterranean area. Cedars of Lebanon became a state park in 1955.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park is known for its equestrian access. The Stables at Cedars of Lebanon is a leased operation that provides guided trail rides, overnight boarding and barn birthday parties. The 2.5 mile guided trail ride through the park takes approx. 40-50 minutes to complete. Rental horses are available or you may bring your own horse.
The 900 acre park has 117 campsites equipped with picnic tables and grills, electric and water hookups. There are an additional 30 tent and pop-up campsites available. A modern group lodge, open year-round for organized groups, has a total sleeping capacity of 80 people.
Rock Island State Park
82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN
Rock Island State Park is an 883 acre park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins and Rocky Rivers. The rugged beauty of the park includes the Caney Fork Gorge below Great Falls Dam. These overlooks are some of the most scenic and significant along the Eastern Highland Rim. Great Falls is a 30 foot horseshoe cascading waterfall, located below the 19th century cotton textile mill that it powered over 100 years ago. Rock Island became a Tennessee State Park in 1969.
Always use caution in the gorge. Water may rise rapidly. Monitor your surroundings. Leave the gorge immediately if water begins to rise or you hear warning sirens. Watch for slick rocks and swift currents. Do NOT jump into water of unknown depths. Swimming or wading is not allowed in all areas from TVA’s powerhouse downstream all the way down to the main beach boat ramp including by the “powerhouse”, “Twin Falls” and “Blue Hole” due to hidden and deadly currents.
The Caney Fork River Gorge contains scenic overlooks, waterfalls, deep pools and limestone paths perfect for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking and exploring. The park’s whitewater sections attract professional freestyle kayakers from around the world. It also features a natural sand beach and boating access on Center Hill Lake.
Rock Island State Park has some of the finest Tennessee State Park cabins. All ten, three bedroom, two bathroom cabins, are open year-round. They are located a half-mile from the natural sand beach along the Caney Fork River. The park also has two campgrounds offering 60 different campsites that can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents.
Activities
BOATING
Our launch ramp on Center Hill Lake and other ramps closeby on the Caney Fork and Collilns Rivers offer access for great recreational boating. Rock Island is known for it's whitewater kayaking and has hosted international freestyle kayaking events.
SWIMMING
The park's natural sand beach is located on the headwaters of the beautiful Center Hill Lake. Adequate parking space and a modern bathhouse are provided. No lifeguards on duty.
HIKING
The park has nine hiking trails with the Caney Fork Gorge area located below the dam being a very popular area for rock hopping, swimming and fishing. This beautiful limestone gorge runs between the Great Falls Dam and the Twin Falls.
PICNICKING
There are four picnicking areas within the park. All are equipped with tables, grills, and drinking water. All have restroom facilities.
Four picnic pavilions that can accommodate 30-100 people each can be reserved for group use. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.
FISHING
Boating and fishing are very popular on Center Hill Lake as well as on Great Falls Lake. There is a free public launching ramp on Great Falls Lake.
BIRDING
Birds such as Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Herons can be seen along with great blue herons which have a rookery nearby.
Campground
MAIN CAMPGROUND
Rock Island has two campgrounds, with 20 campsites available year-round.
The main campground has 50 sites, (#1-#50), to accommodate RVs and trailers. Some of these sites will also accommodate tents. Each site is equipped with 20,30, 50 amp electrical and water hookups, charcoal grill, fire ring, lantern hanger, and picnic table. Sites #31-#34 also have sewer hookups. Sites #31 and #32 are ADA accessible. There are two bathhouses with hot showers and ADA accessible restrooms. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground. Wi-Fi is available. A picnic pavilion and playground are nearby.
Sites #1-#30 are closed from November 2 through March 15 of every year.
Sites #31-#50 are open year-round. Some of these sites may be used for tents.
TENT ONLY CAMPSITES
The tent only campground has 10 sites (#51-#60), each with 20-amp electrical service, water hookups, lantern hanger, fire ring, charcoal grill and picnic table. A bathhouse with hot water is conveniently located nearby. Most are partially shaded and have a grass surface. The tent only campground is closed from Nov. 2 through March 15, each year.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville, TN
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visited state parks. The park encompasses more than 26,000 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. Laced with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades.
The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30.
In 1937, the federal government began purchasing the badly eroded land around Fall Creek Falls. The following year, the Works Project Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began restoring the forest and constructing park facilities. A few years later in 1944, the National Park Service transferred ownership of the park to the State of Tennessee.
Fall Creek Falls features 30 cabins and 222 campsites. Backcountry camping is also available with permit.
