Rock Creek Falls

 

These remote waterfalls are located on the side of Unaka Mountain in Unicoi County, TN. The photo here of the main (or upper) falls doesn't really do it justice. The way the water plunges 50 feet down its two tiers is unique and beautiful -- and difficult to adequately capture. It's one of those that I guess you just need to go see for yourself.  Standing there you also get an idea where most of the rocks in Rock Creek came from. You're surrounded by sheer rock walls on three sides that have been shedding fragments both large and small which have been washed down the mountain over the time. When I arrived a steady rain began. So I didn't get to stay long. On my way back I stopped by the lower falls, which I passed on the way up. The rain had slowed to a mist and I was able to get a better shot of the 30 foot tall lower falls (below, left) -- which is more of a cascade.  In between these two falls are the aptly named middle falls - which would be very difficult to reach.  You can get a glimpse of this 15' waterfall from the trail above.

Though the sign pointing the way to Rock Creek Falls says 2 miles, it seems quite a bit longer than that -- maybe it was the heat, or the rain, or the 1200 foot climb in elevation. The first part is easiest, as the trail takes you around the campground and along the creek.  You eventually come to the first of four creek crossings -- all of which have been greatly improved since my last visit to the falls. As long as the water isn't too high, you shouldn't have too much trouble rock hoping these crossings.  The trail gets more steep after the third crossing.  But in all, the trail is well maintained, and follows the tumbling creek the entire distance, giving some nice views of cascades on your way up. (More photos included in my prior post here).  Click here to read Hiking Bill's excellent account of this hike.

The flow of Rock Creek varies a lot throughout the year...from a torrent in the spring, down to a trickle in the late summer. There's a small man-made waterfall near the beginning of the hike, which directs part of the flow of the creek to a man made swimming pool/cement pond in the park. I use this as a guide/indication of whether to continue on up to the falls. If there's water flowing over this waterfall, that's a good sign that the waterfalls above will be worth venturing to.  Here's a pic of this man-made waterfall this past spring when the water level was very high.  Yesterday, there was only a thin curtain of water coming over, but still it was worth the climb.

Directions: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east toward town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) -- continue on for 3.1 miles, turn left at entrance to Rock Creek Park.  Circle through the park making your way to the parking area next to the bath house/swimming area (in the winter months, you'll have to park further back and walk in).  Park here and begin walking north toward the campground.  You'll immediately see a sign pointing to a gravel trail to Rock Creek Falls to the left. Follow it for 1/2 mile (a nice walk along Rock Creek) and you'll come to a bridge, but don't cross it, instead, dog-leg to the right and you'll come to a bulletin board containing this map (above right). Continue past the gate to the falls.  It's a well marked trail -- and you can't miss either waterfall. The lower waterfall is down a fairly steep and muddy embankment - it's not too bad if you take your time.  The upper falls is about 5 minutes further up the main trail.