Hiking Trails & Greenways
Walk the path less traveled, take a breath of pure mountain air, see the beauty of nature surrounding you, hear the birds singing in the trees and the distant sound of a waterfalls’ roar, feel the leaves crunching under your feet – experience this and more when you visit Unicoi County’s trails and greenways. Unicoi County is full of beautiful hiking trails that will enliven your soul and provide an escape for you and your family from the everyday hustle of daily life and allow you to experience nature at its best. From a weekend trek on the Appalachian Trail, to a long and winding day hike or a short trail perfect for the kids, Unicoi County has something for you!
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the country’s most recognized and respected trails. Known simply as the A.T., the trail has been a national treasure since its completion in 1937. Whether you are spending a few hours on the trial or making a thru-hike, Unicoi County’s portion of the trail is breathtakingly scenic and memorable.
Pinnacle Mountain Trail
The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is a destination trail that leads to a rehabilitated fire tower providing a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The trail winds its way up Buffalo Mountain at an elevation of 3,520 ft at grades the whole family can enjoy.
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is 2,076 acres of scenic wilderness in Unicoi County. The park is surrounded on three sides by the Cherokee National Forest. The steep, rugged terrain is drained by numerous cool mountain streams including its namesake, Rocky Fork Creek, which flows through the park. With large moss-covered boulders, deep pools and eddies, the cold, quickly flowing stream is noted for miles of excellent native trout fishing.
Cherokee National Forest
Cherokee National Forest is your destination for outdoor recreation. The Cherokee National Forest has a wide variety of trail difficulties, from easy to advanced, with more than 600 miles of trails, hikers have the opportunity to hike long distances if they choose.
Erwin Linear Trail
For a less strenuous walk, the Erwin Linear Trail, is a four mile trail along a flat river bottom that parallels the Nolichucky River along with ponds and smaller creeks. There are fishing docks and boardwalks over the wetlands along the trail. The marshes, wetlands and woods that the trail travels through provides a nice oasis of natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a nonstrenuous outdoor escape.
Here are some additional links to more trails in Unicoi County: