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Natural Sites

Frozen Head State Park & Natural Area

Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is situated in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. The 13,122 acres of relatively undisturbed forest contain some of the richest wildflowers areas in  Tennessee. The mountainous terrain varies from an elevation of 1,340 feet to over 3,000 feet on 16 different mountain peaks. Frozen Head, elevation of 3,324, is one of the highest peaks in Tennessee west of the Great Smoky Mountains.

From its observation tower on a clear day, one can plainly see the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee Ridge and Valley, and the Great Smoky Mountains. In winter, the mountain peaks are often capped with snow or ice while the lower valleys remain unadorned, thus giving the park's name sake, Frozen Head. The park's lush vegetation, small streams, waterfalls and beautiful mountains make Frozen Head one ofTennessee's most scenic parks.

The park has over 50 miles of marked trails including one small loop dedicated to interpreting the park’s natural areas. Additionally, there are regularly scheduled activities offered by the rangers at the park.  Call or visit their website in advance of your trip for details.

Things to do at Frozen Head State Park

Hiking
Frozen Head State Park hosts one of the finest and most expansive trail systems in Tennessee with over 80 miles of rugged trails leading hikers into the backcountry for extended overnight treks or even short loop trail day hikes as short as 0.6 miles. 

Mountain Biking
The unpaved Lookout Tower Trail is 6.9 mile  and is available for mountain bikes. Mountain bikers share this past logging road with horseback riders.

Fishing
You can fish in Flat Fork Creek for the stocked rainbow trout. Fishing is allowed anywhere below DeBord Waterfall down to the park entrance.

Swimming
There are no swimming pools at Frozen Head State Park, but Flat Fork Creek provides many places to swim, splash around and cool off from your summer hiking.

Camping
Aside from backcountry camping, Big Cove Camping Area can accommodate up to 20 campsites on a first come first serve basis. Each campsite is equipped with a parking slip, picnic table, grill, lantern hanger and fire ring. Electricity, water hookups and dump stations are not available at Frozen Head.

Horseback Riding
The Jeep Road trail is a 6.9-mile, one-way trail and is the only trail available for horseback riders. Make sure to pack your own water from  late spring until late fall.  This is a day-use only trail and there are no overnight facilities or camping for horses

 

For More Information

964 Flat Fork Road
Wartburg, TN 37887

Phone: 423-346-3318
Website: http://tn.gov/environment/parks/FrozenHead/

Nearby Attractions

• Lone Mountain State Forest, 4.4 miles away
• Scenic River Inn, 5 miles away
• Catoosa Wildlife Management Area , 10.7 miles away
• Coal Creek OHV, 11.6 miles away
• Obed Wild & Scenic River at Lily Bluff Overlook, 11.9 miles away

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