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Frozen Head Long Tour (Chimney Top Trail, Frozen Head Mountain, Lookout Tower Trail, Bird Mountain Trail)
Trail Running Route
Hard
15.46 mi
3,868 ft
A long trail running tour of Frozen Head State Park, home of the infamous Barkley Marathons.
Frozen Head State Park earned its popularity in the trail running world after a documentary about the [Barkley Marathons]( swept across streaming sites and went viral on social media platforms in 2016. Each spring, participants are given a 60-hour time limit to cover what is *approximately* 100-miles of trail with a staggering 54,000 feet of climbing. The event, which has changed routes through the years, was first held in 1986; as of 2017, there were only 15 official finishers. In the running community, the Barkley is widely-recognized as one of the toughest—and craziest—ultramarathons on the planet.
Named after their "snow-capped appearance in colder months," this route through Frozen Head State Park is nowhere near as technical as the Barkley. Along this 15-mile circuit, you will tour the park's four most notable peaks, including the observation deck on Frozen Head that was erected in 2006. From this grandstand, you will have unparalleled views of "East Tennessee's three main physiographic features: the Cumberland Plateau, the Tennessee Valley, and across the valley, the Great Smoky Mountains."
As mapped, park at the visitor center to begin your run. Both water and restrooms are nearby. If you can find parking near Big Cove Campground, you could also begin there. The loop can be run in either direction, both beginning with a long series of switchbacks to the top of a ridge. Water may be available along the trail at the beginning and end of the run, but is *mostly* unavailable along the ridge. A 2-liter hydration vest and trekking poles are highly recommended for this epic endeavor.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Frozen Head State Park earned its popularity in the trail running world after a documentary about the [Barkley Marathons]( swept across streaming sites and went viral on social media platforms in 2016. Each spring, participants are given a 60-hour time limit to cover what is *approximately* 100-miles of trail with a staggering 54,000 feet of climbing. The event, which has changed routes through the years, was first held in 1986; as of 2017, there were only 15 official finishers. In the running community, the Barkley is widely-recognized as one of the toughest—and craziest—ultramarathons on the planet.
Named after their "snow-capped appearance in colder months," this route through Frozen Head State Park is nowhere near as technical as the Barkley. Along this 15-mile circuit, you will tour the park's four most notable peaks, including the observation deck on Frozen Head that was erected in 2006. From this grandstand, you will have unparalleled views of "East Tennessee's three main physiographic features: the Cumberland Plateau, the Tennessee Valley, and across the valley, the Great Smoky Mountains."
As mapped, park at the visitor center to begin your run. Both water and restrooms are nearby. If you can find parking near Big Cove Campground, you could also begin there. The loop can be run in either direction, both beginning with a long series of switchbacks to the top of a ridge. Water may be available along the trail at the beginning and end of the run, but is *mostly* unavailable along the ridge. A 2-liter hydration vest and trekking poles are highly recommended for this epic endeavor.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney Top Trail to the top | 3.15 mi | 1,706 ft | 10.2% |
| Chimney Top (Out) | 6.52 mi | 1,834 ft | 5.0% |
| Chimney Top pt 1 to Rough Ridge | 1.29 mi | 902 ft | 13.2% |
| Flat Fork Road Climb | 0.85 mi | 600 ft | 13.3% |
| Chimney Top Backside Flop | 0.52 mi | -354 ft | -12.9% |
| Meadowview Church Rd Climb | 1.49 mi | 1,230 ft | 15.6% |
| Rocky Fork to Chimney Top | 1.33 mi | 1,158 ft | 16.5% |
| Final Push Up Chimney Top | 0.38 mi | 433 ft | 21.5% |
| Trail Climb | 0.52 mi | 413 ft | 14.8% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.28 mi | 131 ft | 8.7% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.50 mi | 292 ft | 11.0% |
| Firetower climb | 0.36 mi | 259 ft | 13.6% |
| Fire Tower to Tub Spring (Jeep Rd) | 0.40 mi | -233 ft | -10.9% |
| Jeep Road North | 2.68 mi | 187 ft | 0.3% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.46 mi | 154 ft | 6.3% |
| Bird Mountain (Back) | 4.06 mi | -1,476 ft | -6.3% |
| Unnamed Rd Climb | 0.19 mi | 135 ft | 12.7% |