Compression/Twisting Falls

Twisting Falls (also known as Compression Falls or Twisted Falls) is found in the Elk Mills area of Carter County near the border with North Carolina. As you can see this waterfall is a popular place to be in the summer. It's listed as 30 feet high, but that seems to be a low estimate. Of course it made me nervous watching the young people climb the rope to the right and then either slide down or jump off the falls. Above the main falls, they were also jumping into another large pool from a high perch above. Obviously all of this is very dangerous and not something I recommend... Back in June '09  a college student was injured there and it took rescuers five hours to bring her safely out. To be honest, I'm surprised (and very thankful) it doesn't happen more often. I doubt these young people consider how perilous a situation it would be for them and their rescuers if they were to injure themselves in such a remote setting. That said, this waterfall is stunning in its beauty -- open to the sun, with the falls large enough to send out a constant spray of mist, perfect on a hot summer day. But getting there is pretty tough. It's not a long hike (about 3/4 mile) but it is the steepest 'trail' I've seen in this area. The first part of the trail leads you through the woods to a clearing where there are overhead power lines. Hang a left, and you begin your descent. It's straight down. No switchbacks. Hiking poles or walking sticks may help. I can't imagine attempting to make it down the trail after a rain -- it was treacherous enough when dry. Do yourself a favor and wear descent hiking shoes -- I saw more than one idget wearing just flip flops. There was a rope halfway down that really helped -- although I'm not sure if it's always there or not. But take your time, watch your footing, and you'll reach the Elk River. At this point, you'll hear the falls from around the corner to your left. A trail will lead you over and around the slippery rocks until you reach the nearby falls. Enjoy the view and be careful! Click here for more information. Before venturing out, please read my warnings, safety tips and disclaimers.

Check out Ben Sink's fantastic video of the falls!

Directions: Take highway 19E to Hampton, TN and then turn north onto route 321/67 toward Mountain City. Drive 9.7 miles and turn right on route 321 which leads to Boone, NC. Drive 7.2 miles till you reach Elk Mills Store (which will be on your right), turn right after the store onto Poga Road. After 0.2 miles the road will split, keep left, cross Jack Campbell Bridge, and then you'll immediately turn right again to continue following Poga Road for 3.6 miles. Then turn right onto Clawson Road and drive 0.5 miles. You then turn right onto Dark Ridge Road and drive another 0.5 miles (it will eventually turn to gravel). You'll see an old barn up on the hill to your left, park on the road next to it (don't park next to the barn, that's private property). The trail head is across the road from the barn and marked with yellow and red paint on a tree.  Map here.

8/14/10 Update: A 28 year old woman was severely injured when she fell 20 to 30 feet from the falls. It took the Carter County Rescue Squad four hours to rescue her and she was listed in critical condition with a broken back, a broken arm, a shattered heal and required eleven staples in the back of her head. (video of rescue here. more here). I certainly hope she will be okay.  Earlier this week a 29 year old man nearly drowned. Incidents of injury and rescue are becoming so frequent the US Forest Service is set to address the problem. If you chose to visit this waterfall, be very careful and don't jeopardize your health, nor imperil the safety of those who would be called on to rescue you. Yes, these falls are beautiful and meant to be enjoyed -- but they should also be respected -- and so should those who work so hard and sacrifice so much to keep us safe.