The park is home to a variety of activities suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to the base of Fall Creek Falls. There are two long-distance overnight trails for adventure-seeking visitors while the day-use trails are designed to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages. More than 56 miles of trails can be explored.
The Nature Center at Fall Creek Falls offers hands-on environmental education through a variety of naturalist-led programs. Additional programs include arts and crafts, movies, campfires, organized games, and live musical entertainment. In addition to individual and family environmental education, the park offers extensive programming geared to school groups. Since 1996, the Environmental Education Center has been educating and facilitating environmental education through the parks vast natural resources by offering a low cost, high quality overnight field trip for school groups. The park serves as an excellent outdoor classroom with programs designed to relate to your school's required curriculum.
Activities
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing at Fall Creek Falls State Park is by registration only. Registration is free and available at Park Headquarters in the Taft Village Area and online.
BOATING
Aluminum jon boats may be rented year-round. Please bring your own trolling motor and battery. No privately owned, motorized boats or gasoline motors are allowed on the lake. Visitors may bring their own canoes and kayaks year-round. Paddleboats, kayaks and canoes are available for rent, April through October. Click “More Info” for complete details.
SWIMMING
The Olympic-sized is open seven days a week. A children's wading pool, modern bathhouses and a snack bar are available. Lifeguards are on duty and the pool is ADA compliant.
HIKING
There are over 56 miles of hiking trails around the park. Hikers can opt for short or long walks around the lake and to and from the base of Fall Creek Falls.
BIKING
Fall Creek Falls has three mountain bike trails covering 24 miles. The park offers bike rentals at the Canopy Challenge Course near the pool and Park Office.
FISHING
Fall Creek Lake (345 acre) provides catches of Largemouth Bass and is home to state record catches for Channel Catfish and Bluegill. Fishing is best in the spring and fall and is good from either a boat or the bank. Anglers enjoy bank and wade fishing in creeks throughout the park.
BIRDING
Fall Creek Falls is filled with deep gorges, dense and diverse woods, and bluff-top vistas, attracting awide array of bird life year-round. One hundred and forty species of birds have been observed throughout the year.
GOLF
Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to one of the most challenging 18-hole layouts carved out of the densely forested woodlands of the Cumberland Plateau.
Campground
The park has 222 campsites in five different areas. All sites have tables, grills, water, and electricity and are served by six bathhouses. 92 sites have sewer connections. Some sites will accommodate an RV up to 65 feet in length. Ice and firewood may be purchased year-round. Most campgrounds are accessible by persons with a disability.
The park also has 16 primitive sites, meaning they do not include water or electric hookups and are for tent camping only. Nine of the primitive sites are “walk-in” and are set back in the woods several hundred yards from the designated parking area. Reservations for walk-in sites are only available over the phone. The other seven primitive sites are “park-on” sites with parking adjacent to the actual campsite. These seven sites are located in Area C and are reservable online or over the phone.
Prepared food is available at The Village pool snack bar and FCF Golf Course Pro Shop. Groceries are sold at the camp store in The Village. A coin laundry facility, open year-round, is located in The Village by the Main Office and General Store. Fall Creek Falls t-shirts, caps and other souvenirs are available at our two gift shops; one is located at the park office and one located at the camper check-in building.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
There are 16 back-country campsites located in four different areas along the overnight backpacking trails. For more information about these sites, please call the Nature Center at 423-881-5298 or click into the reservation section. From there, you can read specific details about each site. Reservations may be made online.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING - VIRGIN FALLS STATE NATURAL AREA
Now accepting on-line reservations. The distance to Virgin Falls is four miles one way. Please allow plenty of time to get to your campsite in the daylight. This is a strenuous hike. Campsites are primitive with no vehicular access or water or electric. Water is available from the Caney Fork River, except in drought times, but must be treated. There is no camping allowed above Virgin Falls. Please be sure to respect the resources, and to take out all waste brought in. If camping, please leave your campsite in as good as, or better shape than you found it.
Frozen Head State Park
964 Flat Fork Road, Wartburg, TN
Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area encompasses more than 24,000 acres of wilderness area and is named for a 3,324-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains, the top of which is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. The impressive entrance leads visitors into a vestige of densely forested, unspoiled mountain splendor — once common throughout the Cumberland Plateau.
There are 20 primitive tent campsites within the park. Fifty miles of backpacking and day-hiking trails provide wildlife viewing opportunity. Many of the trailheads are located near the park office, with lesser-used trailheads located at Armes Gap and just off Highway 62 to the south. Most of the trails are open only to hiking, although mountain biking is allowed on the Lookout Tower Trail, which leads to the summit of Frozen Head.
