Finding directions and information for Jones Falls back in 2007 when I first 'discovered' Jones Falls was a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous websites now that describe this hike (see links below). But still, my guess is that this waterfall doesn't get too many visitors -- except for
thru-hikers on the AT (as it's located 1/10 of a mile off of the AT). At 100 feet high, this impressive waterfall ought to get more attention. The top part of the falls is mostly a free fall, while the bottom half of the falls is a beautiful, flowing cascade. It's
definitely worth the hike. It's located just inside of the Tennessee line in Carter County, between the towns of Roan Mountain, TN and Elk Park, NC. It's best to go after a good rain. Jones Falls is located at a high elevation, so the watershed of Jones Branch is limited. And if you're interested in photos, I also recommend going on a cloudy or overcast day, as the top part of the falls is exposed to the sunlight.
There are two ways to get to the falls. One coming in from the NC side via Elk River Falls. The other from the TN side hiking in on the AT. I recommend the first (NC) approach.
Jones Falls via Elk River Falls. This approach to Jones Falls allows visitors to see two fantastic waterfalls -- and is actually quite a bit easier than the second approach described below. First, drive to Elk River Falls: Take 19E to Elk Park, NC (just over the border from Roan Mountain, TN), turn north onto Old Mill Road, and after 1/4 mi. turn north again onto Elk River Road. There are signs pointing the way. Take this for approx. 4 miles until the road dead ends at the falls. It's a short 1/4 mi. hike to the base of the falls. (
Click here for my full post on Elk River Falls). I believe there used to be a river trail that would allow you to continue on to Jones Falls, but I found the way completely overgrown beyond recognition. So save yourself the hassle, and backtrack to the parking area. Once there go around the forest service gate and turn right and follow the well-established forest service road for 3/4 of a mile until it reaches the river. Once there, continue on to your left (don't cross the river) and you'll find a narrow trail that follows the river. Take this for about 1/4 mile until you come to a small campsite and then look for where the trail crosses a small stream (which is actually Jones Branch) and then begins to climb. Follow this and you'll very quickly come to the Appalachian Trail (you'll know it's the AT when you see the white slashes on the trees). Turn left and hike approximately 1 mile to the sign pointing the way to Jones Falls. Take this spur for 1/10 of a mile to Jones Falls. [update 3/13/14 - the sign has been torn down].
Jones Falls via Buck Mountain. There are various option for picking up the AT on the Tennessee side. I'll describe taking the AT north from where it crosses Buck Mountain Road. It's a 1 hour hike which can be fairly steep and challenging (lots of ups and downs). To get there... take Route 19E from
Elizabethton toward Roan Mountain. Continue past the town of Roan Mountain to where the AT crosses 19E (just barely inside TN -- if you enter NC, you've gone too far). Turn left onto Bear Branch Road and continue 1.8 miles till you reach a stop sign. Turn left onto Buck Mountain Road and continue for 1.7 miles. The AT crosses Buck Mountain Road right after Buck Mountain Baptist Church on your right (you have to look carefully for the white blaze). I parked off to the side in the church parking lot. Take the AT to your right, down the steep slope. After a 1/2 mile, you'll cross Campbell Hollow Rd. (btw...there isn't a place here to leave a car), stay on the AT. It's about an hour hike (and that's moving pretty quick) to the falls. Again, a sign will point the way to the short spur that leads to the falls.
Other very helpful posts on Jones Falls can be found online:
Hiking Bill
RATrreks
Wendell Dingus
NC Waterfall Hikes
It's a very slippery place, so
exercise caution there.
[Update 1/12/13] Thanks to the many helpful posts below and the advice from friends, I've updated this post. :) As always, I appreciate your input!
Also... we noticed on our approach to Jones Falls via Elk Falls on the AT this large upper section of the falls (right)... it doesn't appear to be the same section of the falls pictured above. Anyone know if it's possible to get there or how tall the entire waterfall is?
Jones Falls is found along the Appalachian Trail near the TN/NC border. As I explained in greater detail in my initial post, there are different theories on which is the best way to get to this remote waterfall. Today, I went in the way I know: on the AT from the Tennessee side. But I met someone at the falls who I convinced me that the trail from Elk River Falls is the easier trail (though it takes about the same amount of time). So I'll try that one next time and will give my take on the trail coming in from the NC side. If you click on the above link, you'll find a number of very helpful comments left by fans of this unique and beautiful waterfall. Pictured here is the profile view of the top portion of the falls.
