Today I enjoyed some of the most amazing roads that I’ve been on in a very long time. Now that’s saying a bunch. Those of you who have been following me these past couple of years know that I’ve ridden many beautiful roads around Tennessee and beyond. Granted I have been in this area before but have never taken the time to explore these two areas.
Frozen Head State Park has to be unmistakably one of the most beautiful state parks I’ve visited thus far. Honestly it will be hard to beat. Nestled back in the hills around Wartburg it is simply enchanting. Once you make the turn and cross the creek you will be blown away at the sight of the roadway passing through the canopy of trees.
The rustic campground had me kicking myself in the tail for not bringing my tent. I will be back to camp here. Although the campsites don’t have electric or water hookups, there is water located near the bath house. There is no excuse to not rest and relax in this setting. There are several trails that you can hike. The park has many picnic tables should you just want to visit for the day. Kids will enjoy a nice playground located between the picnic and camping areas.
Travelling a short distance on highway 62 from Wartburg you will reach the intersection of highway 116. This is the start of the Devil’s Triangle. I don’t remember a single straight stretch on this road. Switchbacks and hairpin curves are plentiful. You will ride past the historic Brushy Mountain State Prison. This was once the home of James Earl Ray who was convicted of shooting Martin Luther King Jr.
Keep and eye out for the windmill farm located on Windrock Mountain. Most folks don’t even know that such a thing exist in Tennessee. Something else to watch out for are the coal trucks. 116 passing by some coal mining operations. The truck traffic from these sites have gravel and dirt on the roadway. Also be mindful of rocks washed across the road by heavy rainfall. The Devil’s Triangle will take you through the heart of Appalachia.. The scenery is amazing. The fall foliage has just barely begun to show itself. Before long all the brilliant fall colors will be abundant.
Follow 116 until you reach the intersection of highway 330. Take a right onto 330 and follow it back into the town of Oliver Springs. You can get fuel in either Wartburg or Oliver Springs. Both places also have places to grab a bite to eat. Treat yourself and your ridding skills and get on over to East Tennessee and ride The Devil’s Triangle. Perhaps you’ll even camp at Frozen Head State Park.
Ride Safe,
Ronman
4 Comments
What a beautiful ride this sounds like!!! You need to ride it again and let your ‘ol riding buddys tag along. Good job as always.
I bet that was a great ride. It seems like I have taken that route before, almost like déjà vu. I don’t remember the Devil’s Triangle, or seeing the windmill farm though. I do however, remember passing by the Brushy Mountain State Prison. I guess I will have to travel back through there again sometime. Please tell everyone that I miss them, and maybe I will see them again sometime. Once again, this was a great post, and I do really enjoy your writing.
Thanks for telling about this place. We’ll have to put it on our “places to visit” list.
I love curvy twisty roads. They’re what makes riding fun. The great scenery is just a bonus!
does any one know the web site of the man who takes your pic in a curve on the 116 i would like to get my pic cant rember the site something like mypics on 116…