Editing Rock Creek Falls

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                     | Image Name = Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg
                     | City = Erwin
                     | State = Tennessee
                     | Marking = Blue rectangle
                     | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}
                     | Difficulty Rating = Medium
                     | Hike Time = ~4
                     | Distance = 3 
                     | Elevation Gain = 912
                     | High Point = 3263
                     | Latitude = 36.138985
                     | Longitude = -82.346649
                     | Medical = Erwin, TN
}}<!-- 

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-->{{Trail page needs
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 | Updated KML = 
 | Detail route description = Yes
 | Photos = 
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 | Infobox data update = Yes
 | Trail pins = 
 | Other = 
 | Comment = Add tabular details to route description, Change to "park" and connected trails?
 | Date reviewed = 6/8/2016
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== Trail Overview ==
<!-- 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 ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Erwin, TN
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
#Turn left on unnamed road across the interstate to intersection with Tenn. 107 in Erwin.  
#Turn right on Tenn. 107 for about a mile.
#Turn left on Tenn. 395 (USFS sign to Beauty Spot).  
#Proceed 3.2 miles.
#Turn left into the USFS Rock Creek Recreation Area.
#Park near restrooms at Picnic Area.
Same as for [[Rattlesnake Ridge]] Trail

== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
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 ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
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. ==
<!-- 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 [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/recarea/?recid=34978&actid=29 recreation area] and [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=34988&actid=50 trail].

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

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

== Maps ==
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<display_map center="36.137,-82.344" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="auto" height="550" scale="yes" gkml="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Rock_Creek_Falls_Trail.kml">

36.1384,-82.3499~Parking~ ~MarkerA.png
36.13903,-82.34398~Trailhead~ ~MarkerG.png
36.12722,-82.32295~Upper Falls~[[File:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|150px|Upper Rock Creek Falls]]~MarkerC.png
</display_map>

== Photos ==
<gallery>
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
Image:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|Upper Rock Creek Falls
Image:Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead.jpg|Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge
Image:RockCreekFalls.jpg|Frozen Falls
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</gallery>

<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Medium]]