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 Reporter |
Summary: The preferred route will start from the campground on the Lookout Tower Trail. You will follow this wide well graded trail for about 4 miles before it intersects with the Bird Mountain Trail. You are now traveling on the Cumberland Trail, the Frozen Head Segment, which when completed will run from Signal Mtn. to Cumberland State Park covering more than 300 miles. On a spring day you can enjoy many different species of violets and Bloodroot. A great lunch or campsite is on top of Bird Mountain where more wildflowers such as Spring Beauty and Jack in the Pulpit can be spotted. You will navigate over 15 switchbacks as you descend back to the trailhead. An interesting section to be explored is the Castle Rock, which located just off the trail. This is a great trail to be enjoyed year round but especially in the spring to view more than a dozen varieties of wild flowers. Trailhead: From Knoxville: I-40 West to 162 West Pellissippi Parkway into Oak Ridge. Stay on Hwy 62 to Wartburg. Turn right on Flat Fork Road and park entrance is 4 miles ahead. Park hours 8 am until sunset Access fees apply call park for details Backcountry camping/fire permit is required for hikers who stay overnight (Lat:36.13415 Lon:-84.49796) Trail Guides for Bird Mountain: Tennessee Trails by Evan Means (Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Frozen Head State Natural Area 423-346-3318 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 12/20/2007 The Bird Mountain loop is my favorite local hike. Plus, no more access fees in Frozen Head State park, thanks to TN state governor. Recently, a trail has been opened at Castle Rock that switchbacks down the left (west) side of Frozen Head's property line. This "new" trail has been closed for 27 years and it is long--will attempt it soon. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/31/2005 There are 4 "hikers" parking spaces at the trailhead in the Frozen Head campgrounds. Climb the jeep road to the Cumberland Trail. From there, cross a couple saddles and campgrounds to Castle Rock. In the winter, make sure you have something adequate clothing as the mountain wind can be harsh. They don't call it "Bird Mountain" for nothing. I've sen wild turkeys, hawks, woodpeckers, and hundreds of other birds. From Castle Rock decend down 18 switchbacks, alongside a branch, over a small bridge, and back to the trailhead. About 8 miles, 5 or 6 hours. No access fee ($3) on Wednesdays. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Morgan County Hiking, Morgan County Trails, Morgan County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
