Frozen Head State Park

Overview

Frozen Head State Park is infamous for its hosting of the Barkley Marathons, an annual, grueling ultramarathon that has been going since 1986. With very few finishers, it takes its victims off trail and into the wilderness without GPX files or course markings. Fortunately, runners can experience the blazed park trails any time of year (just stay off the trails after dark!), or camp in the backcountry with a permit. After a few laps on Bird Mountain, you'll see why the Barkley is so difficult.

Other great routes include the North and South Old Mac loop, including the Frozen Head Fire Tower, and circumnavigating the entire park on what's known as the Barkley Challenge Loop.

The ranger station has maps, restrooms, and a place to fill up water bottles and is typically open from 8am to 4pm most days. Check hours and info here: tnstateparks.com/parks/froz….

Park policies: no off-trail hiking or hiking after dark. Bikes are only allowed on Lookout Tower trails (jeep roads). All camping requires a backcountry permit. Car camping also requires reservations. See link above for more info!