Trail Lenth
2 Miles
Whitehouse Cliffs Trail
Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park
Route Type
Out and Back
Elevation Gain
951 feet
Skill Level
Difficult
Pet Friendly
Yes on leash
The Whitehouse Cliffs Trail is an approximately 2 mile out and back hiking trail that’s located in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park (better known simply as Rocky Fork State Park) in East Tennessee near the Tennessee / North Carolina border that features chances to see wildlife as well as incredible mountain views. The trail is open year round as long as Rocky Fork State Park is open. The Whitehouse Cliffs Trail is marked with white blazes as well as white TN State Park shields, although this trail is so well maintained it’s virtually impossible to lose the trail while hiking it. The trail skill level is rated as difficult due to constant elevation gain. The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 951 feet, or approximately 475.5 feet per mile.
If you’re only interested in the pros and cons list and / or directions to Rocky Fork State Park, scroll to the bottom.
When you first arrive at Rocky Fork State park, finding the Whitehouse Cliffs Trail is easy, as it leaves right from the parking area. While facing the firepit at the end of the parking area, look to your left to see the trail-head and the trail going off into the woods.
The newly renovated trail recently opened on January 1st, 2020 and is very well maintained and marked. However, this is not an easy trail, as there is significant elevation gain throughout all the way from the trailhead to the Whitehouse Cliffs Overlook.
The trail is relatively thin in some places, but I never felt uncomfortable on it, even when passing other hikers. The Whitehouse Cliffs Trail offers incredible mountain views most of the way up, which can make the steep switchbacks seem just a little more exciting.
During the incline, you may want to take a few breaks. A great spot to take one is right about .6 miles into the trail. Here you can get the best view possible of the Whitehouse Cliffs cliff-face. It’s really an impressive thing to look at!
As you head up the trail, make sure to take note the rock steps, as well as the handrails in some places. An amazing group of volunteers put a ton of hard work and love into this trail, finishing what was supposed to be a 2.5 year project in just 15 months.
When you’re almost to the summit, you’ll start to notice that the trail gets very rocky. It will continue on like this out onto the overlook. Be careful where you step, as the ground is not level in all places, and some of the rocks may come loose. Sturdy boots are recommended for this trail to help protect from twisted ankles. I recommend Salomon Quest 4D GTX hiking boots. They’re my daily driver on almost every trail.
Once at the top of the mountain, take a moment to catch your breath, because the incredible views of the Rocky Fork watershed and Sam’s Gap will definitely take it right away again. It’s no wonder I rank the views from the top of the Whitehouse Cliffs trails as one of the best in Northeast Tennessee. The summit is approximately 3,331′ above sea level.
After you’re done taking in the incredible scenery, head right back down the same way you came up. The way down is much less strenuous than the way up, but be careful as going too fast downhill can put unwanted stress on your knees.
When you make it back to the parking area, make sure you leave time to check out some of the other amazing trails Rocky Fork State Park has to offer. It’s an amazing park that’s beauty rivals anything you can find in East Tennessee or Western North Carolina.
PROS:
- 360 degree mountain views at the Whitehouse Cliffs Overlook
- Great views throughout the 1 mile hike to the top
- Pet friendly (pets must be on leashes)
- Usually not very busy
- Well maintained trail
- Rocky Fork State Park offers many other beautiful hiking options
- One of the most beautiful access roads of any state park
- Close to other points of interest like the Appalachian Trail and Johnson City, Tennessee
CONS:
- Parking area can get full during busy times, but there is additional parking (with a slight walk)
- Trail can be tough for beginners due to steep elevation
Directions to Rocky Fork State Park:
If coming from the North
Exit I-26 E on exit 43 for US-19W toward TN-352 / Temple Hill Rd
Turn left onto US 19W S for .1 miles
Turn right at the second cross street to stay on US-19W S for 1.1 miles
Slight right onto TN-352 W for 4.8 miles
Turn right onto Rocky Fork Rd and go .9 miles to the parking area
If coming from the South
Exit I-26 W on exit 50 toward Flag Pond Rd
Turn left onto Upper Higgins Creek Rd for .6 miles
Turn right onto Old Asheville Hwy for 2.2 miles
Turn left onto Rocky Fork Rd and go .9 miles to the parking area
Jared Jarvis Photography