Rock Creek Falls: Difference between revisions
(Update IB) |
(Several changes based on a June 17th hike) |
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| City = Erwin | | City = Erwin | ||
| State = Tennessee | | State = Tennessee | ||
| Marking = | | Marking = Blue rectangle | ||
| Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}} | | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}} | ||
| Difficulty Rating = Medium | | Difficulty Rating = Medium | ||
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== Trail Overview == | == 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. --> | <!-- 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. --> | ||
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== Route Description== | == Route Description== | ||
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? --> | <!-- 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. There are four "rock hopping" creek crossings without bridges. Will get your feet wet if you slip, but are generally not difficult except if high water after a recent hard rain. 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 == | ||
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees? --> | <!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees? --> | ||
The | 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. == | ==Fees, Permits, etc. == | ||
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[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls | [[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Medium]] | ||
Revision as of 04:49, 18 June 2012
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Trail Overview
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
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
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. There are four "rock hopping" creek crossings without bridges. Will get your feet wet if you slip, but are generally not difficult except if high water after a recent hard rain. 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.
For more information, see Forest Service webpages for the[recreation area] and [trail].
After the Hike
During summer months, consider taking a dip in the ice cold swimming pool. Refreshing!
Misc. Information
Maps
Photos
Upper Rock Creek Falls
Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge
Frozen Falls
