Big Frog Mountain, Mountain summit in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, United States.
Big Frog Mountain is a summit in the Cherokee National Forest, sitting on the boundary line between Tennessee and Georgia. The peak is covered by forest and thick shrub all the way to the top, so there is no open rocky crown at the summit.
The name of the mountain likely comes from the Cherokee people, who lived in this part of the Appalachians for centuries before European settlement. The land was later set aside as part of the Cherokee National Forest, which was established in the early 20th century.
Big Frog Mountain draws hikers who come to walk through one of the largest roadless areas in the southern Appalachians. The trails here pass through dense forest with little sign of human activity, which many visitors find to be the whole point of the trip.
The summit can only be reached on foot, as no road leads close to the top. The approach trails are long and involve sustained climbing, so solid footwear and enough water for a full day are important before setting out.
The top of Big Frog Mountain is unusually flat for a peak of its elevation, which sets it apart from most summits in the southern Appalachians. This level area is so densely covered with rhododendron that visibility from the top is very limited, even on a clear day.
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