I'd definitely recommend a high-clearance truck or SUV for this one -- the road starts out ok, but gets progressively worse as you go. But once you get there, it's a short walk (less than a quater of a mile) from the road. The trail is well established at the road, but pay attention in the middle section as it dog-legs to the left around some fallen trees.
Directions: Take I-26 to the Erwin/Jonesborough exit (#37), turn east towards town and drive 0.4 miles until you reach a stop light. Turn right onto Main Street and drive 0.3 miles to Love Street, turn left. You'll travel through four red lights on Love Street. Continue straight through the fourth stop light, the road becomes Okolona Dr. You'll pass by a school on your right. At the T-intersection, turn left on Martin's Creek Road and continue 1.5 miles (the last 0.9 mile of which is gravel) to an unmarked trail head on your left (there's room for one car to park there). There's another parking area a short distance further up the road. Erwin can be a bit confusing, so I recommend you print out a map before you go -- click here and then look under "road maps".
We just visited Martin's Creek Falls 9/13/09, thanks to your post.
ReplyDeleteA locked "Vehicle" gate is now across the gravel road. After talking with the neighbor by the gate we hiked up the trail, about 1.3 miles. An excellent hike and worth the time.
The road was open today when I visited.
ReplyDeleteSome really nice photos of this falls, thanks. Next time I come through the area, I'll have to get out of my car and hike into some of these.
ReplyDeleteI tried to find this waterfall and could not. There were several trails off to the left and where we had to park behind the locked gate we had a hard time judging distance. How far from the gravel road is the waterfall? I think maybe we just didn't go far enough up the road.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's really anything to indicate that the Martin's Creek Falls trail from the road. At one time there was a trash can there, but I don't remember seeing that the last time I visited. Since it's 0.9 miles up the road from where it turns to gravel -- it would be about a 20 minute walk for most people. Sorry you had trouble finding this one!
ReplyDeleteMark, you're right that there's no sign here. Martin Creek Rd was also not signed, but Odom Branch Rd is: just turn right where you hit that road and you'll stay on the correct road. The forest service gate is closed now, but if you are careful you can park 2 cars and still leave room for someone to get through if needed. This was such a good hike that we kept going partway up the mountain and found a great view back of Erwin! Thanks for the directions.
ReplyDeleteI was at this fall this past Saturday. The gate is closed, but there is an orange trail marker tied around a tree at the path to the falls. It was easy to find with that marker.
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