In 2006, the park replaced the aging CCC fire tower at the summit of Frozen Head with an observation deck. There is scenic seven-mile trail leading to the observation deck. The observation deck rises just above the treeline and allows for a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee Valley span the eastern horizon. Walden Ridge— where the Tennessee Valley meets the Cumberland Plateau— is visible to the south.
Activities
BIRDING
The Audubon Society recognizes Frozen Head as part of the South Cumberland Mountains Important Bird Area. Important Bird Areas, or IBA’s are sites that provide essential habitat for one or more species of bird.
HIKING
The park features over 50 miles of foot trails that meander by waterfalls, rock shelters and giant mountaintop cap rocks. A portion of the Cumberland Trail passes through the park.
BIKING
The parks trail system is for hikers only but a nine mile fire road offers a great view of the park all while climbing to the parks high point.
Trail Length: 9 miles
Trail Rating: Advanced
FISHING
We are happy to report that we have received the first stocking of trout in Flat Fork Creek!
Campground
BIG COVE CAMPING
Twenty rustic campsites are scattered throughout the Big Cove Camping area. Visitors will find a modern bathhouse that provides hot showers. A centrally located water faucet is provided for drinking water and a sink basin behind the bathhouse is provided for dish washing. Each campsite is equipped with a parking slip, picnic table, grill, lantern hanger and fire ring. Electricity, water hookups and dump stations are not available at Frozen Head.
Two group sites, #5 & #18, with a capacity of 15 to 20 people are available in the Big Cove Campground and may be reserved on-line or by calling the park office up to a year in advance.
PRIMITIVE CAMPING
Eight primitive group campsites are located in the Flat Fork Primitive Group Site Area located on Flat Fork Rd. Each of these sites holds up to 15 people. Flat Fork Primitive Group sites are located on the northern edge of the road between the Shelter A Picnic Area and the Panther Branch Trail Head. The sites are linear and located between the road and Flat Fork Branch. Flat Fork Creek can be dry during dry conditions.
One parking space per campsite. For additional parking, use the picnic area parking and/or the Panther Branch Trail Head parking area. Please pick up a campsite parking tag for additional vehicles parked in areas other than Flat Fork Primitive Group Sites.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Frozen Head State Park boasts over 50 miles of backpacking trails with 10 designated backcountry campsites – 4 of which are group sites. Park Management encourages campers to reserve their campsite early to ensure they have a site upon arrival. Reservations must be made no later than 4:00 PM on day of planned stay. Multi-night camping in different locations is permitted with one reservation. Remember to follow all park rules.
Site capacity information and description can be found under site features on the backcountry camping reservation page. Please look closely at the campsite’s capacity when reserving; we encourage our campers to adhere to the minimum capacity for the group sites.
Hiking is required to reach each site. The mileages are listed with the campsite descriptions. No hiking is allowed on trails after dark. Please allow ample daylight hours to reach your designation. Each site has a designated fire ring. Check fire index sign in the Visitor Center parking lot. Levels 1 and 2 indicate backcountry fires are allowed. Levels 3 to 5 indicate no fires are permitted. Water must be filtered from the natural sources or carried in. Please plan your water needs in advance. Not all the sites have a dependable water source and availability is seasonal.
Please help us keep the backcountry clean for all our park visitors and follow the Leave No Trace policy. What you take in, you take back out.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
Things To Do
Auto Touring
Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the East. An auto tour of the park offers a variety of experiences, including panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and mature hardwood forests stretching to the horizon.
There are 384 miles of road to choose from in the Smokies. Most are paved, and even the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars. Travel speeds on most of the park's paved roads average 35 miles per hour.
Camping
Backcountry - for backpackers. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park's backcountry.
Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table.
Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Located in frontcountry campgrounds.
Horse Camps - Small campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities.
Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons.
Fishing
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. Approximately 20% of the park's streams are large enough to support trout populations.The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year.
Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams.
Didymo is a non-native single-celled algae species that ruins stream and river beds. It has been found in the streams of 16 states, including Tennessee. Protect park streams by not spreading "Rock Snot"!
Done fishing? Use our Angler Creel Survey form to tell us about your experience while fishing in the park. This will provide the park with information on the numbers and sizes of fish caught and harvested here. The results will be used to help park biologists determine angler use patterns, catch and harvest rates, and seasonal patterns. Whether you just caught a few or caught a bunch, please take a minute to fill out a creel survey and let us know about your trip.
Hiking
Hikers enjoy the Smoky Mountains during all months of the year with every season offering is own special rewards. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, chimneys, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees. In summer, walkers can seek out cool retreats among the spruce-fir forests and balds or follow splashy mountain streams to roaring falls and cascades. Autumn hikers have crisp, dry air to sharpen their senses and a varied palette of fall colors to enjoy.
