Frozen Head State Park
Known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, waterfalls and natural beauty, Frozen Head State Park, located in Morgan County, Tennessee, contains some of the highest mountains in the state west of the Blue Ridge. Consisting of almost 24,000 acres of land, the vast majority of which has been declared a state natural area, Frozen Head offers access to camp grounds, hiking trails and features the renowned Barkley Marathons.
Frozen Head history
Originally a part of a sprawling hunting ground claimed by the Cherokee tribe, the land that would eventually become Frozen Head State park was ceded to the US Government as part of the Third Treaty of Tellico, signed in 1805. Although the area was quickly settled, many avoided the rugged mountains, preferring to instead start new lives in the fertile land along the Emory River. During the 19th century and continuing on into the 20th, Frozen Head saw state and commercial exploitation of its coal and timber resources. It was also the site of Brushy Mountain State Prison, which opened in 1894 with the intention of using prisoner labor for mining operations.
However, in 1933, then Governor Harry McAlister declared that a sizable portion of the Brushy Mountain State Prison was to be used to establish the Morgan State Forest. Roads and other maintenance facilities for the forest were soon constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, working between 1938 and 1941. Sadly, a significant section of the forest burned down in a fire in 1952. Eventually, the remaining land was transferred to the parks division, giving birth to Frozen Head State Park
Features
Frozen Head State Park takes its name from Frozen Head Mountain, the tallest mountain in the park, which freezes over with snow on the peak during winter months. The park also features five other mountains (Chimney Top, Bird, Mart Fields and Old Mac). Over 80 miles of hiking trails link various mountains to each other. Two waterfalls are also found, the Emory Gap and the Debord. However, they are quite small, with the tallest of the two being only 25 feet in height.
Facilities and events
Aside from 20 campsites, a 240-person amphitheater, picnic areas and sports fields, Frozen Head also features an observation deck, built in 2006, which allows for a 360-degree unobstructed view of the park. Finally, there are the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile, 5-day course, in which each daily segment is completed in under 12 hours. In the last 27 years, only 10 competitors have actually managed to finish this grueling test of endurance.
A mix of history, natural beauty, modern facilities and feats of endurance, Frozen Head State forest is truly a jewel in the state of Tennessee and an authentic American wilderness experience.