Author Archives: Bill Fuller
Rocky Fork Backpacking
Located along the TN/NC border in Unicoi County, TN is the newly purchased U.S. Forest Service property known as Rocky Fork. This 10,000 acre tract is very rugged, with unmarked trails and very limited trail maps. My good friend Jimmy Humston and I decided to do some exploring along the northern-most sections of the tract … Continue reading
Dennis Cove Falls
If you’re looking for a beautiful and adventurous hike, then check out out upper and lower Dennis Cove Falls in the Dennis Cove Recreational area. This hike is not overly strenuous and the trail is well-marked, but it does require three creek crossings that can range from moderate to extremely dangerous… depending upon the water level in … Continue reading
White Rocks and Sand Cave (Cumberland Gap)
Near the Cumberland Gap, and located on the long Cumberland Mountain ridgeline, are two awesome formations known as White Rocks and Sand Cave. Both of these can be visited in the same day with a strenuous, ~9 mile hike within the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park from the trailhead in the Thomas Walker Civic Park. … Continue reading
Watauga Dam
Watauga Dam was completed in 1949 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, creating a very beautiful lake at 2000′ elevation. At the time of its construction, it was the highest elevation earthen dam in the world, and today it still remains as the highest in the eastern United States. What makes this area so picturesque is … Continue reading
Whitetop Mountain & Buzzard Rock
Whitetop Mountain is the State of Virginia’s second highest peak at 5525′, along with having the highest maintained road in the state. You can make this a very short and easy day-hike by taking this road all the way to the top of the mountain, but I decided to climb it on foot instead… starting … Continue reading
Rocky Fork to Birchfield Camp Lake – Mtn Bike
A few months ago I found Birchfield Camp Lake (elevation 4000′) in the Rocky Fork Tract via the Higgins Creek route. This time I decided to see if I could find it coming in from the main gate at Rocky Fork. This is a longer route, and since my knee is still tender, I … Continue reading
Grassy Ridge
Grassy Ridge is a prominent peak in the Roan Highlands sitting at 6180 feet in elevation. This expansive Southern Appalachian Bald offers 360 degree, unobstructed views, which are undoubtedly some of the best in the eastern U.S. This is also the highpoint of Avery County, NC. I left the house very early in the morning … Continue reading
Grayson Highlands State Park – Rhododendron Trail
First, I want to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I went on a 4-day backpacking trip about a month ago and injured my knee, so I haven’t been out much since that trip. I hope it is healing up so I can get back out on some longer hikes very soon. I’ve made … Continue reading
Bailey Falls
This is a continuation to the Margarette Falls hike posted a few days ago… The Margarette Falls hike is very easy and great for families and beginners, however if you want to be more adventurous you can continue on upstream from Margarette to the very unique, grotto-like waterfall known as Bailey Falls. This is NOT … Continue reading
Margarette Falls
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in our region has to be Margarette Falls located in Greene County, Tennessee. Not only is this 60′ waterfall truly magnificent, but the hike to get to it is very beautiful as well. Located on west fork of Dry Creek in a very rocky gorge, there are numerous waterfalls … Continue reading