Clarks Creek

Clarks Creek
File:Sills Branch Falls 2.jpg
Park Type	Recreation Area
Located	Erwin, Tennessee
External Links
Entrance Fee	None
ActivitiesThings to do at the park
Park AmenitiesThings built to enjoy or use at the park
FeaturesNatural things to see at the park
Park Trails	4 Trails / Total of 6.35 miles10.219 km <br />
Lodging Types	None
Park Area
Operated By	Cherokee National Forest
Main Location	36° 8' 57.41" N, 82° 31' 42.67" W Map
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Park Overview

Clarks Creek Recreation Area is a secretive backcountry cove nestled in the Bald Mountains not far from the Tri-Cities, Jonesborough, and Erwin just off of TN 107. Much of the Clarks Creek area borders Sampson Mountain Wilderness. This area is popular for hiking and fishing. It is home to several waterfalls, one being the famous Buckeye Falls (475'), the tallest waterfall system in Tennessee. As of 2015, camping is not allowed due to bear activity.

Directions

• Travel I-26 toward Erwin.
• Take Exit 37 and follow TN 107 West/TN 81 North
• Turn left at Lamar Crossroads to continue on TN 107.
• Travel about 5 miles and take a left onto Clarks Creek Road.
• Travel on Clarks Creek Road for about 1.5 miles to where the road turns gravel to enter the Clarks Creek Recreation Area (USFS 25; also entering Unicoi County).

History

The area was once a popular backcountry recreation area with the ruins of an old iron furnace. But due to heavy rains and flooding in the early 2000s, much of the USFS 25 road system was washed out. However, the US Forest Service has been able to rehab most of the area. Unfortunately, in 2015, a closure notice was issued for camping due to aggressive bear activity.

Buckeye Falls

Officially, Buckeye Falls is measured at 475 feet being the tallest waterfall system in Tennessee. However, many locals swear it falls more than 600 feet if counting countless cascades; unofficially beating Whitewater Falls in North Carolina as the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. But the 600 foot ruling has not been officially confirmed due to the steep/sheer drop terrain.

Requiring a 3.6 mile hike through water fords and rocks, it is a low-flow cascading waterfall. So plan on making a trek to the base of the falls after a good rain. During the summer time, the flow may be dry. However, the trip to the base is more of a challenge which hikers love to brag about.

Some adventurers will opt for the more panoramic view by going up the Lower Higgins Creek drainage outside of Erwin and viewing the falls from Chigger Ridge on Rich Mountain.

Park Trails

The park offers the following trails to explore:

Park Trails	Distance	Difficulty	Marking	Usage	Highlight
Longarm Branch	3.60 mi	Medium	Yellow		Small cascading falls just past fourth crossing of Longarm Branch
Sill Branch	0.56 mi	Easy	Blue Diamond		An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
Sill Branch South	1.39 mi	Medium	Blue		Forest Service Trail #116
Hell HollowThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park.	0.80 mi	Medium			Forest Service Trail #124

Gallery

• 

  historic iron furnace

• 

  View of Sill Branch Falls

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