Rocky Fork State Park
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Rocky Fork is a recent public land acquisition and therefore can provide a remote wilderness experience for those interested in trail hiking or biking. Be warned though that the trails are not clearly marked, if at all, and it is currently not heavily frequented so do not count on the help of others as part of your emergency plan.
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.0478662" lon="-82.556177" type="map" height="500" zoom="13"> 36.0482662,-82.556677 Trailhead to Rocky Fork Tract </googlemap>
How to get there
From I-26 in Tennessee at Exit 46, coming from the north or south (officially I26 West or I26 East):
- From the Exit 46 Welcome Center follow the access rd. back under the interstate about .2mi to its end into Clear Branch Rd. (Clear Br. sign is often missing).
- If heading east on I-26 & not wishing to stop at the welcome ctr., simply turn right off the Exit 46 ramp & 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)
- 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 .8mi.
- Turn left onto 352 (old US 23 - usually no sign here either) and go about 2.5 miles to Rocky Fork Rd. on your right.
- Follow RF Rd. about .8mi up to the parking area at the blue gate on your left. The stream along Rocky Fork Rd. is very scenic, with lots of cascades, deep pools and giant boulders. Great trout fishing too.
- Park in the small area on the right of the short gravel rd. leading to the gate & try to leave room for other vehicles if possible.
- Alternative routes: Take I-26, Exit 43 (Temple Hill), then right onto Hwy. 352 South to Rocky Fork Rd. on right; or I-26, Exit 50 (Flag Pond) and left onto Higgins Creek Rd. to Flag Pond Rd. (often not signed), then right on Flag Pond Rd. to Rocky Fork Rd. on left
Trails
The Rocky Fork area offers the following trails to explore:
| Trail | Miles | Difficulty | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance Road | 0.7 | Easy | scenic streamside walk |
| Flint Creek Trail | 2.8 | Medium | scenic valley hike |
| Flint Mountain Trail | 4.7 | Medium | Loop hike |
| Snake Den Ridge Trail | |||
| Blockstand Creek Trail | |||
| Headwaters Trail | |||
| High Country Trail | |||
| Hidden Lake Trail |
Fees/Permits
Not permitted on the watershed are horses, motor vehicles, fires or camping.