Frozen Head State Park Announces Annual Gate Closures

NASHVILLE – Park officials at Frozen Head State Park announced today the park’s annual gate closure to all motorized vehicles at the Emory River Area will begin March 1 at sunset, with gates re-opening on March 21 at 8 a.m. Gate closures exclude Gobey Road as the main thoroughfare into the area.

Motorized vehicles, including all trucks, cars, all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles, are prohibited on designated roads during these closures. During closures, visitors still will be allowed to access the area on foot or horseback. Signs announcing the closures will be clearly posted throughout the area. 

Dates for the gate closures are set each year at the park’s management planning meeting and posted on the park’s Web site as part of the Emory River Area guidelines and coincide with the opening and closing of Tennessee’s official turkey hunting season. There will be a second gate closure beginning May 11 at sunset, with gates re-opening on August 1 at 8 a.m. 

Motorized vehicles are allowed on existing roads in the Emory River Area for hunting and hunting-related activities.  Due to the proximity of the designated hunting areas along the Emory River recreational tract, the park’s gate closures are added measures to ensure park visitor safety and to preserve and protect the area. 

As part of the park’s routine operations, gates may occasionally need to be closed during maintenance activities to ensure visitor safety. If initiated, these closures also will be posted. 

Frozen Head State Park is located near Wartburg in Morgan County in the scenic Cumberland Mountains. The park contains undisturbed forestland, small streams and waterfalls, beautiful mountains and some of the richest wildflower areas in Tennessee. 

The Emory River Area is a combination of state park land and private land held in conservation easement. The Emory River provides a convenient dividing line; south of the Emory is Frozen Head State Park, north of the Emory is easement property. While hunting is allowed on the state-owned property in the Emory River Area, it is prohibitedon all lands within the existing Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area. In addition to following the state’s hunting regulations and possessing a valid hunting license, hunters are asked to take added precautions and know their location at all times. 

For more information about the spring gate closures, an Emory River Area map, a hunting guideline overview and more, please call (423) 346-3318 or visit the park’s Web site at: www.tnstateparks.com/FrozenHead. 

Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free
1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.

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