Rock Creek Falls

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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[edit]

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

How to get there[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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.[edit]

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[edit]

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

Photos[edit]