"The Mountains Are Calling and I Must Go."
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Rocky Fork State Park is 2,075 acres of scenic wilderness in Unicoi County, in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Upper East Tennessee. The park is approximately 30 miles from Johnson City and 10 miles from Erwin, the county seat. Rocky Fork is Tennessee's newest state park and it is surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Rocky Fork State Park is the only Tennessee State Park that connects directly to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
This predominately Appalachian Cove Forest park was saved from residential development because of it's biologically diverse habitat, the Historic Battle of Flint Creek Site, and it's exceptionally clean streams and Rocky Fork watershed, which includes the park's namesake, Rocky Fork Creek.
Tim Pharis named Manager of Rocky Fork State Park
It's a pleasure to announce the promotion of Tim Pharis from Park Ranger to Park Manager at Rocky Fork State Park. Manager Pharis is a native of Cairo, Georgia, and has been in Tennessee for 18 years now. He moved to Johnson City on scholarship to East Tennessee State University’s Old Time music program where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Outdoor Leadership and an Appalachian Studies minor. Manager Pharis is also a licensed EMT, certified wildland firefighter, master trail builder and advanced sawyer.
Prior to Tennessee State Parks, Tim enjoyed working with the Student Conservation Association, the National Park Service and the Tennessee Historical Commission. Tim started with Tennessee State Parks as a Seasonal interpretive Recreator at Warriors’ Path and Panther Creek. Tim later became a full-time ranger at Warriors’ Path in 2011 and transferred to Rocky Fork State Park in 2015 where he has been an integral part of the team and has overseen a variety of the projects and activities at the park.
Tim is a graduate of the Park Manager Technical Institute and a 2020 recipient of the 2020 Kayah Gaydish Stewardship Award from the Carolina Climbing Coalition. We are excited to see Tim as the new Manager at Rocky Fork and look forward to his continued leadership and the continued growth of Rocky Fork State Park. Tim has a passion for Hillbilly folklore, Hillbilly music, wood turning, luthiering (building of stringed instruments), and the upkeep of his “mini farm’s” orchards and a 100-year-old house. Tim also enjoys playing with the Free Rangers, the Tennessee State Parks bluegrass band. He resides in Flag Pond with his wife Marion and their two children. Congratulations, Tim! Looking forward to what can be accomplished at Rocky Fork State Park in 2021 and beyond!
It's a pleasure to announce the promotion of Tim Pharis from Park Ranger to Park Manager at Rocky Fork State Park. Manager Pharis is a native of Cairo, Georgia, and has been in Tennessee for 18 years now. He moved to Johnson City on scholarship to East Tennessee State University’s Old Time music program where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation with an emphasis in Outdoor Leadership and an Appalachian Studies minor. Manager Pharis is also a licensed EMT, certified wildland firefighter, master trail builder and advanced sawyer.
Prior to Tennessee State Parks, Tim enjoyed working with the Student Conservation Association, the National Park Service and the Tennessee Historical Commission. Tim started with Tennessee State Parks as a Seasonal interpretive Recreator at Warriors’ Path and Panther Creek. Tim later became a full-time ranger at Warriors’ Path in 2011 and transferred to Rocky Fork State Park in 2015 where he has been an integral part of the team and has overseen a variety of the projects and activities at the park.
Tim is a graduate of the Park Manager Technical Institute and a 2020 recipient of the 2020 Kayah Gaydish Stewardship Award from the Carolina Climbing Coalition. We are excited to see Tim as the new Manager at Rocky Fork and look forward to his continued leadership and the continued growth of Rocky Fork State Park. Tim has a passion for Hillbilly folklore, Hillbilly music, wood turning, luthiering (building of stringed instruments), and the upkeep of his “mini farm’s” orchards and a 100-year-old house. Tim also enjoys playing with the Free Rangers, the Tennessee State Parks bluegrass band. He resides in Flag Pond with his wife Marion and their two children. Congratulations, Tim! Looking forward to what can be accomplished at Rocky Fork State Park in 2021 and beyond!
Tennessee Home & Farm Magazine Featured the Annual Upper East Tennessee Fiddler's Convention! Rocky Fork State Park partners with the Friends of RFSP & ETSU to put on this Amazing Event. Check Out The Article! https://www.tnhomeandfarm.com/tennessee-events/upper-east-tennessee-fiddlers-convention-2/
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Breathtaking Plans for the Future
Rocky Fork State Park has long-term plans for improving the current nearly 18 miles of trail into a sustainable and high quality trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The park is a "Gateway to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.)". The park's planned infrastructure and amenities includes a visitor/interpretive center & gift shop, restrooms, picnic shelter, and maintenance building.
The park offers a variety of interpretive hikes & programs, special events, and trail volunteer opportunities every month for park visitors and the surrounding community.
The park offers a variety of interpretive hikes & programs, special events, and trail volunteer opportunities every month for park visitors and the surrounding community.
David "Mr. Rocky Fork" Ramsey's Book, Rocky Fork: Hidden Jewel of the Blue Ridge Wild
To purchase David Ramsey’s book and support the important work of the Friends of Rocky Fork State Park! Books can be purchased at: https://www.ramseyphotos.com/image-use-/-licensing , Mahoney's Outfitters (830 Sunset Drive, Johnson City, TN 37604 , or at the Town of Unicoi Tourist Information Center, 106 Unicoi Village Place, Unicoi, TN 37692 .