Rocky Top (FR 402) in TN -- Camping Rules & Access
Rocky Top (FR 402) in TN
Road corridorCherokee NF, Unaka Ranger District
5.0 mi from Newport
Maps 1,453 ft
Camping permission not confirmed
Miles 0–0.5 cross land the Forest Service doesn't manage; camping there needs the landowner's permission.
Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 10 mi · Then stay away at least 7 days
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Road Access
Rough
- 2.2 of this road’s 3 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, gravel the whole way.
- Estimated climb: 1,100 ft over 3 miles through 7 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 24% and pitches to 43%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~170 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
Setting
Fairly secluded
- Well separated here, with the nearest through road 1.4 miles off.
- Rocky Top stands 1,112 ft above the map pin, 0.8 miles southeast.
- Estimated night sky: Bortle 4, a rural sky with a glow on the horizon.
Rules
- the following acts are prohibited on all lands administrated by the Cherokee National Forest (shown on the attached map).…Camping in any location is limited to 14 consecutive days. On the 14th consecutive day, the camper and party must leave that area/campground for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
- Camping rules
Climate averages
October normals 44–70°F, 2.7″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.