Rocky Fork State Park

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Tennessee — 2,053 acres in the Appalachian Highlands — one of the most biologically diverse areas in Tennessee with over 40 rare plant species! Rocky Fork Creek flows through a gorge with old-growth forest that escaped logging because the terrain was too steep.

Visitor Information

About Rocky Fork

Rocky Fork State Park in Unicoi County protects over 2,000 acres of rugged Appalachian mountain terrain along Rocky Fork Creek in northeast Tennessee. The park features old-growth forest, waterfalls, and a trail system connecting to the Appalachian Trail on the North Carolina border. The area was previously a private hunting preserve, preserving its wild character.

Things to Do

Hiking on 15+ miles of trails through old-growth forest, fishing for native brook trout in Rocky Fork Creek, waterfall viewing, birdwatching for Appalachian species, and connecting to the Appalachian Trail. One of Tennessee’s wildest state parks.

About Rocky Fork

Rocky Fork State Park in Unicoi County protects 2,000 acres of rugged Appalachian forest along Rocky Fork Creek in the Unaka Mountains of northeast Tennessee. The park, established in 2012, was carved from national forest land after a decade-long campaign by local conservationists. Rocky Fork’s undeveloped valleys harbor native brook trout, black bears, and rare plant species in one of Tennessee’s wildest landscapes.

Things to Do

Hiking through wild mountain forest, fishing for native brook trout, wildlife watching for bears, camping, wildflower viewing, and exploring Tennessee’s newest and wildest state park.

Insider Tips

Mountain wilderness: Rocky Fork is one of Tennessee’s newest state parks — 2,053 acres of rugged mountain terrain on the border of the Cherokee National Forest. Pro tip: The park connects to the Appalachian Trail — hikers can access AT segments from park trails. Elk territory: Rocky Fork falls within the expanding range of Tennessee’s reintroduced elk herd — sightings are increasing.

Best Time to Visit

Fall: Mountain foliage and elk bugling season (September-October). Spring: Wildflowers and trout fishing. Summer: Mountain hiking and swimming holes. Winter: Snow on the ridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see elk in Tennessee?

Tennessee reintroduced elk to the Cumberland Mountains starting in 2000-2001 — 201 elk from Manitoba, Canada were released. The herd has grown to 400+ animals and is expanding. Rocky Fork is in the expanding range. Best viewing times are dawn and dusk during the fall rut (September-October), when bulls bugle to attract cows.