Join Interpretive Ranger Amanda on Saturday, October 24th, for an early morning hike to White Oak Flats. This moderate 3-mile round-trip hike leads to one of the park’s most beautiful overlooks, where we’ll watch the sun rise over the Rocky Fork Gorge and the distant peaks beyond, surrounded by the brilliant colors of the autumn forest.

As dawn breaks, watch the mountains slowly come to life as the morning light spills across a landscape painted in shades of gold, crimson, orange, and deep autumn green. Listen for the morning chorus of songbirds and keep an ear out for the resident peregrine falcons near Whitehouse Cliffs. Along the way, we’ll explore the sights and sounds of Rocky Fork in one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, with the forest putting on its annual fall display.

What to bring: Flashlight or headlamp, water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Mornings can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the forecast in Rocky Fork, so dress in layers.

Meet at the Campfire Interpretive Area in the gravel parking lot at 6:15 AM. Hike departs promptly at 6:25 AM. Come experience the magic of Rocky Fork as the mountains greet the day in their autumn colors!

Registration Required with a $5.00 fee.

Directions: From Johnson City/ Erwin take I-26 South and get off at exit 43, follow the brown signs to Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. Turn right on TN 352 for approximately 6 miles until you arrive at Rocky Fork Road on your right. Take Rocky Fork Road for 0.8 of a mile until you reach the gravel parking lot.

From Asheville/ Mars Hill NC take I-26 North and get off at Exit 50, the first Exit in Tennessee, take a left on Upper Higgins Road for 0.6 of a mile, turn right on Old Asheville Highway for 2.2 miles, turn Left on Rocky Fork Road for 0.8 of a mile until you arrive at the gravel parking lot.