David Crockett Birthplace Birding

This loop trail travels along the bluff overlooking the Crockett shoals of the Nolichucky River.  

Rebecca Hawkins Trail passes through a meadow and a dense pine forest and connects with the Limestone Creek Trail while the John Crockett Trail travels the perimeter of the meadow.

The trail follows Limestone Creek along bluffs upstream from the boat ramp. The trail connects with the Homestead Loop Trail and Rebecca Hawkins Trail.

The trail runs along the Nolichucky River from the boat ramp to the campground area. The trail also connects with the Limestone Creek Trail.

This trail is a 1.50 mile long paved trail that parallels the Nolichucky River. The trail includes wooded areas, ponds, wetlands, and small creeks along the flat river bottom. There are fishing docks and boardwalks over wetlands. The marshes, wetlands, and woods the trail travels through provide for a nice birding opportunity. General woodland birding is good. The ponds and wetlands support waterfowl and shore birds. A variety of migrant passerines may be found here in season. Over 125 species of birds observed.  

Grassy balds are present at this overlook. On the higher mountain slopes beech-maple and spruce forest communities dominate with grassy balds and rhododendron patches. Over 55 species of birds observed.  

Rocky Fork is a relatively new, undeveloped state park. Nearly 20 miles of marked trails within the boundary of the state park provide great views of our Southern Appalachian cove forest, and a direct access to the Appalachian Trail. Ranging from easy to strenuous, Rocky Fork trails offer the highest elevation overlook in any Tennessee State Park. 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 bins. A visitor center and campground are planned for the future. Nearly 70 species of birds observed.