Here are some of the most popular destination hikes in the park:
Charlies Bunion
Alum Cave Bluffs
Andrews Bald
Rainbow Falls
Chimney Tops
One of the most daunting tasks facing hikers is choosing a trail. Start by deciding on what you would like to see. Waterfalls? Old-growth forests? Endless views? Then decide how far you would like to hike. If you haven't hiked much recently, be conservative. Five miles roundtrip is a good maximum distance for novices.
Hiking with children? Kid-friendly hikes are an excellent way to learn and enjoy the outdoors.
Horse Riding
Horseback Rides
Guided horseback rides are available at four concession horseback riding stables in the park from mid-March through late November. Rides on scenic park trails are offered lasting from 45 minutes to several hours. All rides proceed at a walking pace. Rates are from $30 per hour. Weight limits and age restrictions may apply. Please call the stable you are interested in for additional information.
Hayrides
Cades Cove Riding Stables offers a 1.5 - 2 hour hayride around the Cades Cove Loop Road. Passengers sit on a bed of hay in a trailer pulled by a truck and enjoy an open air view of the scenery of Cades Cove. Reservations are generally required and can be made by calling (865) 448-9009.
Carriage and Wagon Rides
Carriage or wagon rides are offered at two of the concession horseback riding stables in the park. These rides provide an opportunity to experience a 20-30 minute horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride on a park trail.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are located at Big Creek, Chimneys, Cades Cove, Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Heintooga, Look Rock, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks.
The picnic areas at Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms remain open year-round. The remaining picnic areas are closed during the winter.
Picnic pavilions are available at Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks, Pavilions can be reserved for groups one year in advance by calling (877)444-6777
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing Tips
Viewing wildlife in the Smokies can be challenging because most of the park is covered by dense forest. Open areas like Cataloochee and Cades Cove offer some of the best opportunities to see white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks, and other animals. The narrow, winding road of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail encourages motorists to travel at a leisurely pace and sometimes yields sightings of bear and other wildlife. During winter wildlife is more visible because deciduous trees have lost their leaves.
Because many animals are most active at night, it can be advantageous to look for wildlife during morning and evening. It's also a good idea to carry binoculars. Some people like to sit quietly beside a trail to see what wildlife will come out of hiding. And don't forget to scan the trees—many animals spend their days among the branches.
Ramsey Cascades Trail
Chimney Tops Trail
Although only two miles in length (4 miles round trip), the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail to Chimney Tops requires strength and caution. Nevertheless, due to the excellent views from this trail, as well as abundant wildflowers, streams and large trees, many feel a hike up to “the chimneys” is well worth the extra effort. Over time, the Chimney Tops trail has become one of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s most popular hiking trails.
Grotto Falls Trail
Roaring Fork Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
Trillium Gap Trail meanders through an old-growth hemlock forest and actually runs behind the 25 foot high waterfall. The cool, moist environment near the falls is ideal for salamanders and summer hikers. The hike is 3 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Trailhead: From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to stop #5 where there is a large parking area. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a narrow, winding, one-way road that is closed in winter. Buses, RVs, and large trucks are prohibited on the road. Trail Notes: The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 3 miles and the hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. Carry drinking water with you. Portions of this trail are rocky-sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Do not attempt to hike the trail in sandals or flip flops. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail. Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall. Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae.
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
501 Rocky Fork Rd, Flag Pond, TN
About Us:
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is 2,076 acres of scenic wilderness in Unicoi County, in the southern Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee. The park is approximately 30 minutes from both Johnson City and Asheville, N.C., and 10 miles from Erwin, the county seat. Part of the Rocky Fork watershed, the land was designated a Tennessee State Park in October 2012, but wasn't officially opened and staffed until May 2015. As of January 2019, Rocky Fork State Park has been named after Senator Lamar Alexander.
Please note: Rocky Fork Road is a narrow, one-lane, paved road with pull-offs along the side. The parking area is small with limited spaces, a portable toilet, and bear-resistant trash and recycling (plastic and aluminum) bins. Please do not block the gate. Carpooling to Rocky Fork is recommended.
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium
853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN
Bays Mountain Park is home to a $1.3 million dollar state-of-the-art planetarium theater featuring a 40-foot dome, 6.1 surround sound and a Carl Zeiss ZKP-4 star projector that is so precise viewers can use binoculars to see details in two dozen deep-sky objects!
Planetarium theaters are unique in that they accurately reproduce the night sky under a hemispherical projection dome.
Public planetarium astronomy programs are geared for family audiences and are suitable for ages 6 and above.