Rocky Fork State Park

Approximately 6,000 acres of the near 10,000-acre Rocky Fork tract are located in Unicoi County. The other 4,000 acres are found in Greene, County.  The area is named for the creek that runs through its center and lies within the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and abuts the North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest.  The tract is home to several species in need of conservation including the peregrine falcon, east hellbender, and the Yonahlossee salamander. The tract is also a part of the Unicoi Bear Preserve and contains prime bear-breeding habitat.

Rocky Fork’s many resources provide a range of world-class recreational opportunities that have been attracting generations of visitors from across the country. About 1.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail crosses the southwest border of the property, and half the property can be seen from the trail. Sixteen miles of pristine blue-ribbon trout streams, including the waters of Lower Higgins Creek and Rocky Fork Creek, harbor exceptional populations of native brook trout. Rocky Fork also boasts habitat for game animals such as bear, turkey, deer and grouse.