TN Hikes

Whitehouse Cliffs

Fall colors beginning to show from Whitehouse Cliffs overlook

— 2 miles — 1 hour — Moderate — 875′ elevation gain —

Whitehouse Cliffs hike is probably the most well-known hike in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. While this is a wonderful hike to great views, there are plenty of other hikes to explore in the park too. When the park first opened, Whitehouse Cliffs trail was rather precarious up some very steep grades, almost requiring scrambling on all-fours in spots. Fortunately, as the park as developed, the trail has been re-routed to a much nicer trail and grade. Still a significant gain over the hike, but easier to manage.

Getting There

From I-26 (from North)

  • Take Exit 43 for US-19W toward TN-352 / Temple Hill Rd. Turn left at the end of the ramp.
  • Turn right onto US-19W W
  • Travel 1.1 mile, take slight right on TN-352 W
  • Continue 4.8 miles, then turn right onto Rocky Fork Road (there will be a sign for the park at this turn)
  • Travel 0.8 mile into the park, on a not-lined mostly 2-lane-wide road travelling along the creek. There is a one-lane bridge at one point. Turn left into to make your way back to the gravel parking lot.

From I-26 (from South)

  • Take Exit 50 toward Flag Pond Road
  • It’s a little bit of a weird exit, but turn left at the end of the ramp area, onto Upper Higgins Creek Road
  • Travel 0.6 mile, then turn right onto Old Asheville Hwy
  • Travel 2.2 miles, then turn left onto Rocky Fork Road (there will be a sign for the park at this turn)
  • Travel 0.8 mile into the park, on a not-lined mostly 2-lane-wide road travelling along the creek. There is a one-lane bridge at one point. Turn left into to make your way back to the gravel parking lot.

The Hike

From the end of the parking lot closest to the fire-pit, benches area, you will find Whitehouse Cliffs trailhead. There are no spurs or connectors on this trail, so it’s a simple route uphill to the overlook, in approximately 1 mile. There will be several switchbacks along the way. Make sure to admire the great trail-work, appreciating the lack of hill scrambles now! Once you reach the top, you get panoramic views of the park and some balds along the AT in the distance.

  • Fall colors beginning to show from Whitehouse Cliffs overlook
  • Summer view at Whitehouse Cliffs overlook
  • Bright lighting on trees in foreground with dark clouds in background above mountains

After you’re done admiring the view, simply retrace your steps back to the parking area. Since this is such a short hike, we often extend our outing by walking along the Creek that starts from the opposite end of the parking area. You can walk as far as you like, taking in several beautiful cascades, just note, this trail is a lot busier.

Stay tuned for more hikes in Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park!

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