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Frozen Head
Overview
Frozen Head State Park offers a rugged and serene escape within the Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee. Named for its 3,324-foot peak that is often capped in ice or snow during the winter months, this state park and natural area encompasses more than 24,000 acres of dense, undisturbed forest. It is a destination defined by its untouched beauty, featuring cascading waterfalls and some of the most challenging hiking terrain in the region. For RVers seeking a quiet, back-to-basics experience, it provides a peaceful alternative to more commercialized mountain resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside Wartburg, TN, the park is nestled deep within the Emory River Valley. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep ridges and deep valleys, providing a dramatic backdrop for any camping trip. The drive into the park takes travelers through the scenic rural countryside of Morgan County, where the transition from rolling hills to rugged mountain peaks is immediate. Its proximity to other protected lands makes it a central hub for those exploring the deep wilderness of the Cumberland Plateau.
Amenities & Park Features
The Big Cove Campground serves as the primary base for visitors, though it is intentionally rustic and primitive. RVers will find approximately 20 sites that accommodate smaller rigs and trailers. While there are no water or electric hookups at the individual sites, the park provides a centrally located bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets. Each site includes a picnic table and a grill, allowing for traditional campfire cooking. Fresh water is available through communal hand-pumps, emphasizing the park’s commitment to a low-impact environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The park is a hiker’s paradise, boasting over 50 miles of trails that lead to stunning features like Emory Falls and Debord Falls. For those who reach the observation deck at the summit, the 360-degree views of the Tennessee Valley are breathtaking. Nearby, the Obed Wild and Scenic River offers world-class rock climbing and whitewater paddling opportunities. History enthusiasts might also enjoy a short trip to the Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, which now offers unique tours and seasonal events.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for adventurous solo travelers and couples who prefer mountain solitude over luxury amenities. Because the sites are smaller and lack hookups, it is best suited for those in camper vans or small travel trailers who are fully self-sufficient. Nature photographers and avid hikers will find the diverse forest ecosystem and seasonal wildflower displays particularly rewarding. If you value a quiet night under a dark sky and the sound of wind through hardwoods, Frozen Head provides the perfect primitive retreat.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Deborah Heise
Beautiful area to hike! This is an easy to Moderate hike. Some areas you need to watch for rocks on the path. But at 71 and a knee replacement I did great. My daughter and I Beverly started at the visiting center so she could charge her car. So it was a 6+ mile round trip hike for us.
Travis Smith
A beautiful park in our state of Tennessee. Probably one of my favorite hikes. Excellent and helpful staff. Very well kept. Get more beautiful every time i go there! They are doing some upgrades and additions at the moment but the park is still open. Only some parking areas are closed temporarily to accommodate the construction process. Still a very beautiful place. I recommend visiting this place often. Especially when the leaves are changing.
Jon Talbert
We took the shortest route to the fire tire. Feeling pretty good at the top, and wanting more of a workout, we extended our hike, taking a longer route on the way back down. Trails were well maintained and clearly marked.
Jamie Starr
Quite a small park, with a small selection of around 10 waymarked hiking trails. Decent for a long weekend of exploring. However, there are no views anywhere at all except on top of the fire tower. This makes it quite an austere experience.
Maggie Thompson
This was a beautiful state park however there are more impressive state parks in Tennessee. The hike we did was very nice and not hard at all, to Emory Gap Falls. There is also a small waterfall on the way to the main falls as well. You can also climb closer to the falls when the trail ends if you'd like, just climb with caution. We brought our lunch and ate at the base of the falls which I would highly recommend!