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{{Trail
<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  -->
|Banner Image=File:Rock Creek Falls.jpg
{{Infobox Trail
|Trail Highlight=An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
                    | Image Name = Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg
|Trail Number=FS #148
                    | City = Erwin
|Park=Rock Creek Recreation Area
                    | State = Tennessee
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
                    | Marking = Blue rectangle
|Wilderness Area=Unaka Wilderness Area
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}
|Trail Marking=Blue
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
                    | Hike Time = 3-4
|Trail Features=Waterfalls
                    | Distance = 3  
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
                    | Elevation Gain = 912
|Hike Time=3 hrs
                    | High Point = 3263
|Trail Distance=1.49 mi
                    | Latitude = 36.138985
|Round Trip Distance=3.00 mi
                    | Longitude = -82.346649
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
|High Point=3,277 ft
|Low Point=2,385 ft
|Elevation Gain=893 ft
|Elevation Loss=0 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=West-to-East
|Parking location=36.1384, -82.3499
|Trailhead location=36.13903, -82.34398
}}
}}
{{Trail Map}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
 
__TOC__


<!-- Start of Main Page -->
== Trail Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
Accessed from [[Rock Creek Recreation Area]]. Parking fees apply. See park page for details.
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
Located in Unaka Mtn. Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest, hike to a pair of cascading waterfalls with several stream crossings.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Erwin, TN
From Erwin, TN
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
Line 41: Line 35:


== Route Description==
== Route Description==
Walk the paved road through campground or alternately take the new bypass trail around.  The trailhead is behind the tent camping area.  Forest Service Trail #148 Rock Creek Falls follows the Rock Creek as it winds up the hollow. Do not cross either the bridge at the trailhead nor the one shortly up the trail as these are for a mountain bike loop.  Just past the second bridge, you'll see signs for entering the Unaka Wilderness area.  You'll pass several smaller falls and cascades on the way to the main falls located in a secluded, rocky amphitheater.
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
Walk the paved road through campground or alternately take the new bypass trail around.  The trailhead is behind the tent camping area.  Forest Service Trail #148 Rock Creek Falls follows the Rock Creek as it winds up the hollow. Do not cross either the bridge at the trailhead nor the one shortly up the trail as these are for a mountain bike loop.  Just past the second bridge, you'll see signs for entering the Unaka Wilderness area.  There are four "rock hopping" creek crossings without bridges. Will get your feet wet if you slip, but are generally not difficult except if high water after a recent hard rain.  You'll pass several smaller falls and cascades on the way to the main falls located in a secluded, rocky amphitheater.


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The blue blazed trail can be narrow, rough, and steep as work your way up Rock Creek.  There are four creek crossings which were easily "rock hopped" as folks have been placing stepping stones.  Otherwise, recommend bringing water shoes to protect feet on the possibly slippery rocks.  It will take a couple of hours to hike up the trail depending upon how quickly you can cross the creek - and stops to observe the mountain hollow and cascading stream.
The blue blazed trail can be narrow, rough, and steep as work your way up Rock Creek.  There are four creek crossings which were easily "rock hopped" as folks have been placing stepping stones.  Otherwise, recommend bringing water shoes to protect feet on the possibly slippery rocks.  It will take a couple of hours to hike up the trail depending upon how quickly you can cross the creek - and stops to observe the mountain hollow and cascading stream.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
Rock Creek Campground is open May 1 through November 1.  Campground gates are closed from 10 PM until 7 AM.  If closed, then add a mile to hike in from the main gate.  Day use area fee is $2 per car. Permit must be visibly displayed in vehicle.  '''Wilderness designated area, thus group size is limited to 14 people.''' Dogs are allowed, but must remain on a 6 ft or shorter leash.
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
Rock Creek Campground is open May 1 through November 1.  Campground gates are closed from 10 PM until 7 AM.  If closed, then add a mile to hike in from the main gate.  Day use area fee is $2 per car. Permit must be visibly displayed in vehicle.  Wilderness designated area, thus group size is limited to 14 people.  Dogs are allowed, but must remain on a 6 ft or shorter leash.
 
For more information, see Forest Service webpages for the[[http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110804&ttype=recarea&recid=34978&actid=29&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003693&pname=Unaka+Mountain+Zone+-+Rock+Creek+Recreation+Area recreation area]] and [[http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110804&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=34988&ttype=recarea&pname=Rock%20Creek%20Falls%20Hike%20-%20Home trail]].
 
== After the Hike ==
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
During summer months, consider taking a dip in the ice cold swimming pool.  Refreshing!


== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. -->
Trail distance on the kiosk says 2.5 miles, but only 1.52 miles measured.
Trail distance on the kiosk says 2.5 miles, but only 1.52 miles measured.
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.137" lon="-82.344"  type="terrain" zoom="14" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Rock_Creek_Falls_Trail.kml
(A) 36.1384,-82.3499
Parking
(G) 36.13903,-82.34398
Trailhead
(G) 36.12722,-82.32295
Upper Falls
</googlemap>


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<gallery>
{{Map Marker
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
|Icon Type=Parking
Image:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|Upper Rock Creek Falls
|Marker Title=Parking
Image:Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead.jpg|Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge
|Marker Location=36.1384,-82.3499
Image:RockCreekFalls.jpg|Frozen Falls
}}
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
{{Map Marker
</gallery>
|Icon Type=Point of interest
 
|Marker Title=Trailhead
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
|Marker Location=36.13903,-82.34398
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Medium]]
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Upper Falls
|Marker Description=[[File:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|150px|Upper Rock Creek Falls]]
|Marker Location=36.12722,-82.32295
}}
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