About 50 percent of Unicoi County consists of land within the Cherokee National Forest. The Appalachian Trail and the wild Nolichucky River run through these areas. Forest, trails and water shape the discoveries awaiting you here: quiet ridgelines give way to mountain biking trails, river landscapes and traces of local history.

Forest, Ridgelines and Trails

Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park encompasses 2,076 acres of scenic wilderness in Unicoi County and is surrounded on three sides by the Cherokee National Forest. The county also has six Appalachian Trail access points with parking for hikers. Beauty Spot offers a distinctive landscape: a grassy mountain summit surrounded by rhododendrons and other native mountain plants.

Cyclists can also take their pick of trails with different profiles. Unaka Bike Park offers more than ten miles of mountain biking trails, with sections at different difficulty levels; some have more than 700 feet of elevation gain. Rocky Fork State Park has nearly ten miles of marked mountain biking trails, which connect to remote, unmarked forest roads in the Cherokee National Forest. Check current trail and road conditions before heading out.

One specific destination for hiking and biking is the 5.9-mile Pinnacle Mountain Trail, which leads to the restored Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower. The tower is one of only four surviving fire lookout towers in the Cherokee National Forest. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for Unaka Mountain Road; the road is closed during the winter months.

For several activities in one place, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers short hiking trails, a swimming pool, a bike trail and an amphitheater. The area has 36 campsites in total, including group sites. Facilities may change, so check current conditions before visiting.

Along the Nolichucky River and Its Tributaries

The Nolichucky River offers different ways to enjoy the water: it is suitable for both conventional fishing and fly-fishing. The rafting route passes through a gorge whose steep mountain slopes and cliffs rise more than 2,000 feet. At Chestoa Recreation Area, the river access serves as a takeout for whitewater rafting and a put-in for canoe trips. There are also ten picnic tables, grills, changing rooms, a restroom facility, two short walking paths and a sandy area for wading. Check local and river conditions before your visit.

Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute offers outdoor instruction in kayaking and canoeing, water safety, wilderness medicine, navigation, backpacking and camping. Kayaking classes are available for beginners through advanced paddlers. Check course offerings and current dates with the provider in advance.

North Indian Creek offers another way to experience the water: Limestone Cove Day Use Area has shaded picnic spots by the creek. The cool, fast-flowing waters at Limestone Cove also provide suitable habitat for trout.

Erwin: Visitor Attractions and History

Visitor information for Erwin National Fish Hatchery lists self-guided tours Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check current visitor information before setting out. Every October, the Unicoi County Apple Festival takes place on the streets of Erwin. The program includes more than 400 vendors, live music and activities for all ages; check the dates and offerings for the year of your trip.

Unicoi County Heritage Museum is housed in a half-timbered building built in 1903 for the first superintendent of Erwin Fish Hatchery. Its exhibit rooms cover topics including Blue Ridge Pottery, railroads, wildlife, local schools, history and wars. The museum grounds also include a 30-minute nature trail through the forest; an audio narration introduces the plants and trees found there. Check current access information before your visit. Clinchfield Railroad Museum is modeled on an old train station and celebrates Erwin’s railroad history; check current opening hours in advance.

Explore more destinations: Erwin, Montgomery, Cheatham County, Giles County, Roane County, Decatur County, Putnam County, Jackson County.

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