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Number of
Trails: |
1
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Total
Mileage |
14
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Difficulty: |
Rigorous
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Trail
Rating |
Not Rated
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Camp
Rating |
Not Rated
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Read/Submit
Reviews
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| Trail Description |
The riding trail at Frozen Head is 6.7 miles one way (so double whatever you travel one way) and is like a broad dirt road. There was little mud, not even worth mentioning, but the trail was maybe 30 plus percent small rocks - just big enough to be ouchy to horses. We had boots on our horses front feet but they still picked along a bit. The trail is in excellent condition and they just finished some maintenance. We did not go all the way, but we crossed four bridges - very solid and wide. These were our horses first bridges, we think, and they did not even seem to notice. Oh, now for the downside (or should I say UPside) of the ride. We went about 4 miles of the almost 7 before turning back for home... The first three miles or so were all UP UP UP. It was winding and gradual but all UP. I have to say that I do not think our horses enjoyed the ride today. We did and we may go back, but they did not. There was just so much steep uphill. Several hikers told us of the great beauty that lies at the end of the trail, but due to the slow ascent, we did not have time to go all the way... not to mention the waning enthuasism of our horses. They kept trying to hook up with hiking folks heading back down the trail - hee hee. Oh, at the end of the day our F250 and trailer got stuck in the parking area as only the first 30 feet of the trailer parking drive is gravel - the rest is level but mushy grass. The rangers are great. If you go and it is damp, bring a 4 wheel drive vehicle or park on gravel or pavement (despite the signs...) There also is a $3 vehicle charge for the park now - great state funding for those parks - and the area map is $3.27. There have a nice visitors center with clean restrooms and a party room. In conclusion, I do recommend riding there but bring an enthuastic horse and start earlier than noon as the full ride will take awhile due to the elevational changes. The elevational change did provide some impressive vistas and we even reached a high elevation with some snow. The park is fantastically maintained and is similar in ecosystem to the Smokies - lots of old growth, moss, and ferns. There is camping in the warmer season - not sure if it is for horses as well. Call the park for more info. http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/parks/FrozenHead/ 423-346-3318
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| Best Time to Visit |
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| Campground |
Not sure if horses are allowed in campground... From the FH website:
There are 19 campsites scattered throughout the camping area. Visitors will find a new modern bathhouse that provides hot showers. A centrally located frost-free water faucet is provided year-round. Each campsite is equipped with a parking slip, picnic table, grill, lantern hanger and firewood is usually available. Electricity, water hookups and dump stations are not available at Frozen Head.
There are 11 backcountry campsites available. There is no charge for backcountry camping, but a permit is required. There is a bathhouse available to backcountry campers located at the main trail head.
Frozen Head also offers an overflow campground to large groups. This site is equipped with a portable toilet.
Contact the park for more information.
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| Human Facilities: |
Horse Facilities: |
Operated by: |
Contact: |
Additional Information |
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TN State Park Service
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, TN
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| Directions |
From Harriman take Hwy. 27 North to Wartburg.
Turn right (East) on Hwy. 62.
Travel 2 miles and turn left on Flat Fork Road.
Travel 4 miles to the park entrance. |
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| This information was provided by velliquette on 12/25/2004 6:44:54 PM |
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