White House Cliffs Trail: Difference between revisions

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(Multiple updates based on hike yesterday.)
 
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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Trail
{{Infobox Trail
|Banner Image=File:View from White House Cliffs1.JPG
                    | Image Name = placeholder.jpg
|Trail Highlight=High-point vista from within Rocky Fork SP
                    | City = Erwin
|Park=Rocky Fork State Park
                    | State = Tennessee
|City=Erwin
                    | Marking = Pink survey tap
|Trail Marking=Beige plastic TN State Park logo
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Dogs}}
|Trail Use=Hiking, Geocaching
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
|Trail Features=Vistas, Mountains
                    | Hike Time = 2
|Difficulty Rating=Medium
                    | Distance = 3
|Hike Time=2 hrs
                    | Elevation Gain = ~900
|Trail Distance=0.9459 mi
                    | High Point = 3340
|Round Trip Distance=1.9 mi
                    | Latitude = 36.0482662
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | Longitude = -82.556677
|High Point=3,308 ft
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
|Low Point=2,406 ft
|Elevation Gain=902 ft
|Elevation Loss=0 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=South-to-North
|Parking location=36.04823, -82.55836
|Trailhead location=36.04823, -82.55836
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail Map}}


<!-- Start of Main Page -->
__TOC__


== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
<!-- Enter overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
In the [[Rocky Fork State Park]] TN state park area.  A steep hike to first highpoint to enjoy some views of the surrounding mountains.
In the [[Rocky Fork]] TN state park area.  A steep hike to first highpoint to enjoy some views of the surrounding mountains.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From I-26 in Tennessee at Exit 46:
From I-26 Tennessee Exit 43 Temple Hill Road (hour from Kingsport):
#From the Exit 46 Welcome Center follow the access road back under the interstate about 0.2 miles to its end into Clear Branch Road (street sign is often missing).
#Head south on US 19W/Temple Hill Road (brown sign for Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park shows correct turn)
#If heading east on I-26 and not wishing to stop at the Welcome Center, simply turn right off the Exit 46 ramp and follow the access road a few hundred yards down to Clear Branch Rd.  (west-bound traffic will turn left from the exit ramp onto the welcome ctr. access road)
#After 1.1 miles, veer slight right onto TN 352 going under I-26 (another brown information sign directing)
#Turn right onto Clear Branch and head down thru the tiny community of Clear Branch, past the Clear Branch Church, and down the steep grade to the stop sign - about 0.8 mile.
#After 4.8 miles, turn right onto Rocky Fork Road (entrance sign for state park here)
#Turn left onto TN-352 (old US 23 - usually no sign here either) and go about 2.5 miles to Rocky Fork Road on your right.
#After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
#Follow RF Rd. about 0.8 mile up to the parking area at the blue gate on your left.  The stream along Rocky Fork Road is very scenic, with lots of cascades, deep pools and giant boulders.  Great trout fishing too.
#White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.
#Park in the small area on the right of the short gravel road leading to the gate.  Try to leave room for other vehicles if possible.
 
Alternatively, from I-26 Tennessee Exit 46 Flag Pond Road (45 minutes from Asheville):
#Turn left onto Upper Higgins Creek Road.
#After 0.4 mile, turn right/north Old Asheville Highway.
#After 2.2 miles, turn left onto Rocky Fork Road (entrance sign for state park here)
#After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
#White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.
 
