Rocky Fork State Park (Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Fork State Park |
|
---|---|
![]() View into Rocky Fork from Buzzard Rock.
|
|
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
Type | Tennessee State Park |
Location | Unicoi County, Tennessee, USA |
Nearest city | Erwin, Tennessee |
Area | 2,075 acres (8.40 km2) |
Operated by | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
Open | Year-round |
Hiking trails | 8 |
Designation | October 2012 |
Website | Rocky Fork State Park |
Rocky Fork State Park is a large natural area in Unicoi County, Tennessee. It covers about 2,075 acres (8.40 km2) of land. This park is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. It's very close to the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
The park is also right next to the Cherokee National Forest. This means it's surrounded by lots of wild nature. The famous Appalachian Trail, a very long hiking path, is also nearby. Another special area, the Sampson Mountain Wilderness, is close by too.
About Rocky Fork State Park
Rocky Fork State Park was created in 2012. It is a newer park, so it does not have many buildings or visitor centers yet. Instead, it focuses on protecting the natural environment. The park is managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
What You Can Do at the Park
Even without many buildings, there are fun outdoor activities to do at Rocky Fork State Park.
- Hiking: You can explore the park on old road beds. These paths are great for walking and seeing nature.
- Mountain Biking: The same old road beds are also perfect for mountain biking. It's a fun way to get around the park.
- Fishing: If you like to fish, you can do so in Rocky Fork Creek and South Indian Creek. These creeks are located below the main park entrance.
Location and Surroundings
Rocky Fork State Park is in East Tennessee. It is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are known for their stunning views. The nearest town is Erwin, Tennessee.
The park's location next to the Cherokee National Forest means it's part of a huge area of protected land. This helps keep the plants and animals safe. Being near the Appalachian Trail also makes it a great spot for hikers.