TN.gov Newsroom

WARTBURG, Tenn. – A landslide caused by recent, heavy rains has prompted Frozen Head State Park officials to close the Lookout Tower Trail as a matter of visitor safety.

 

Also known as the Old Jeep Road, Lookout Tower Trail begins at Big Cove campground and climbs to Frozen Head’s summit, the highest point in the park. This popular trail is used by hikers and serves as the only designated trail for horseback riding and mountain biking. The landslide impacted an area approximately 1.5 miles from the campground, causing the ground to become unstable. 

 

“While we apologize for the inconvenience, visitor safety is our top priority,” said Michael E. Hodge, interpretative specialist. “As inclement weather moves out of the area, we will continue working with the Department of Transportation to ensure the area is stable before we allow hikers or others to use the trail.”

 

According to Hodge, the portion of the trail that will remain closed until further notice sits between the two junctions of the park’s Bird Mountain Trail.

 

“We ask that all hikers in the park use only the designated trails that remain open, adhere to the park’s posted signs announcing the closure and stay clear of the impacted area,” he added. 

 

Frozen Head State Park is located near Wartburg in Morgan County in the scenic Cumberland Mountains. The park contains undisturbed forestland, small streams and waterfalls, beautiful mountains and some of the richest wildflower areas in Tennessee. For more information about the park, please call (423) 346-3318 or visit the park’s Web site at www.tnstateparks.com/FrozenHead. 

 

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