Talk:Rock Creek Falls
The following excerpts from the club newsletter (in reverse chronological order) is provided as a planning reference:
Rock Creek Falls (Erwin) – June 17, 2012
Vic Hasler reporting
A warm summer afternoon was enjoyed hiking up along the very shaded Rock Creek to view its two waterfalls. Being dry for the past week, the four stream crossings were easy “rock hoppers.” The trail was in very good condition. White rhododendron blooms filled some areas. The recreation area was very busy with Fathers’ Day gatherings with roughly a dozen folks of all ages hiking this “medium” difficulty trail. On this Sunday trek were Aaron Kelly and Vic Hasler.
Rock Creek Falls, April 17, 2011
Joe DeLoach reporting
With 13 hikers, including many first-timers, we squeezed under the Unaka Mountain Wilderness group size limit of 14. The rainy spring made the four creek crossings a challenge, but other than wet feet, there was only one slight slip and dip. The Cherokee National Forest has worked on the trail including putting in stepping stones at each crossing, but most were under water (this was the highest water level the hike leader has seen in six trips to the falls). We saw 21 types of flowers and flowering trees, including numerous red erect trilliums, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, gay wings, trout lilies, spring beauties, and several species of violets. Our youngest hiker also spotted some morel mushrooms within the Rock Creek Recreation Area.
Friday Hikers: Rock Creek Falls, February 11, 2011
Collins Chew reporting
We had a beautiful, sunny day for the 4-mile (round trip) hike to Rock Creek Falls, today. The start was quite cool but as the path was uphill, we were soon shedding excess clothes. There were several inches of snow on the trail the entire distance. The creek crossings were a bit tricky but resulted in only one or two wet feet. The falls were not frozen over but the adjacent cliffs were festooned with huge icicles and banks of ice, some dense enough to look blue. We were back in time to eat lunch in the picnic area. Hikers were: Heather Jacob, Susie Seiler, Lowell Toof and Collins Chew
Hike Notice: Rock Creek Falls (Erwin, Tennessee), October 18, 2003
Hike Leader: Vic Hasler
Rating: C/3/C
This hike is a combination leaf peeper and waterfall. The latter is probably better viewed in the spring with more water flow, but there are still several creek crossings where you may get your feet wet on this easy hike. The hike is around 3-4 miles up and back an old rail bed. There are several cascades and two major waterfalls, one about 40ft high and one about 50 ft high. The creek crossings and the areas around the falls are not dangerous and the hike is suitable for supervised children. Most of the way we will be in the Unaka Mountain Wilderness Area, where group size should be limited to 14 people. Therefore, please register with the hike leader as soon as possible if you would like to participate. Meet at the usual spot by McDonald's in Colonial Heights at 9:00 AM. A meeting location can also be arranged in Johnson City. We will carpool to Rock Creek Recreation Area ($2.00 daily use fee). We'll plan to have lunch at the upper falls. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather (hike will be postponed in case of heavy rain), comfortable boots (and a bag and spare pair of shoes/pants to change afterwards in case of mud).