Rock Creek Falls

Rock Creek Falls (log in to submit report)
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Highlight	An easy short trail to a remote and beautiful waterfall
Trail Number	FS #115
Park	Rock Creek Recreation Area
Land Owner	Cherokee National Forest
Located	Erwin, TennesseeLocation inherited from associated park
Trail Marking	Blue
Trail UseThings allowed to do on or near the trail
FeaturesThings to see on or near the trail
Difficulty Rating	Easy
Hiking TimeTime from car and back. Includes any time hiking to access this trail.	4 hrs0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br /> round trip
Distance:	1.52 mi2.446 km <br /> trailStrict non-repeating trail length / 3.04 mi4.892 km <br /> round tripTypical or shortest length from the car, hike the trail, and return to car
Trail Type	In-and-Out
High Point	3,263 ft1,087.667 Yards <br />994.562 Meters <br />
Elev. Gain/LossSee link for details of calculation. Gain/Loss is direction dependent.	/ () – 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

Accessed from Rock Creek Recreation Area. Parking fees apply. See park page for details.

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.

Misc. Information

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

Photos

• 

  Trailhead with Rock Creek Falls - Photo by Dennis Mott (Feb 2010)

• 

  Falls

• 

  Frozen Falls

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