Rock Creek Falls: Difference between revisions

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{{Trail
{{Trail
|Banner Image=File:Rock Creek Falls.jpg
|Trail Highlight=An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
|Trail Highlight=An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
|Trail Number=FS #115
|Trail Number=FS #148
|Park=Rock Creek Recreation Area
|Park=Rock Creek Recreation Area
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
|Wilderness Area=Unaka Wilderness Area
|Trail Marking=Blue
|Trail Marking=Blue
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
|Trail Features=Waterfalls
|Trail Features=Waterfalls
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
|Hike Time=4 hrs
|Hike Time=3 hrs
|Trail Distance=1.52 mi
|Trail Distance=1.49 mi
|Round Trip Distance=3.04 mi
|Round Trip Distance=3.00 mi
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
|High Point=3,263 ft
|High Point=3,277 ft
|Low Point=
|Low Point=2,385 ft
|Elevation Gain=
|Elevation Gain=893 ft
|Elevation Loss=
|Elevation Loss=0 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=West-to-East
|Elevation Change Direction=West-to-East
|Parking location=36.1384,-82.3499
|Parking location=36.1384, -82.3499
|Trailhead location=36.13903,-82.34398
|Trailhead location=36.13903, -82.34398
}}
}}
{{Trail Map}}
{{Trail Map}}
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== Photos ==
== Photos ==
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
 
{{Map Marker
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Parking|Marker Title=Parking|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.1384,-82.3499}}
|Icon Type=Parking
{{Map Marker|Icon Type=Point of interest|Marker Title=Trailhead|Marker Description= |Marker Location=36.13903,-82.34398}}
|Marker Title=Parking
{{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}}
|Marker Location=36.1384,-82.3499
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Trailhead
|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
}}

Revision as of 11:10, 19 September 2021

Rock Creek Falls

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Rock Creek Falls.jpg
Highlight An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
Trail Number FS #148
Park Rock Creek Recreation Area
Land Owner Cherokee National Forest
Wilderness Area Unaka Wilderness Area
Located Erwin, TennesseeLocation inherited from associated park
Trail Marking Blue
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail

HikingCampingHunting

FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail

Waterfalls

Difficulty Rating Easy
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail. 3 hrs0.188 Days <br />180 Min <br /> round trip
Distance: 1.49 mi2.398 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 3.00 mi4.828 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type In-and-Out
Low / High Point 2,385 ft795 Yards <br />726.948 Meters <br />3,277 ft1,092.333 Yards <br />998.83 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent. 893 ft272.186 Meters <br /> / (0 ft0 Meters <br />) – West-to-East
Trip ReportsFrom user "hiked it" submissions<br />Recent is within last 90 days No hikes logged yet
NearbyWithin 5 mi<br />Click link to view list 2 trails / 15.3 mi of trail
Parking 36° 8' 18.24" N, 82° 20' 59.64" W Map
Trailhead 36° 8' 20.51" N, 82° 20' 38.33" W Map
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Trail Overview

Accessed from Rock Creek Recreation Area. Parking fees apply. See park page for details.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Misc. Information

Trail distance on the kiosk says 2.5 miles, but only 1.52 miles measured.

Photos