What is
Running Rock Nature Reserve?
Running Rock Nature Reserve is a privately held 260-acre mountain landscape in the Smoky Mountains, located just outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The property consists of forested ridgelines, flowing streams, and diverse Appalachian terrain characteristic of the Southern Appalachian region.
The land is primarily forested and remains largely undeveloped, with natural features such as hardwood canopies, year round springs and streams, and elevation changes shaping the character of the landscape. These conditions support a variety of native plant and wildlife habitats typical of the Smoky Mountain ecosystem.
A network of informal and maintained trails allows for movement through the property, passing through wooded areas, stream corridors, meadows and open ridge viewpoints. Guests' experience of the land changes gradually with elevation and terrain, offering a range of forest conditions within a relatively compact area.
Rather than functioning as a traditional park or recreation site, Running Rock is managed as a protected landscape where natural systems remain the dominant feature. Any future development is intended to remain secondary to the land itself, maintaining the forested character and ecological continuity of the site.
The result is a quiet mountain environment defined by water, forest, and topography—representative of the broader Smoky Mountain region in its natural state.
Biodiversity and Conservation Projects
At Running Rock, the forest and the outdoors is our #1 resource. Conservation, education, and sustainability are at the very core of who we are and how we think. We want to share what we are learning with you. It's easy. Ask how you can be part of the team of volunteers who help us make it better.
Conifer Restoration Program
As construction happens we immediately restore native forest structure by planting trees, most notably native Red Spruces and Fraser Firs. Our intention is to strengthen the natural biodiversity, stabilize soils, and rebuild resilient Appalachian ecosystems for future generations. While neither Red Spruce nor Fraser Fir is ideally suited below 4000' elevation, several spruce trees have been identified already thriving throughout the Running Rock property.
Ruffed Grouse Habitat Restoration Program
The ruffed grouse population has been in decline for 50-60 years matching the decrease in logging, which surprisingly assisted in creating habitat for these beautiful creatures. Habitat restoration takes many forms and the results have already paid off with new sightings.
Trail Building Program
Investing some sweat-equity is paying us back. Whether it's following streams or ridges, finding waterfalls, old homesteads, unusual monoliths or reaching the magnificent views atop of our firetower, trails are the best way to get there.
Running Rock Botanical
If you are a plant lover, this is the place for you. Running Rock Botanical is an all-green nursery and rehoming of native and exotic plants.