Rough Fork Trailhead

Rough Fork Trail delivers a peaceful, uncrowded escape through beautiful cove hardwood forest with multiple creek crossings on log bridges. The real draw is the wildlife—visitors consistently spot elk, deer, turkey, and occasionally black bears, especially in Cataloochee Valley near the trailhead. The historic Woody House sits about a mile in, though trail signage could be better, leaving some hikers unsure of what they're seeing or how far they've gone.