Join us on the morning of December 21st, the shortest day and longest night of the year, for a special sunrise hike to welcome the return of the sun on the Winter Solstice. We will hike to the Whiteoak Flats overlook for the perfect vantage point to watch the first light of winter crest the Appalachian horizon.
This hike is an exclusive early morning program, after hours program.
Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, warm layered clothing, water, and closed-toed shoes suitable for mountain trails.
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 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. Turn left on Upper Higgins Creek Road for 0.6 mile. Turn right on Old Asheville Highway for 2.2 miles. Turn left on Rocky Fork Road for 0.8 mile until you arrive at the gravel parking lot.
Distance Roundtrip: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Be sure to bring your flashlight/headlamp and plenty of water.