Rock Creek Falls: Difference between revisions

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-->{{Infobox Trail
-->{{Infobox Trail
                    | Image Name = Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg
| Image Name = Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg
                    | City = Erwin
| Trail Number =
                    | State = Tennessee
| Park = Rock Creek Recreation Area
                    | Marking = Blue rectangle
| Land Owner = Cherokee National Forest
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}
| Wilderness Area = Unaka Wilderness Area
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
| City = Erwin
                    | Hike Time = ~4
| State = Tennessee
                    | Distance = 3  
| Marking = Blue
                    | Elevation Gain = 912
| Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}  
                    | High Point = 3263
| Difficulty Rating = Medium
                    | Latitude = 36.138985
| Hike Time = 4 hrs
                    | Longitude = -82.346649
| Round Trip Distance = 3.04 mi
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
| Trail Distance = 1.52 mi
| Trail Type = In-and-Out
| Elevation Gain = 912 ft
| Elevation Loss = -912
| Low Point =
| Elevation Change =
| High Point = 3,263 ft
| Parking coords = 36.138985,-82.346649
| Trailhead coords = 36.138985,-82.346649
| Medical = Erwin, TN
}}<!--  
}}<!--  


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  | Winter photos =  
  | Winter photos =  
  | Remove prefix =  
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  | Update infobox = Yes
  | Update infobox =  
  | Infobox data update = Yes
  | Infobox data update = Yes
  | Trail pins =  
  | Trail pins =  
  | Other =  
  | Other =  
  | Comment = Add tabular details to route description, Change to "park" and connected trails?
  | Comment = Add tabular details to route description, Change to "park" and connected trails?
  | Date reviewed = 6/8/2016
  | Date reviewed = 12/24/2016
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Revision as of 10:53, 24 December 2016

Rock Creek Falls.jpg
Trail Name Rock Creek Falls
Park Rock Creek Recreation Area
Land Owner Cherokee National Forest
Wilderness Area Unaka Wilderness Area
Nearest City Erwin
State Tennessee
Trail Marking Blue
Trail Use/Features Dnr hiking.pngDnr dog.pngDnr waterfall.png
Difficulty Rating Medium
Hiking Time 4 hrs0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br />
Distance:
round-trip/trail only 		3.04 mi4.892 km <br /> / 1.52 mi2.446 km <br />
Trail Type In-and-Out
Climb/Descent Elevation 912 ft277.978 Meters <br /> / -912-912 Feet <br />-277.978 Meters <br />
High Point 3,263 ft1,087.667 Yards <br />994.562 Meters <br />
Parking 36° 8' 20.35" N, 82° 20' 47.94" W
Trailhead 36° 8' 20.35" N, 82° 20' 47.94" W
Nearest Medical Erwin, TN
Trip Reports Click Here
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Please help make this trail page better. Feel free to add anything you believe relevant, but this page has been flagged as needing the following work:

  • Detail to route description
  • Update data in infobox
  • Comment:Add tabular details to route description, Change to "park" and connected trails?

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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

  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.

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

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

Maps

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Photos

  • Upper Rock Creek Falls

  • Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge

  • Frozen Falls

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