frozen head state park

DonnaN24

Close to my home and a nice place for a quick re-treat. Lots of play areas for the kids. Plenty of nature walks with waterfalls.

O407OZkevinb

I went to visit the park during a bluegrass festival and was afraid it was going to be loud and crowded and that's exactly what I went there to get away from. It was the opposite! The campground was nice and quiet at night and the hiking is spectacular!!!!

willc945

I have been staying at Frozen Head State Park since 1993 as a base camp for whitewater kayaking. Coming to Frozen Head is like coming home. The camp sites are great and the fire wood is free courtesy of the inmates at Brushy Mountain Federal Prison. The park employees are courteous and friendly and the Head ranger Dave Engelbretsen knows ever inch of that park and is the foremost expert in hiking the area and paddling the wonderful rivers of the Obed River System. The scenery is very unique, with towering trees and babbling brooks.

Bulldog_teacher

Wild flowers galore in the spring. Quiet and peaceful during all seasons. One morning this week my hubby and I hiked to the first set of waterfalls, only 1.4 round trip. We were enclosed in the colors of fall .and enjoyed every moment. Those more adventurous or with more time can continue on via well crafted trails.Friendly locals- I'm one of them. Come enjoy this treasure!

823jasona

I've been going here for close to 30 years. First started going while being a boy scout. I have hiked almost all the trails and I have to say that they're some of the best maintained trails I've hiked (and I've backed in many states). Now, being a little older, we go on our family camping trips here. We're not so fond of the new process of now being required to reserve our spot but that's a tiny inconvenience. The sites are well maintained and they're more or less private. The bath house is always clean and stocked and its nice to have warm showers when you stay for at least a week like we do. I cannot say enough how pleased we are with this place

MrsTrailBlazer

What a lovely state park. My husband and I are new to the Knoxville area and wanted to spend the summer trying out the smaller, local parks while tourists overran the Smokies. We camped and hiked for two nights and had a wonderful time. There were several other campers and day-visitors, but the place remained peaceful and relaxing. Campsites and trails were shady and (for July) pleasantly cool. The bathhouse was older but immaculate. There are some shameless raccoons around, so watch your food and trash! We stayed at campsite 20, which I can't recommend. Although near the creek, it was also right at the entrance and the tent area had the same huge, sharp gravel as the parking area. Other sites had more pea-gravel-like tent pads. Doesn't keep me from giving this park 5-stars, though, we have been meaning to keep sleeping pads anyway! We'll try to get one of the neighboring sites next time (17-19, I think).

Motorcyclebuds

Hwy 116 and Hwy 330 take you through an extremely curvy road to the state park. Most curves are marked at 10 mph - this is only for experienced drivers. The mountain top scenery is awe inspiring and the huge trees in the forest are giants. Be sure to stop at New River General store while driving the "Devil 'a Triangle"

978ryanm

I love this place. I have been coming here since I was 4 years old. Now I get to take my kids. They love it too. There is great hiking, swimming holes, and a great creek for the kids to play in.You do have to pay if you stay over night. I believe a donation to help out the park is also optional for a day trip.

catherinek566

We spent our July 4th weekend at Frozen Head and enjoyed it very much. We stayed at the campground and the sites aren't packed on top of each other as some campgrounds are. The bathhouse was a really nice and clean surprise. We hiked about 18 miles inside the park. The elevation changes can be a challenge if you aren't used to rocky inclines, but overall the trails are nicely kept. The judge branch trail was our favorite. Debord and Emory falls didn't have too much water flowing but they were still really pretty trails to hike. The trail to the overlook was tough and is more of 8+ miles and not 6.5 miles as it says on the brochure. We definitely plan to return to this park and do some more of the trails and do more camping at some of the primitive sites the park offers. Thumbs up to this park and to the people who keep it up !

ReneeM475

we have gone here many time. good hiking trails, nice camping, and good bathrooms with showers. I would definitely recommend this park to anyone. There is a nice easy hiking trail to a pretty waterfall that I have hiked many times. Even small children can manage it.

JillT13

Definitely has a lot of spots for picnicking families. Note that the visitor center is closed on Sundays at this park. The trail to Debord Falls/Emory Falls is what I did (April 2014). Debord Falls is nice from above and below but the stairs are rotting out (soft) on the way down so be careful. When you are coming back up you can see how rotted they are from the side. Emory Falls is not worth it. Not only do you need to time it right after a rainstorm to get any significant water flow, but the view is very obstructed by trees and foliage. Since all Tennessee State Parks are free I definitely think this is worth a stop, just nothing phenomenal.

RonBrenda_12

This state park is a quiet getaway for campers or picnicking families. It is not developed to modern wi-fi and other conveniences, but the beauty is worth the trip.

davidmO7690LW

I recently finished backpacking every single trail in Frozen Head! I love this park, and go there when I want a quick get away from it all backpacking place (I live in knoxville). I usually go solo, but have been several times as a Boyscout leader. It is the perfect park for training young scouts how to backpack because the trails are well marked, The camps are clean, and water can usually be found.I always ask the rangers about the water availability in summer because some of the normal sources dry up then. Water is usually easy to find any other time of year.David MaxwellI think Frozen Head is a real jewel that Tennesseeans should be prowed to have.

395joem

The park is amazing, and the rangers were great as well. I STRONGLY urge you to use caution backpacking in the winter months on this mountain. My friends and I are very well traveled and this mountain can certainly dish out A LOT more than casual backpackers may be prepared for. This may have been an isolated incident but I feel like you should be warned that during winter months the trails can be harsh and unforgiving. Don't put yourself in a bad spot. The sites were well maintained and the park is magnificent.... just don't fool around up there unless you are very, VERY prepared.

klemi

If you like to hike and want to get away from the GSMNP crowds you will love Frozen Head. The core group of trails Spicewood, North and South Old Mac, and Panther Branch all can make a loop that leads to the Top of the Mountain and the views. North Old Mac and Spicewood are my favorites with North Old Mac being easier in my opinion to hike. The flowers in the spring are amazing and when the leaves fall the views are truly outstanding. The trails are well maintained and you will have no trouble following them. Chimney Top Trail is strenuous and a full day required. Castle Rock goes out of the campground and the rock formations are impressive. The rangers and staff are very friendly and helpful and this park is worth a visit for those who want to get away from the city.