§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Flatwoods Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest.
It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area which can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance (Guest River Gorge, Chief Benges Scout, and Little Stony Falls Trails).
A paved parking lot is close to the picnic shelter and restroom facilities. The picnic shelter has sinks with running water and a large built-in charcoal grill. The shelter also has electrical outlets where crockpots and other small appliances can be used. The picnic shelter is designed to be used for food preparation and as a serving area. Dining areas (picnic tables) are adjacent to the shelter but are outside and exposed to the weather. Men's and women's flush toilets are nearby.
The nearby Guest River Gorge is full of scenic beauty, native flora and fauna, as well as historic features. The Guest River Gorge can easily be explored by hiking or biking a 5.8-mile trail built upon an old railroad grade. The trail follows the Guest River as it meanders through 8 branches and creeks and terminates at the Guest River's confluence with the Clinch River. The first 0.3-miles is handicap accessible. This scenic trail passes through riparian forest, 300-million year old cliff lines and sandstone outcrops, and remnants of the railway that once ran through this region to haul locally-mined coal and saltpeter. An abundance of wildlife is easily viewable along this trail. Migratory birds such as flycatchers, several species of warblers and tanagers can be found during the summer. The Guest River Gorge is an easy way to explore the rugged beauty of this mountainous area. Little Stony Creek flows through a 400-ft deep and 1,700-ft wide gorge. Large rock outcrops, ledges, and boulders add to the scenery along the creek. Hardwood and hemlock forest cover much of this area. Mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets lace the edges of these trails in many areas, as well. A popular destination on the district is Little Stony Falls, a 24-foot waterfall, along with two smaller waterfalls. The falls can be seen from walking the Little Stony National Recreation Trail. The trail is a 2.8-mile trail which goes from an upper trailhead (near the falls) and a lower trailhead at Hanging Rock Picnic Area. In some areas of the trail, hikers will need to climb around/over boulders and large rocks to remain on the trail. Sightseers, hikers and birdwatchers will all equally enjoy a visit to this area. Be sure to check with the local Ranger Station for trail conditions. Storm events and hazards may result in trails being closed.
§ 03 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 04 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 05—08 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 06 — REVIEWS
§ 07 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 08 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
The Guest River Gorge and Little Stony Falls are within easy driving distance.
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§ 01 — VITALS
AT&T
T-Mobile
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Fri
85°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 10 mph SW
Sat
84°F
Mostly Sunny
0 mph
Sun
80°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 10 mph SW
Mon
74°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 mph NW
Tue
73°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 5 mph NW
Wed
77°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
0 to 10 mph SW
Thu
80°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
10 to 15 mph SW