Bald Mountains
Most of the region is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area and Sampson Mountain Wilderness. Roads are limited, but forty-plus miles of trail access the forest.
General Information
A range of gently rolling to steep, rugged slopes with high elevation balds characterize the Bald Mountain Recreation Zone. The region is known for its diverse population of wildflowers and for a number of waterfalls including the 60-foot fan-shaped Margarette Falls. Most of this region is remote backcountry, including Bald Mountain Ridge Scenic Area, the 7,992-acre Sampson Mountain Wilderness and 3,069-acre Sampson Mountain Addition (recommended wilderness study area). Roads are limited, but 44 miles of trails access the forest interior. TN 350, 70 and 107 are the main routes into the region that is situated between Greeneville and Erwin.
Follow the Trail!
The easy 1/2-mile Sill Branch North Trail #115 culminates at a spectacular 25-foot waterfall; trailhead parking on Clark Creek Road #25 currently adds an additional two miles to the round-trip trek. Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) runs along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Almost half of Bald Mountain’s trails are multiple use for horses, bicyclists and hikers.
Explore the Forest!
Waterplay is popular in developed areas at Horse Creek and Old Forge. Forest Road #94, a high-clearance four-wheel drive road, culminates in five miles at Cold Spring Mountain trailhead where you can explore Big Butt and other high-elevation mountain balds on foot. Adventuresome motorists may want to explore the forest along Upper Paint Creek Road #42 to Camp Creek Bald or Forest Road #88 leading to Round Knob.
Go Fishing!
Horse Creek, Dry Creek and Clark Creek are favorite trout-fishing destinations. Special regulations in effect at Horse Creek between May 1 and September 30 limits fishing to people 12 years old and under, 65 and older, and physically-challenged; all of which may catch up to two fish a day.
Picnic in the Woods!
At Horse Creek Recreation Area, you’ll find tables, grills and restrooms along with a reservable pavilion. For a unique experience, travel to the top of Round Knob along Forest Road #88 to a covered pavilion with fireplace and other facilities. On a reservation-only basis, Katy Branch offers a covered pavilion with fireplace and open gathering area and is easily accessed off TN 107.
Sleep under the Stars!
Listen to babbling creeks from your campsite! Horse Creek contains 11 sites, equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. Potable water and vault toilets are near the sites, with showers and flush toilets a short walk away in the day use area. Most sites can accommodate small pop-ups and trailers. Ten walk-in tent sites are available at Old Forge, along with a vault toilet and a group gathering area with a fire ring.