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!
David "Mr. Rocky Fork" Ramsey's Book, Rocky Fork: Hidden Jewel of the Blue Ridge Wild
Purchase David Ramsey’s book and support the important work of the Friends of Rocky Fork State Park.
Books can be purchased at this link or 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.
Purchase David Ramsey’s book and support the important work of the Friends of Rocky Fork State Park.
Books can be purchased at this link or 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.
