Showing posts with label Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. Show all posts

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Rocky Fork Hike

Thursday, I headed to Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park.  It was raining lightly when I arrived, but not too heavy.  I first hiked up Whitehouse Cliffs Trail.  It was pretty steep but only about a mile up to the top.


It was cloudy at the overlook, but not a complete whiteout, so the views were pretty cool.


But it was still raining and I didn't have the cover of the trees, so didn't linger too long.  Back at the trailhead, I got on Rocky Fork Trail and followed the creek upstream.


There were lots of nice cascades along the trail but it was raining so I didn't stop much for pictures.  I would have to come back down this way and was hoping the rain would have ended by then.  At the end of the trail, I went right on Whiteoak Flats Trail and continued heading up.


Less than a mile up, there was a really nice overlook of the Rocky Fork drainage.  At the end of this trail, I got on Birchfield Camp Trail.


This trail headed steeply up and up but the rain finally stopped.


Near the top, a spur led to the highest point in Tennessee State Parks, but there was no view and probably not worth the steep climb up.


So I hiked back down.  I went down Headwaters Trail to the end, passing near the upper portion of Rocky Fork.


Heading back down, the view was more open from the Whiteoak Flats Trail overlook.


Then I got on Flint Creek Trail and crossed Rocky Fork.


Just ahead was the Flint Creek Battle Site, where John Sevier battled the Cherokee.


I went a little further and then turned back.


There were some beebalm flowering along the creek.


I took Flint Creek Trail back to Rocky Fork Trail.


Since the rain had finally stopped, I stopped to see some of the numerous cascades on Rocky Fork on the hike back.


None were big enough to be a waterfall, but it was very scenic.


Back at the car, I made a quick stop on Rocky Fork Road.  Rocky Fork Falls, the only drop big enough to be a waterfall, was just along the side of the road.


I saw it on the drive in, but missed the the very limited parking on this narrow road.


I got some pictures then headed back as the sun was starting to poke out.


I drove back to Johnson City and had barbecue for dinner at Southern Craft and then headed back to the hotel