Rock Creek Falls: Difference between revisions

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<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  -->
{{Trail
{{Infobox Trail
|Banner Image=File:Rock Creek Falls.jpg
                    | Image Name = Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg
|Trail Highlight=An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
                    | City = Erwin
|Trail Number=FS #148
                    | State = Tennessee
|Park=Rock Creek Recreation Area
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}}{{Dogs}}{{Waterfall}}
|Land Owner=Cherokee National Forest
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
|Wilderness Area=Unaka Wilderness Area
                    | Hike Time = 3-4.5
|Trail Marking=Blue
                    | Distance = 5
|Trail Use=Hiking, Camping, Hunting
                    | Elevation Gain = 800
|Trail Features=Waterfalls
                    | High Point = 3263
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
                    | Latitude = 36.138985
|Hike Time=3 hrs
                    | Longitude = -82.346649
|Trail Distance=1.49 mi
                    | Medical = Erwin, TN
|Round Trip Distance=3.00 mi
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|Trail Type=In-and-Out
                    | googlemap =  
|High Point=3,277 ft
<googlemap lat="36.138985" lon="-82.346649"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
|Low Point=2,385 ft
36.138985,-82.346649
|Elevation Gain=893 ft
</googlemap>
|Elevation Loss=0 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=West-to-East
|Parking location=36.1384, -82.3499
|Trailhead location=36.13903, -82.34398
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Trail Map}}


<!-- Start of Main Page -->
__TOC__
 
'''NOTICE: Rock Creek Recreation Area is closed to camping (Jan 20, 2012 - Mar 20, 2014); however, the hiking trails are open per ranger.''' <br>Prior alert was ''Trees killed by Hemlock Wooly Adelgid have created a safety hazard.  These trees along with other dead and damaged trees are being removed. The area will reopen in the spring.''  But this alert has been removed.


== 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. -->
Accessed from [[Rock Creek Recreation Area]]. Parking fees apply. See park page for details.
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 ==
== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Erwin, TN
From Erwin, TN
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
#Take Exit 36 off I-26.
Line 42: Line 41:


== Route Description==
== 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.
An old road beginning at the end of the pavement in the campground is the trailhead.  Forest Service Trail #148 Rock Creek Falls follows the Rock Creek as it winds up the hollow.  There are several creek crossings without bridges where you are likely to get your feet wet but are generally not difficult except in high water.  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?  -->
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.
The unblazed trail is narrow, rough, and steep as work your way up Rock Creek.  There are at least four creek crossings which may involve wading if rainy weather during prior days.  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.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
==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.
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[[http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110804&ttype=recarea&recid=34978&actid=29&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=100000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003693&pname=Unaka+Mountain+Zone+-+Rock+Creek+Recreation+Area recreation area]] and [[http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110804&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&recid=34988&ttype=recarea&pname=Rock%20Creek%20Falls%20Hike%20-%20Home trail]].
 
== After the Hike ==
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
During summer months, consider taking a dip in the ice cold swimming pool.  Refreshing!


== Misc. Information ==
== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. -->
Trail distance on the kiosk says 2.5 miles, but only 1.52 miles measured.
 
== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->


== Photos ==
== Photos ==
<gallery>
{{Park trail gallery|Trail={{PAGENAME}}}}
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
{{Map Marker
Image:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|Upper Rock Creek Falls
|Icon Type=Parking
Image:Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead.jpg|Trailhead also with Rattlesnake Ridge
|Marker Title=Parking
Image:RockCreekFalls.jpg|Frozen Falls
|Marker Location=36.1384,-82.3499
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
}}
</gallery>
{{Map Marker
 
|Icon Type=Point of interest
<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
|Marker Title=Trailhead
[[Category:Tennessee]] [[Category:Waterfalls]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]] [[Category:Medium]]
|Marker Location=36.13903,-82.34398
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Waterfall
|Marker Title=Upper Falls
|Marker Description=[[File:Rock_Creek_Falls.jpg|150px|Upper Rock Creek Falls]]
|Marker Location=36.12722,-82.32295
}}

Latest revision as of 13:14, 17 July 2023

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]


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