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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.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 8 of 8 results

Dillard Place

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Grassy meadows and wooded hillsides surround a string of four small ponds, fed by the cold waters of Paint Creek.  Just off Upper Paint Creek Road, this area is a great place for the whole family to…

Horse Creek Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking
Horse Creek Recreation Area is located eight miles from Greeneville, off TN 107 north. This recreation area is nestled into a hardwood cove beside its namesake, Horse Creek.There are facilities for…

Katy Branch

Site Open
Picnicking
This former YACC (Young Adult Conservation Camp) is available to rent for dinners, gatherings, weddings, etc.  The facilities include an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace, a large charcoal grill,…

Margarette Falls Hike

Site Open
Hiking
Margarette Falls with its picturesque fan-shaped, 60-foot drop, is one of the most popular waterfall trails in the area.Enjoy exploring the same mountains and streams Margaret Doak, Margarette…

Old Forge Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
Are you looking for a primitive tent camping experience? Come stay at this small campground located along the banks of Jennings Creek. Large walk-in tent sites are screened by native vegetation.  In…

Round Knob Picnic Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking
This picnic area is located at an elevation of 3,200 feet near the top of Round Knob in Greene County. A pavilion with a fireplace provides an excellent group gathering area.Evidence of nature's fury…

Sill Branch Falls Hike

Site Open
Hiking
This one-half mile (one way) short walk terminates at a water play area at the base of a 20 foot waterfall.  Best viewing times are spring and fall, as there is generally more water flowing over…

Squibb Creek Falls and Pete's Branch Falls Hikes

Site Open
Hiking
Squibb Creek Falls:Get your feet wet on this 4-mile (round trip) trail on your way to see the 25-foot tall Squibb Creek Falls.  This trail lies almost entirely in the Congressionally-designated…

Last updated March 20th, 2025