Frozen Head State Park

Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area encompasses more than 24,000 acres of wilderness area and is named for a 3,324-foot peak in the Cumberland Mountains, the top of which is often shrouded in ice or snow in the winter months. The impressive entrance leads visitors into a vestige of densely forested, unspoiled mountain splendor — once common throughout the Cumberland Plateau.

There are 20 primitive tent campsites within the park. Fifty miles of backpacking and day-hiking trails provide wildlife viewing opportunity. Many of the trailheads are located near the park office, with lesser-used trailheads located at Armes Gap and just off Highway 62 to the south. Most of the trails are open only to hiking, although mountain biking is allowed on the Lookout Tower Trail, which leads to the summit of Frozen Head.

In 2006, the park replaced the aging CCC fire tower at the summit of Frozen Head with an observation deck. There is scenic seven-mile trail leading to the observation deck. The observation deck rises just above the treeline and allows for a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee Valley span the eastern horizon. Walden Ridge— where the Tennessee Valley meets the Cumberland Plateau— is visible to the south.

The primary mission of Frozen Head Natural Area and State Park is to protect and preserve the unique examples of natural, cultural and scenic resources, and to save one of the last vestiges of undisturbed landscapes in the Cumberland Mountain region.  Management of this area will restore and maintain the ecological integrity of the landscape through research and inventory. 

To provide quality interpretive and educational programs to the public highlighting the area resources, while leaving them unimpaired for future generations.  Interpretive facilities will exist to support and enhance the overall outdoor experience found by the park visitor at Frozen Head.