Frozen Head Segment
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CUMBERLAND TRAIL
Frozen Head Segment |
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Click for Detailed Nat Geo Explorer Topo Map of Frozen Head Segment Trail
The Frozen Head Segment begins at Nemo Bridge, ascends through the Emory River gorge, and will eventually reach the town of Wartburg (Section 1). Hikers will be able to resupply here before ascending Bird Mountain and traversing a ridge to the impressive castle-like formations of Frozen Head State Park (Section 2). The Main Trail continues across the highest elevations of the Park to its northeast corner and the end of the Segment (Section 3). The southern-most mile of Section 1 and the northern-most mile of Section 2 provide in-and-out hikes. A loop hike is available using Section 3 and access trails from developed parts of Frozen Head State Park.
Notes:
No.
Section Name
Southern
TerminusNorthern
TerminusMiles Open
Additional
Miles NeededTotal Miles at
Completion
Main
TrailOther
TrailsMain
TrailOther
TrailsMain
TrailOther
Trails
1
Emory River
GorgeNemo Bridge
Morgan County
Visitor center1.0
0
5
0
6
0
2
Bird Mountain
Morgan County
Visitor centerRoss Gap
1
0
5
0
6
0
3
Frozen Head
State ParkRoss Gap
Northeast
Corner of State
Park6.7
2.6
0
0
6.7
2.6
Total
8.7
2.6
10
0
18.7
2.6
"Other trails" are connecting loop, spur, and access trails that are part of the Cumberland Trail.
"Miles Open" is the trail length measured on the ground by wheel, GPS, or other method.
"Additional Miles Needed" are estimates, not on-the-ground measurements.
Rating: moderate
The Bird Mountain Trail begins on the dirt service road at the northern
end of Big Cove Campground. After 1/10 mile, the trail turns left into the
woods and switchbacks 1900' to the crest of Bird Mountain to the Castle
Rock formation. After passing Castle Rock, the trail turns right and
follows the ridgeline for 2.2 miles and then intersects the service
road coming up the mountain.
Hikers can make a short loop back to the trailhead by turning right and following the service road as it decends 3 miles back into Big Cove Campground. To continue the Cumberland Trail, turn left and follow the service road as it ascends 1.5 miles to the junction of Coffins Springs Road. Turn left as the trail continues 7/10 of a mile to Coffin Spring. The natural spring is located at the bottom of the hill to the left of the sign.
| Location | GPS Waypoint |
|---|---|
| Big Cove Trailhead | N36 08.154 W84 29.930 |
| Bird Mtn Camp | N36 08.966 W84 29.294 |
| Castle Rock | N36 08.730 W84 29.843 |
| Lookout Tower Trail Trailhead | N36 09.273 W84 28.078 |
| Mushroom Rock | N36 08.358 W84 30.850 |
| North Bird Mtn Trail Junction | N36 08.808 W84 30.018 |
| Overlook | N36 08.880 W84 30.135 |
| Park Office | N36 07.515 W84 30.311 |
| Park Office Trailhead | N36 07.522 W84 30.645 |
| Retention Pond | N36 08.290 W84 31.085 |
| Rock Staircase | N36 07.679 W84 30.937 |
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