Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork Hiking | Tennessee State Parks

Wooden bridge over a clear stream, surrounded by colorful autumn trees.

Hiking at Rocky Fork

Nearly 20 miles of marked trails within the boundary of the state park provide great views of our Southern Appalachian 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, opportunity to see ruffed grouse and bear, and discover numerous cascades and waterfalls

Ranger-led guided hikes through the forest are recommended and offered throughout the year. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and comfortable outdoor clothing. Weather can change abruptly in the mountains, so be prepared.

Trails

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Access Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

0.35 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

Rocky Fork State Park's gateway to the Appalachian Trail at Flint Gap.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking

Birchfield Camp Trail/Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

2.70 mi.

Difficulty

Difficult

Surface

Natural

This old logging road will guide you through the park into the Cherokee National Forest. It will lead you to a 4,100 ft elevation bog, teaming with plants, reptiles and amphibians.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

Blockstand Creek Access Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

0.90 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

This trail provides access to Blockstand Ridge Trail/Route as it gains nearly 600 ft. a mile and passes by many interesting plant and mushroom communities.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking

Blockstand Creek Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

—

Difficulty

—

Surface

Natural

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking

Blockstand Creek Trail/Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

4.20 mi.

Difficulty

Difficult

Surface

Natural

Blockstand Creek is one of the most overlooked creeks in Rocky Fork, but it is extremely important to the watershed. This trail traverses Blockstand Ridge and follows Blockstand Creek.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

Flint Creek Trail/Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

2.05 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

This historic trail marks the battle site of John Sevier vs. the Cherokee. It was in this hollow in 1789, that John Sevier ambushed a Cherokee Camp.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking

Flint Mountain Trail/Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

4.90 mi.

Difficulty

Difficult

Surface

Natural

This is one of Rocky Fork State Park's only dry ridge ecosystem examples. As it weaves in and out of the State Park and Cherokee National Forest, you will likely see signs of bear, ruffed grouse, and wild turkeys.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

Headwaters Trail/Route

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

1.00 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

Whether it is for headwaters fly fishing or your love of high country streams, this trail is beautiful, during every season.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking

Rocky Fork Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

0.60 mi.

Difficulty

Difficult

Surface

Natural

This is the main access road into Rocky Fork State Park and the easiest way to access all other trails in the park.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Mountain Biking

Rocky Fork Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

This is the main access road into Rocky Fork State Park and the easiest way to access all other trails in the park.

Distance

0.60 mi.

Difficulty

Difficult

Surface

Natural

Allowed

Hiking Mountain Biking

Trail Type

Information unavailable

Elevation

Gain 144.70'

Loss 6.10'

Grade

Typical 5.3%

Max 17.5%

Cross Slope

Typical 2.2%

Max 11.3%

Tread Width

Typical 91"

Minimum 48"

Surface Type

Gravel 94.8%; Rock 3.2%; Soil 2%

Obstructions Exist

Rocks: 4 in tall
White Oak Flats Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

1.30 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

Even though little to no evidence exists of it today, this area was once home to several cabins and a functional sawmill. White Oak Flats Trail is a great place for viewing Appalachian Wildlife or a picnic on an out and back hike.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking Mountain Biking

Whitehouse Cliffs Trail

Rocky Fork State Park

Distance

1.00 mi.

Difficulty

Moderate

Surface

Natural

This short, steep trail travels below the 200-foot quartzite Whitehouse Cliffs, then continues upward to a rewarding view of the park atop Whitehouse Knob.-Elevation 3440'.

Availability
Open

Allowed
Hiking

Trail Definitions

Cross Slope 

Describes the degree of incline from one side of the trail path to the other; measured as a percentage. Cross slope aids in water drainage and impacts the overall trail stability.  
Grade 

Describes the rise in elevation over a horizontal distance on the trail; measured as a percentage.  Higher percentages represent a steeper grade indicating a more challenging ascent or descent for hikers.   
Standard Ramp Grade

Serves as a reference guide for the grade of the trail.  Standard Ramp Grade is 8.3% across all trail assessments. 
Surface 

A characteristic of the trail expressed in terms of material type, grading, compaction, and roughness of the path. Possible surface types include soil, gravel, paved, and mulch.  
Tread Width 

Represents the horizontal distance from one edge of the trail path to the other; measurements can vary.  Tread width helps to determine the amount of space a hiker has to pass through. Obstacles on the trail can alter the remaining tread width.  
Trail Types: Loop

Trail returns at or near the point from which you started.
Trail Types: Network

Offers multiple route options within one trail, and each route is connected
Trail Types: Out and Back

This type of trail travels out to an endpoint where hikers turn around and travel back to the starting point.  
Trail Types: Stacked Loop

A loop trail contained completely within another trail.

Recreation Area Safety

As with any primitive recreation area, caution should be exercised when visiting the park.

Do Not Approach Wildlife

In the event that you see a bear in the backcountry, do not approach the bear or throw food to the bear.
Keep Pets Leashed

For the safety of your pet and for the safety of park wildlife, keep your pets leashed at all times.
Be Familiar With Navigating

If hiking in the forest, it is recommended that hikers have familiarity with the area and experience with backcountry navigating and familiarity with GPS, compass, and maps.