🌤 Weather at Hicks Gap State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–73 °F | 58–83 °F | 34–76 °F | 26–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Burnsville Ag, 14 mi away, elevation 2,825 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Cherokee National Forest Border — High-elevation gap with rare plants on the TN/NC border
Hicks Gap State Natural Area protects a high-elevation mountain gap habitat along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest. The gap’s unique topographic position creates conditions supporting rare plant species adapted to high-elevation wind exposure and acidic soils.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | TN/NC border (Unaka Mountains) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Habitat | High-elevation gap, rare plants |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mountain gap?
A gap (or notch) is a low point in a mountain ridge. Gaps channel wind and moisture, creating unique microclimates that support plant species not found on surrounding slopes.
About Hicks Gap
Hicks Gap State Natural Area in Sequatchie County protects forest and rock outcrops along the Cumberland Plateau’s western escarpment. The area preserves habitat at the dramatic Plateau edge — where the flat Cumberland Plateau drops hundreds of feet into the Sequatchie Valley, one of the most striking geological features in Tennessee.
Hicks Gap State Natural Area in Hamilton County protects a section of the eastern Cumberland Plateau near Chattanooga. The area preserves a sandstone cliff ecosystem with rare cliff-dwelling plants including the Tennessee coneflower — a species once thought extinct before being rediscovered in cedar glades near Nashville. The Cumberland Plateau is one of the most biologically diverse plateaus in the temperate world.
Things to Do
Hiking along the plateau escarpment, viewing the dramatic Sequatchie Valley geology, birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and rock outcrop ecology observation.
Hiking, rock climbing, studying rare cliff-dwelling plant communities, birdwatching, nature photography, and exploring the biodiversity hotspot of the eastern Cumberland Plateau.
More parks nearby: Rocky Fork State Park is a short drive away, while Walnut Knob State Natural Area lies a short drive away.
⛰️ Visit Hicks Gap SNA
High-elevation mountain gap — rare plants on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Wildlife & Nature
Hicks Gap SNA — preserves a mountain gap habitat with diverse forest communities. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and woodland salamanders inhabit the forest. Barred owls call at dusk. Wildflowers bloom in spring.
Nearby Attractions
Eastern Tennessee communities — surrounding.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hicks Gap State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Hicks Gap State Natural Area?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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