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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
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}
|Wilderness Area=Unaka Wilderness Area
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
|Trail Marking=Blue
                    | Hike Time = 3-4.5
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
                    | Distance = 5
|Trail Features=Waterfalls
                    | Elevation Gain = 800
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
                    | High Point = 3263
|Hike Time=3 hrs
                    | Latitude = 36.138985
|Trail Distance=1.49 mi
                    | Longitude = -82.346649
|Round Trip Distance=3.00 mi
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|High Point=3,277 ft
                    | googlemap =  
|Low Point=2,385 ft
<googlemap lat="36.138985" lon="-82.346649"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Elevation Gain=893 ft
36.138985,-82.346649
|Elevation Loss=0 ft
</googlemap>
|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 -->
 
'''NOTICE: Rock Creek Recreation Area is closed to camping (Jan 20, 2012 - Mar 20, 2014); however, the hiking trails are open per ranger.''' <br>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 ==
== 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.
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== 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? -->
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.


== Typical Conditions ==
== Typical Conditions ==
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 stonesOtherwise, 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.
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The trail is narrow, rough, and steep as work your way up Rock Creek.  There are at least four creek crossings which may involve wading if rainy weather during prior daysRecommend 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.


==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 ==
Trail distance on the kiosk says 2.5 miles, but only 1.52 miles measured.
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. -->
 
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->


== 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
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
}}
</gallery>
{{Map Marker
 
|Icon Type=Point of interest
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
|Marker Title=Trailhead
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]] [[Category:Medium]]
|Marker Location=36.13903,-82.34398
}}
{{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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