Rocky Fork State Park - Flag Pond, TN

06/08/2026

Adventure, discovery, and fresh mountain air await at Rocky Fork State Park! Join us June 10th-18th for butterfly walks, edible plant programs, Junior Ranger Camp, guided hikes, and more!
Check out our event schedule and come explore the beauty of Rocky Fork with us!

Please be sure to register for programs online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rocky-fork
We look forward to exploring with you this summer at Rocky Fork State Park!

06/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Firefly Lightshows and helped make this season so special! ✨

A heartfelt thank you to our visitors, the Friends of Rocky Fork State Park, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation team, the Tennessee State Parks social media team, and all the park rangers and staff from across Tennessee State Parks for helping make this season such a success and for showcasing the wonder and magic of Rocky Fork State Park!

05/31/2026

We’ve had several questions recently and have been tagged in a number of posts regarding nighttime access to Rocky Fork State Park during firefly season. We wanted to provide a friendly reminder to visitors.

Rocky Fork State Park is a day use park and closes at sunset. Access into the park and hiking after dark are not permitted except during park authorized events or for registered overnight backcountry campers staying at one of our four designated campsites.

Tennessee State Parks exist to preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources while providing safe and quality outdoor experiences. At Rocky Fork, protecting sensitive species and habitats is part of that mission. Blue Ghost and Synchronous fireflies rely on darkness and limited disturbance during a very short courtship period each year.

To help protect this incredible natural phenomenon, Rocky Fork State Park offers a managed Firefly Lightshow Lottery during peak activity. Each year, thousands of people enter for a chance to experience this remarkable display. We ask that visitors please respect park rules and regulations and be fair to the many individuals and families who participate through the proper process.

Please remember that Tennessee State Parks operate under T.C.A. § 11-1-108, and violations of park rules and regulations may constitute a Class C misdemeanor under T.C.A. § 11-1-109.

For those curious about the species themselves, we’ve included a comparison photo of both Synchronous Fireflies and Blue Ghost Fireflies!

05/29/2026

Junior Ranger Day Camp is coming to Rocky Fork State Park!

Starting June 17th, kids ages 6–11 can join us every Wednesday through July 22nd for a summer full of outdoor adventure, hands on learning, and exploration. Each week brings a new theme featuring hiking, wildlife encounters, creek exploration, wilderness skills, history, and more.

Space is limited and registration is required. Full details are on the flyer below.

Cost: $ 20.00 per child, per day
$ 10.00 per additional sibling
📍 Rocky Fork State Park
📅 Wednesdays | June 17 – July 22
⏰ Drop off 9-9:30 AM – Pick up 1:00 PM

Lunch and snacks are provided!

*When following the QR CODE or visiting Rocky Forks webpage. Please be sure to scroll down to find our events. You can find additional information for each day and individual registration per day here.*

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rocky-fork

We can’t wait to kick off our first Jr. Ranger summer!

05/29/2026

Local legend and wildlife expert Marty Silver will be here in just a few days! This coming Wednesday, come discover what wonders Marty will bring as we unearth fascinating facts about nature and wildlife. No registration necessary and all ages are welcome!

05/21/2026

Rocky Fork State Park - Flag Pond, TN by Jeanne Zucker

05/19/2026

05/15/2026

Summer adventures are returning to Rocky Fork State Park! Join Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Amanda for a variety of fun and educational programs designed to help visitors of all ages connect with the natural world.

You can explore native plants and pollinators during The Secret Life of Butterflies Walk, cool off with Discovering the Secrets of the Creek, and enjoy guided nature hikes while learning about the park’s unique flora and fauna.

Also, keep an eye out for our Wednesday Jr. Ranger Camp Days coming soon! We’ll have six themed Wednesdays throughout the summer featuring special activities and guest speakers for young explorers.

Please be sure to register for programs online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/rocky-fork

We look forward to exploring with you this summer at Rocky Fork State Park!