Note that I-26 Exit 43 has the Tennessee Welcome Center with indoor bathrooms and vending.  To then reach the park:
#Take the access road and then turn right/north on Clear Branch Road.   
#Proceed thru tiny community of Clear Branch, past Clear Branch Church, and down steep grade to stop sign - about 0.8 mile.
#Turn left onto TN-352 and go about 2.5 miles to Rocky Fork Road on your right.
#After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
#White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
[[File:White house cliffs trail profile.png|thumb|right]]
From the locked parking area gate, follow the gravel entrance road until pink survey tape is observed on right. The next section follows an old ungraveled logging path up the creek bed. Once out of the water path, continue following the old logging roadway around until pink survey tape is seen on the right.  Follow the flagging tape up a primative trail to a survey marker post.  The last section heads right up the mountain spine to top. The best views are a bit further east from the highpoint.
'''NEW Whitehouse Cliffs Trail'''<br>
 
A new trail starting from the parking area was built in 2018-2019 and opened to the public on December 28th 2019. A tremendous amount of volunteer hours was put it to make the new trail.<br><br>
The trail is obvious and well marked.  Just follow it steeply all the way to the top.


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
Line 45: Line 63:
|-
|-
|0.0
|0.0
|2,880
|2,455
|Locked gate at parking lot
|Trailhead at Campfire area
|-
|0.5
|
|Campground at former Apple House Shelter
|-
|-
|2.6
|0.6
|4,400
|2,937
|Trail reaches a rock overlook with view down into Elk River valley
|During winter months, good close up view of cliffs themselves
|-  
|-  
|3.0
|1.0
|4,560
|3,340
|Reach grassy field called Doll Flats
|Highpoint
|-
|4.6
|
|Exit woods at fence sty to begin ascending Houston Ridge up the bald
|-
|5.5
|5,587
|Summit Hump Mountain.  Spin around to take in the views.
|}
|}


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
This hike is a medium difficulty as the stream bed will be flowing after a rain; otherwise, potentially muddy. The trail is sparely marked with the pink survey tape and not under a regular maintenance program.  Stinging nettle was commonly encountered... along with a fresh bear track.  White House itself is recovering from a wildfire several years ago, thus sharp dead branches are encountered.
Located at the Main Parking Lot near Campfire Interpretation Area. New Whitehouse Cliffs Trail route is completely new as of 2019 and is the REQUIRED, marked route to reach Whitehouse Cliffs Knob overlook. The path is steep with many rock and log steps.  During Fall, the heavy leaf litter can make it slippery, so hiking poles are recommended.


This trail description DOES NOT proceed out to the actual cliffs viewed from the highway as the approach is steep with loose soil, thus considered unsafe.
Parking lot has two pit toilets and picnic tables.
 
'''Old Whitehouse Cliffs Trailhead and Trail'''<br>
Route is CLOSED TO PUBLIC (located off of Rocky Fork Trail). Staff is letting nature/forest reclaim for Ecological Restoration.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==  
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==  
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
Not permitted on the watershed are horses, motor vehicles, fires or camping. Once off the entrance gravel road, this trail is not suitable for mountain bikes.
Not permitted on the watershed are horses, motor vehicles, fires or camping.  


== After the Hike ==
== After the Hike ==
<!-- Anywhere interesting to stop by since you're in the area!! -->
<!-- Anywhere interesting to stop by since you're in the area!! -->
The welcome center provides restroom facilities and vending machines.
The welcome center at I-26 Exit 43 provides restroom facilities and vending machines.


== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
Huckleberries were found on top - typically ripe in July-early August.
Huckleberries were found on top - typically ripe in July-early August.
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.048" lon="-82.556" type="terrain" zoom="14" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Rocky_Fork_Entrance_Road.kml
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/White_House_Cliffs_Trail.kml
(A) 36.0482662,-82.556677
Trailhead to Rocky Fork Tract
Locked gate
(G)
Highpoint
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
{{Map Marker
Image:placeholder.jpg
|Icon Type=Trail sign
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
|Marker Title=Trailhead to Rocky Fork Tract
</gallery>
|Marker Description=Gravel Parking
 
|Marker Location=36.048233,-82.558361
[[Category: Tennessee]]  [[Category: Medium]]
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Cliffs Viewpoint
|Marker Location=36.050603,-82.561469
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Highpoint
|Marker Location=36.052382,-82.560858
}}

