Homestead Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek

The nearest restrooms can be seen at the Visitor Center/Park office or in the Recreation area. There is no water along the trail.

The trail is narrow and tree roots spread across the trail, so you'll need to be careful running on the trail.

The Homestead Trail starts at the end of the campground and drops down the hill close to Crockett Shoals on the Nolichucky River. There is a story about how Davy's brothers were in a canoe and almost got swept over the shoals if it were not for the efforts of a local farmer to save the boys. This is the best views of the shoals that you'll get in the park, and the views of the river are great as well. The singletrack dirt trail runs between the bank and the river.

There is an observation platform that you can enjoy early on in the trail, and a couple of sets of stairs that go up the bank. The trail crosses a small wooden footbridge and starts to open up into a small field with large trees spread throughout it. There are lots of areas to get close to the river here, and there are picnic tables spread out through this area where you can sit and enjoy a lunch or snack in the shade of the trees.

The trail ends at Nolichucky Landing where there is a boat ramp and from here, you can go up the hill to explore the Crockett homestead and then run back to your car via the roads, or you can retrace your steps on the Homestead Trail.

Various waterfowl can be seen along the Nolichucky River, especially around the corner from the Crockett Shoals.