Find Your
High Knob Adventure
Nestled beneath High Knob – the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains – Norton is the ideal basecamp for exploring the great outdoors in the High Knob Region. Norton and neighboring communities offer access to more than 100 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking and mountain biking, waterways to fish and paddle, and miles of cliffs ripe for bouldering and climbing. Scroll down to explore specific sites and start planning your trip!
Bouldering
Rugged terrain and stunning rock formations provide an exciting challenge for climbers of all skill levels.
Bouldering
Rugged terrain and stunning rock formations provide an exciting challenge for climbers of all skill levels.
Get Your Climb On
Expansive sandstone boulders and cliffs canvas Flag Rock Recreation Area. Local climbing groups are working to develop bouldering and rock climbing routes in the city and surrounding region. See the Central Appalachia Climbers Coalition and Mountain Project websites for more details on available routes.
Mountain Biking
Diverse trails and scenic landscapes offer an exhilarating experience for riders of all skill levels.
Mountain Biking
Diverse trails and scenic landscapes offer an exhilarating experience for riders seeking adventure on two wheels.
Flag Rock Area Trails
The City of Norton’s Flag Rock Area Trails offer 10+ miles to mountain bike and hike. Trails travel through rhododendron thickets, past giant sandstone boulders and cliffs, and through beautiful hardwood forests as they wind through Flag Rock Recreation Area.
Fishing
Norton and the surrounding High Knob Region offer numerous rivers, streams, and lakes to reel in a variety of fish species.
Fishing
Norton and the surrounding High Knob Region offer numerous rivers, streams, and lakes to reel in a variety of fish species.
Cast A Line
Downtown Norton is less than an hour from eight lakes, two rivers, and several special regulation trout streams. The High Knob Region’s waters boast gorgeous scenery and a variety of fish species, including bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, catfish, bluegill, and sunfish. Scroll down to check out a list of the High Knob Region’s waters.
Hiking
The High Knob Region has more than 100 miles of non-motorized recreational trails, all less than an hour’s drive from downtown Norton. Scroll down to see a list of High Knob Region trails.
Hiking
The High Knob Region has more than 100 miles of non-motorized recreational trails, all less than an hour’s drive from downtown Norton.
Take A Hike
Norton has more than 10 miles of hiking trails in the city’s Flag Rock Recreation Area. The recreation area also adjoins the Jefferson National Forest on the Clinch Ranger District, which has more trails that traverse High Knob, exploring scenic vistas, waterways, and diverse ecosystems. The city is also less than an hour from numerous other hiking trails. Access is free for most trails in the region.
Kayaking
Norton and the surrounding High Knob Region offer eight mountainous lakes and two rivers for paddling enthusiasts.
Kayaking
Norton and the surrounding High Knob Region offer eight mountainous lakes and two rivers for paddling enthusiasts.
Go Paddle
Go paddle Norton’s Upper Reservoir. Also explore five other mountainous lakes within a 30-minute drive from the city. More of a river rat? Check out the Clinch and Powell rivers. The region has several outfitters offering gear rentals and guided trips on the region’s waterways.