Latest revision as of 10:45, 25 November 2021

White House Cliffs Trail

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View from White House Cliffs1.JPG
Highlight High-point vista from within Rocky Fork SP
Park Rocky Fork State Park
Located Erwin, Tennessee
Trail Marking Beige plastic TN State Park logo
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

HikingGeocaching

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

VistasMountains

Difficulty Rating Medium
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 2 hrs0.125 Days <br />120 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 0.9459 mi1.522 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 1.9 mi3.058 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type In-and-Out
Low / High Point 2,406 ft802 Yards <br />733.349 Meters <br /> / 3,308 ft1,102.667 Yards <br />1,008.278 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 902 ft274.93 Meters <br /> / (0 ft0 Meters <br />) – South-to-North
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days 2 logged hikes (0 recent)
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list No other Trails within 5 mi
Parking 36° 2' 53.63" N, 82° 33' 30.10" W Map
Trailhead 36° 2' 53.63" N, 82° 33' 30.10" W Map
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Trail Overview[edit]

In the Rocky Fork State Park TN state park area. A steep hike to first highpoint to enjoy some views of the surrounding mountains.

How to get there[edit]

From I-26 Tennessee Exit 43 Temple Hill Road (hour from Kingsport):

  1. Head south on US 19W/Temple Hill Road (brown sign for Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park shows correct turn)
  2. After 1.1 miles, veer slight right onto TN 352 going under I-26 (another brown information sign directing)
  3. After 4.8 miles, turn right onto Rocky Fork Road (entrance sign for state park here)
  4. After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
  5. White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.

Alternatively, from I-26 Tennessee Exit 46 Flag Pond Road (45 minutes from Asheville):

  1. Turn left onto Upper Higgins Creek Road.
  2. After 0.4 mile, turn right/north Old Asheville Highway.
  3. After 2.2 miles, turn left onto Rocky Fork Road (entrance sign for state park here)
  4. After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
  5. White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.

Note that I-26 Exit 43 has the Tennessee Welcome Center with indoor bathrooms and vending. To then reach the park:

  1. Take the access road and then turn right/north on Clear Branch Road.
  2. Proceed thru tiny community of Clear Branch, past Clear Branch Church, and down steep grade to stop sign - about 0.8 mile.
  3. Turn left onto TN-352 and go about 2.5 miles to Rocky Fork Road on your right.
  4. After 0.8 miles, turn left for park access road to reach large gravel parking area.
  5. White House Cliffs Trail starts by the campfire area.

Route Description[edit]

White house cliffs trail profile.png

NEW Whitehouse Cliffs Trail
A new trail starting from the parking area was built in 2018-2019 and opened to the public on December 28th 2019. A tremendous amount of volunteer hours was put it to make the new trail.

The trail is obvious and well marked. Just follow it steeply all the way to the top.

Distance (mi) Elevation (ft) Feature
0.0 2,455 Trailhead at Campfire area
0.6 2,937 During winter months, good close up view of cliffs themselves
1.0 3,340 Highpoint

Typical Conditions[edit]

Located at the Main Parking Lot near Campfire Interpretation Area. New Whitehouse Cliffs Trail route is completely new as of 2019 and is the REQUIRED, marked route to reach Whitehouse Cliffs Knob overlook. The path is steep with many rock and log steps. During Fall, the heavy leaf litter can make it slippery, so hiking poles are recommended.

Parking lot has two pit toilets and picnic tables.

Old Whitehouse Cliffs Trailhead and Trail
Route is CLOSED TO PUBLIC (located off of Rocky Fork Trail). Staff is letting nature/forest reclaim for Ecological Restoration.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

Not permitted on the watershed are horses, motor vehicles, fires or camping.

After the Hike[edit]

The welcome center at I-26 Exit 43 provides restroom facilities and vending machines.

Misc. Information[edit]

Huckleberries were found on top - typically ripe in July-early August.

Photos[edit]


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