Holston Bluffs
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Trail Overview
Located in Warriors Path State Park. Short loop along a ridge overlooking Ft. Patrick Henry Lake northwest of the Overflow Campground.
How to get there
Directions to main entrance found on Warriors Path State Park webpage. The Overflow Campground is to the west along Hemlock Road.
If off-season (Nov-Mar), then the front gate will be locked closed. Park there and walk the 0.1 mile across the central campground area to the marked trailhead by #107 campsite.
If normal season (Apr-Oct), the front gate will be open. Take the paved camp road around until #107 campsite and the trail sign is seen. Find a parking spot that does not block any of the active camping sites.
Route Description
Short walk around the ridge and shoreline by the overflow campground. Trail is marked by dark blue blazes.
Mileage | Holston Bluffs Trail |
---|---|
-0.10 | Parking at locked main gate |
0.00 | Trailhead sign by Campsite #107. Proceed downhill. |
0.05 | Pass by or through small campfire area. Trail is on ridgeline, but hollow below also heads correct direction. |
0.10 | Split for loop. |
0.15 | If took left turn, then steps down. |
0.19 | Sharp left and up hill. |
0.27 | End of park property. Turn right onto old road (some asphalt still seen). |
0.36 | Asphalt ends at "beach". Head up steps. |
0.39 | Back to loop split. Turn left to return. |
0.50 | Back at marked trailhead. |
Typical Conditions
While the park keeps the trails fairly clear of blowdowns, the path is rutted and washed out on steep inclines. There are multiple spur trails as general public wanders and makes shortcuts between the campground and the lake.
Fees, Permits, etc.
No fee required. Please do not block any of the campsites.
After the Hike
Misc. Information
The park map brochure (link below) calls this trail "Holston Bluffs" while the trail signs say "Holston Bluff".
You used to be able to hike from Fall Creek Road to the campground but a part in the middle got washed away. Middle section now way to dangerous to hike. Just do each section separately. The Fall Creek side has nice views of the lake and bridge.
Maps
Below trail profile is for just walking the entire loop from #107 campsite.
State Park Map and Trail Brochure