Trail 13: Emory Falls at Frozen Head
Overview
Writing about this trail makes us smile. In many ways, it’s the perfect kid hike! It starts at a beautiful trailhead along a pretty creek in the deep woods. It gradually climbs before stopping at one of two scenic waterfall, DeBord Falls, and is a perfectly acceptable place to turn around with younger kids (we have many times!). It continues further to Emory Falls before returning on a gradual slope back to the trailhead. Stop at the playground you passed on the way to the trailhead beside the same creek; the water is usually shallow enough to be perfect for splashing and rock hopping. Please note, the trail is rocky, and your kids will likely need reminders to slow down!
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 2 hours - 3.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 2.4 |
| Elevation Change | Moderate |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | No restrooms at the trailhead parking, but you will pass restrooms on the right about three quarters of a mile before the trailhead parking area. |
| Best Ages | Little kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Emory Gap Trailhead, 4GP6+MV, Wartburg, TN 37887
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.13658, -84.48785
Park at the Emory Gap Trailhead. Note that the above address uses a “Plus code” that will only work in Google Maps—because Emory Gap Trailhead does not have a street address.
A closed prison near Frozen Head State Park is full of lore due to its remote location. Part of the inspiration for the Barkley Marathons (you’ll have to look it up). Now the site of a restaurant and distillery.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start by walking across the bridge at the trailhead. |
| 0.55 | DeBord Falls. Walk down the (steep!) stairs on the right to view the waterfall from below. Optional turnaround spot. |
| 0.9 | Trail switchbacks. |
| 1.1 | Steep and rocky section at the end to the viewing spot for Emory Falls. |
| 1.2 | After viewing the waterfall, head back to the start! |
| 2.4 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
- Enjoy the playground! There is a fun, shaded creekside playground 0.7 miles down the road from the trailhead. Most of the year, the creek is a perfect depth for safe splashing.
- Check out the Flat Fork Story Book Trail. Starting near the playground, this short trail is great for the littlest hikers.
- Hike to the Frozen Head Mountain Summit. A challenge for the biggest kid hikers and adults! This hike is around seven strenuous miles to and back from the Lookout Tower at the summit of Frozen Head Mountain, from which views of the Smokies far in the distance can be faintly visible on clear days.