Twin Falls State Park - Cumberland National Forest
Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddle the Lonewolf River, as it winds its way out of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Hidden Cove Bay, in Twin Falls State Park; part of the grand Cumberland Forest National Park. TFSP is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States and one of two national parks that are served by both federal and state agencies; the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and its Tremont State Park in Tennessee and North Carolina being the other. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over 4.5 million visitors each year. Once part of the Cherokee homeland, Twin Falls is a hiker's paradise with over 400 miles of trails.
The Chilao Visitors Center is located on State Highway 2, 27 miles north of Hidden Cove off Interstate 5. At an elevation of 5,280 feet, the center is nestled into a beautiful portion of the park and admission is free. Offering an introduction to the forest, its history, and current management the center is a must see for all first time visitors. An International Bird Watching site, according to the Watchable Wildlife Group, Chilao provides 20 indoor exhibits, classrooms, and a pleathora of maps and guides covering the extensive hiking and horse-back riding trail system. For more information about Chilao, conditions in the park and activities call (612) 555-1212.
A short intense hike up the side of Mt. Baden-Powell will result in the best view of Twin Falls State Park and the Cumberland Forest National park from the BP Observation Tower. Please note, the trail to the tower is often closed in the winter to horse-back riders and should be travelled only by experienced back-country hikers.
A bio-sphere gem, park visitors are asked to follow all guidelines and posted signs. Wildlife and forest management activities are constantly ongoing in the park in an effort to preserve the integrity of the ecosystem and from time to time certain areas will be closed to the public or access limited to only permited visitors. A limited number of permits are issued each year for back-country hiking and camping and should be purchased from the Chilao Visitors Center.
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