Tennessee State Parks

Amphitheatre

A 240-seat amphitheater is located adjacent to the picnic and camping areas. During the summer, the park schedules interpretive talks, slide presentations, and campfires. It is also available for churches, clubs, and organizational use by reservation.

Biking

The 6.9-mile unpaved Lookout Tower Trail is available for mountain bikes. Originally a logging road, the trail climbs from the Big Cove campground to the top of Frozen Head Mountain. This trail is shared with horseback riders.

Events and Programs

May Activities and Programs including a creek crawl and night skies.

2013 Volunteer Trail Days – Every 3rd Saturday of each month is Volunteer Day except in April and December. Assist with trail maintenance and some trail construction*. Bring a daypack, water, snack/lunch and work gloves. Volunteers should wear a good pair of sturdy boots and dress appropriately for the weather. The park will provide hand tools. Workdays last from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. ET. Meet at the Visitors Center just prior to start time. If you are a first time volunteer, please show up at 8 a.m. to fill out required paperwork and for a brief safety meeting. You must be in good physical shape, as you may have to hike an hour or so to a job site. Volunteers should be aware that elevation is a factor at Frozen Head. For more information about the Frozen Head Volunteer Work Day, call the park office at 423-346-3318. * A portion of the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail runs through the park and is currently under construction.
Jan. 19
Feb. 16
Mar. 16
May 18
June 15
July 20
Aug. 17
Sept. 21
Oct. 19
Nov. 16

Fishing

Mountain stream fishing for rainbow trout can be enjoyed by the fishing enthusiast. Flat Fork Creek is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. Fishing is allowed anywhere below DeBord Waterfall down to the park entrance. Anglers age 13 and older must have a valid Tennessee fishing license. A trout stamp is required.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations

Hiking

Hikers must inquire in the Visitors Center about open trails. Trails range from easy to very difficult. A color topo map may be purchased at the Visitors Center.

Trails are open daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. This is one of the finest trail systems in Tennessee. There are over 80 miles of very scenic and challenging foot trails throughout this wild and rugged 13,122-acre mountain park. The trails feature waterfalls, giant sandstone rock formations, bluffs, abundant wildlife and 14 mountain peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation.

Each of the 20 trails are color blazed and most of the trails inter-loop together giving a choice of 7 loop trails ranging from .6 mile to 15 miles round-trip. A portion of the Cumberland Trail passes through as well.

From The Tennessee Conservationist's Great Hikes With Fran Wallas:
Frozen Head State Natural Area Offers an Overnight Hike With Scenic Detours

Dragonfly and Damselfly Checklist

Horseback Riding

The park has one trail that is accessible for horseback riding. The Jeep Road trail is a 6.9-mile trail, one-way. From late spring until late fall, trail riders should pack their own water. This trail is for day-use only. There are no overnight facilities or camping for horses. Visitors must bring their own horses. Trailers should be unloaded and parked in the grassy field adjacent to the park entrance gate. This trail is shared with bicyclists. Contact the park for more information.

Picnic Pavilions and Playgrounds

The park features a wooded picnic area along a mountain stream with 32 picnic sites including tables and grills. Three group shelters are available and may be reserved throughout the year. Water fountains, restrooms, and two playgrounds are available in the picnic area.

Playgrounds/Sports Fields

The park features two volleyball courts, a basketball goal, and horseshoe pits. Equipment is available at the visitor's center. Two playgrounds are available near the picnic area.

Swimming

While there is no swimming pool at Frozen Head, many people enjoy the cooling waters of Flat Fork Creek where larger pools allow for wading and splashing.