Little Oak Recreation Area

From TEHCC Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Little Oak Recreation Area
Park Type Recreation Area
Located Bristol, Tennessee
External Links Official Website

Official Trail Map

Entrance Fee $2.00 per vehicle
ActivitiesThings to do at the park HikingBoatingGeocachingFishing
Park AmenitiesThings built to enjoy or use at the park Beaches
FeaturesNatural things to see at the park VistasLakes
Park Trails

2 Trails / Total of 2.90 miles4.667 km <br />

Lodging Types CampgroundGroup Campground
Camping Amenities

Dump stationShowers

Park Area 270 acres1.093 km² <br />
Operated By Cherokee National Forest
Main Location 36° 31' 8.76" N, 82° 3' 22.68" W Map
Loading map...
Show In Google Maps
Loading map...

Upload KML

Park Overview[edit]

Easy hike for scenic view of South Holston Lake and wildlife - maybe even bald eagles.

How to get there[edit]

From Kingsport, TN

  1. Take I-26 North to Exit 69 (TN-394/Blountville).
  2. Turn right/east onto TN-394 for 12 miles.
  3. Turn right/SE on US-421 for 12 miles.
  4. Turn right/south onto Camp Tom Howard Road for just under two miles.
  5. Take left/south onto Big Creek Road for five miles.
  6. Turn right onto Little Oak Road and continue towards the campground (reached in couple of miles).

Parking for trails is at the pay station near the entrance to the recreation area. For auto GPS, address is 1051 Little Oak Road Bristol, TN 37620.

Park Trails[edit]

There are two trails in the Little Oak Recreation Area. Distance on right assumes you are walking both and returning to original parking spot.

Park Trails Distance Difficulty Marking Usage Highlight
Little Oak Mountain TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 1.50 mi Medium Signs FS #601 - Loop with spur to scenic overlook
Little Oak TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 1.40 mi Easy Signs FS #52 - along shore of South Holston Lake

Little Oak Mountain Trail - Trail #601 is a ~1.5 mile loop with spur to scenic overlook of South Holston Lake. The first part of the trail is moderately steep to the crest of Little Oak Mountain, but the rest is relatively level and easy walking. Take a camera for photos of wildlife and scenic views. Trail is marked with signs.

Little Oak Trail - Trail #52 is an easy 1.4 mile (each way) walk along the shore of South Holston Lake around the edge of the recreation area. It can be busy at times since by the campgrounds. Trail is from the entrance station over to the north side of the peninsula as marked with trail signs.

Typical Conditions[edit]

Moderately heavy usage keeps the trail worn. Can be some blowdowns or growth as limited formal maintenance.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

Little Oak Recreation Area is typically open May through November. Gate opens at 7 AM and closes at 10 PM.

Day use $2 per vehicle.

Camping is $12 per site (May-September). Limited facility loop is $6 (March-April, October-December only)

State fishing license required. Commonly caught in South Holston Lake are pan fish, bass, and catfish.

Misc. Information[edit]

Located in Cherokee National Forest, Watagua Ranger Station - Telephone (423) 735-1500.

Dogs are allowed, but must remain on a 6 ft or shorter leash.

Gallery[edit]