Please register or login . From Unaka Mountain Overlook at 4,800 feet the Unaka Mountain Wilderness spills down the western slopes of the Unaka Mountains which form part of the boundary between Tennessee and North Carolina. The slopes are forested in birch, beech, maple, oak, cherry, poplar, hickory, pine, hemlock, spruce and fir. Some of the hemlocks near 100 years in age, but most of the original forest was logged off prior to designation. The deciduous trees paint a glorious fall tapestry worthy of a visit.
Higher elevations provide scenic vistas across impressive open ridges and gaps in the mountains.
More than 10 waterfalls tumble down drops over 20 feet in height along seven major streams. Red Fork Falls, the highest, sends water over a 60 foot drop in the eastern portion of the area. Trails provide foot and horse access. Limestone Cove Trail, about 2.8 miles total, climbs steeply to level off slightly along an old logging road to the top of Stamping Ground Ridge and eventually meets the Unaka Mountain Road where you can easily ascend to the Overlook. Rattlesnake Ridge Trail descends for three miles across the Wilderness from near the Overlook.