River Bluff Trail
Location:
Rocky Top, Tenn.
Reservoir:
Norris
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
3.2 mile loop
Coordinates:
36.220442 -84.095179
Amenities:
- Hiking
- Parking
This is a great trail for observing a large variety of wildflowers in a small area including several rare species. Rich pockets of wildflowers are scattered over the hillside, especially yellow trout lilies, celandine poppies, bloodroot, spring beauties and toothwort—bring your camera outfitted with a macro lens. If you are just learning to identify wildflowers, attend one of the annual wildflower walks held each spring. This trail is on the Norris Dam Reservation on the west side of the dam—across the tailwaters from the Songbird Trail. Norris Dam is about 30 miles north of Knoxville, Tenn., off I-75, exit 122.
Driving Directions
To reach the TVA River Bluff Small Wild Area, take the Lake City exit 128 off I-75 north of Knoxville. Follow U.S. Hwy. 441 past the Norris Dam State Park entrance on the left and continue approximately 3/4 mile to Dabney Road on the right. Turn onto Dabney Road, bear to the left and the Small Wild Area trailhead parking area is located approximately 3/4 mile from U.S. 441.
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Trail Safety
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Topographical Maps
Most of the trails are overlaid on topographic (or topo) maps. Topo maps are an attempt to show real variations in elevation on a flat map. If you know how to read a topo map, the map itself can tell you a lot. Here are a few tips to help you out.
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