Rock Creek Falls

Trail Name Rock Creek Falls Nearest City Erwin State Tennessee Trail Marking {{{Marking}}} Trail Use/Features Difficulty Rating Easy Hiking Time 33 Hours <br />0.188 Days <br />180 Min <br /> Distance, round-trip 55 mi <br />8.047 km <br /> Climb/Descent Elevation 800800 Feet <br />243.84 Meters <br /> / {{{Elevation Loss}}}"{{{Elevation Loss}}}" is not a number. High Point 32633,263 Feet <br />1,087.667 Yards <br />994.562 Meters <br /> Nearest Medical Erwin, TN Trip Reports Click Here Loading map... {"type":"ROADMAP","minzoom":false,"maxzoom":false,"types":["ROADMAP","SATELLITE","HYBRID","TERRAIN"],"mappingservice":"googlemaps3","width":"270px","height":"180px","centre":false,"title":"","label":"","icon":"","lines":[],"polygons":[],"circles":[],"rectangles":[],"copycoords":false,"static":false,"visitedicon":"","wmsoverlay":false,"zoom":8,"layers":[],"controls":["zoom"],"zoomstyle":"DEFAULT","typestyle":"DEFAULT","autoinfowindows":false,"resizable":false,"kmlrezoom":false,"poi":true,"cluster":false,"clustergridsize":60,"clustermaxzoom":20,"clusterzoomonclick":true,"clusteraveragecenter":true,"clusterminsize":2,"imageoverlays":[],"kml":[],"gkml":[],"searchmarkers":"","fullscreen":false,"scrollwheelzoom":false,"locations":[{"text":"","title":"","link":"","lat":36.13898499999999813780959811992943286895751953125,"lon":-82.3466489999999993187884683720767498016357421875,"icon":""}]} Show Large Map

NOTICE: Rock Creek Recreation Area is closed to camping (Jan 20, 2012 - Mar 20, 2014); however, the hiking trails are open per ranger.
Prior alert was Trees killed by Hemlock Wooly Adelgid have created a safety hazard. These trees along with other dead and damaged trees are being removed. The area will reopen in the spring. But this alert has been removed.

Trail Overview

Located in Unaka Mtn. Wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest, hike to the ~40’ high waterfall with several stream crossings.

How to get there

From Erwin, TN

1. Take Exit 36 off I-26.
2. Turn left on unnamed road across the interstate to intersection with Tenn. 107 in Erwin.
3. Turn right on Tenn. 107 for about a mile.
4. Turn left on Tenn. 395 (USFS sign to Beauty Spot).
5. Proceed 3.2 miles.
6. Turn left into the USFS Rock Creek Recreation Area.
7. Park near restrooms at Picnic Area.

Same as for Rattlesnake Ridge Trail

Route Description

An old road beginning at the end of the pavement in the campground is the trailhead. Forest Service Trail #148 Rock Creek Falls follows the Rock Creek as it winds up the hollow. There are several creek crossings without bridges where you are likely to get your feet wet but are generally not difficult except in high water. You'll pass several smaller falls and cascades on the way to the main falls located in a secluded, rocky amphitheater.

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.

For more information, see Forest Service webpages for the[recreation area] and [trail].

After the Hike

During summer months, consider taking a dip in the ice cold swimming pool. Refreshing!

Photos

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  Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge