Wilson Knob - Birchfield Connector

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Rocky Fork State Park is new and being developed. A short distance off the paved road at the entrance is a small gravel parking area with picnic tables and portable toilets. The loop begins in the state park, travels into the Cherokee National Forest and returns through the Rocky Fork State Park to the parking area.

The Headwaters Extension trail begins near the boundary of Rocky Fork State Park and the Cherokee National Forest. After climbing the Headwaters Extension trail, turn right at the top and continue along the ridge line on mostly grassy doubletrack in the Cherokee National Forest. An easy descent is followed by a moderate climb passing Wilson Knob.

Right turn on to Higgins Ridge Detour Trail at the top of the climb. Alternate routes can take you to Birchfield Camp Lake Loop before returning to Rocky Fork State Park via Birchfield Camp Trail. There is a signpost where the Birchfield Camp Trail re-enters the Rocky Fork State Park.

The climbs in this loop seem more manageable in the CW direction. The loop from Rocky Fork State Park is approximately 14 miles with more than 2,100 feet of climbing.