No matter where you are from, we are sure you enjoy beautiful scenery, majestic mountains, clear streams and downhome country life. That is exactly what you find in Morgan County Tennessee and we have a gem here we want to tell you about. The little treasure is called Frozen Head State Park and it is filled with fun for all ages.
Chances are when you visit the beautiful Frozen Head State Park, you will be camping, hiking, fishing or maybe a bit of each. Planning for your vacation can help you get the most out of your visit to our lovely mountains here in East Tennessee. Our business, Hemming Outdoors is located right here in the heart of Morgan County Tennessee and we have a strong respect for Frozen Head Park. With that being said, we want to help you make the most of your stay by offering advice and tips for planning your vacation here.
If you are camping you will surely be bringing along lots of food and beverage. However if you happen to find yourself needing to resupply, then our local stores will be glad to assist but what if you find yourself needing lighter supplies for on the go hiking or something quick and easy prepare? Well, that is where we come in. We partnered with Wise Company and Legacy Foods to provide superior camping, hiking and survival foods. If you need to have a lightweight, easy to prepare delicious meal on the go, we have you covered and we can even deliver it!
Needing to get supplies such as tents, hammocks or backpacks? We have that too. Everything from survival supplies to hiking and fishing, camping and cooking we are your recreation resource. We have one of the largest outdoor gear suppliers from which we can custom tailor your order for you and save you time and money preparing your adventure.
Now onto the fun things because you want to know what you can do while you are visiting Frozen Head State Park right? We are here to help you every step of the way. Frozen Head State Park has a lot to offer from camping to exploring the beautiful trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing to the occasional seasonal events held here. The park features 24,000 acres of beautiful land accessible by Flatfork Road or the Western side which is accessible via Gobey road which runs off of Highway 27.
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.
Here are some Frozen Head State Park trail maps and georeferenced maps here as well as some additional information on the parks trails. You may or may not know that Frozen Head State park is home to the toughest race in the world, yes you read that right. The Barkley Marathon is the toughest race in the world and held right here in Tennessee. The ultra marathon race is a punishing 100 mile race that only gives you 60 hours to complete. The course changes every year the terrain vaires.
The Barkley Marathon course was designed by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell. His idea for the race was inspired upon hearing about the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., from nearby Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. Ray covered only 8 miles (13 km) after running 55 hours in the woods. Cantrell said to himself, “I could do at least 100 miles”, mocking Ray’s low mileage. Thus, the Barkley Marathon was born. Cantrell named the race for his longtime neighbor and running companion, Barry Barkley.[3] It was first run in 1986.
-Credited Source –
Outside of Frozen Head State Park we have the beautiful Obed River that features swimming, fishing, hiking, camping and nature viewing for the whole family. Don’t forget to visit the Obed park service station on your way in as they have some very nice exhibits and very useful information to make your visit pleasurable. Interested in rock climbing or kayaking? The rangers offer classes in both which make a fun filled outing for the whole family.The ranger station is located at 208 N. Maiden Street in Wartburg.
The Obed Wild and Scenic River looks much the same today as it did when the first white settlers strolled its banks in the late 1700s. While meagerly populated due to poor farming soil, the river was a hospitable fishing and hunting area for trappers and pioneers. Today, the Obed stretches along the Cumberland Plateau and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The free-flowing Obed Wild & Scenic River and its 500-foot-deep gorges offer visitors unspoiled rugged terrain, exceptional waters, and outdoor adventure. The Obed Wild & Scenic River is designated as International Dark Sky Park.
–Editor’s comment: The designation of Dark Sky Park offers some of the most amazing night time star viewing available in the united states. Being a local residents we can attest to that fact with 100 percent certainty.
Lilly Bluffs Overlook are another beautiful attraction, located on Ridge Road in Lancing Tennessee. On your way in don’t forget to stop off to view the historical presbyterian church in Lancing. The church was founded in 1887 and is open every Sunday for services at 9:45 A.M led by pastor Patricia Ramsden. Spend a wonderful Sunday morning service in a true place in history, be sure to thank our Lord for all of these wonderful places he has given us.
Once you cross the Lilly bridge, continue uphill where you will find the parking access on your left and right. We suggest taking the left and continue to the rear parking location for easy access to the trail leading to the overlook. If you have small children please do use caution once you arrive at the overlook. Looking into the river canyon you see millions of years of history presented in the rock layers of the river canyon. Imagine our ancestors standing on this beautiful overlook hundreds to thousands of years ago!
Once you are ready to begin preparing for your vacation, please keep Hemming Outdoors in mind for all your recreational needs. If we don’t have it currently in stock there is a good chance we can have it ordered in for you. Local pickup can be arranged as well as free delivery to Frozen Head State Park.
We offer a great deal on camping foods from Legacy Premium Foods. Light weight delicious easy to carry meals, 4 servings per pack for price that is easy on the wallet. Our camping meals are just $4.99 per pack. Each pack contains 4 servings. They fit easily inside your backpack, just add hot water, wait a few minutes and you have a delicious meal. No more carrying heavy bulky foods, carry Legacy Premium.
Shoot us an email ahead of time and we will be glad to work one on one with you to get the gear you need. [email protected]
Hemming Outdoors
PO Box 411
Wartburg, TN 37887
1-865-730-0715