beyond words

There are worlds of experience beyond the world of the aggressive man, beyond history, and beyond science. The moods and qualities of nature and the revelations of great art are equally difficult to define; we can grasp them only in the depths of our perceptive spirit.
--Ansel Adams (1902-1984) American photographer  

Above: Martin's Creek Falls, Erwin, TN.  Click here for a description and detailed directions.

Check it out...Hiking Bill has completely redesigned his website -- a fantastic resource with beautiful photos and always-accurate descriptions and directions.

in the eye of the beholder

If a given combination of trees, mountains, water, and houses, say a landscape, is beautiful, it is not so by itself, but because of me, of my favor, of the idea or feeling I attach to it.
--Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) French poet

Martin's Creek Falls is a 20-foot tall waterfall just outside of Erwin, TN. It's not very well known -- but what it lacks in terms of power and majesty, is made up for in peace and tranquility. It's worth a visit - especially after some heavy rains. In times of drought this waterfall is reduced to a trickle. Click here for a full description and detailed directions.

Last year the gate to the forest service road leading up Martin's Creek was locked -- I never did figure out why. But I was in Erwin this weekend and thought I'd again check it out -- and was glad to see the gate opened. The road is still rough, so a high clearance vehicle is recommended. And while there's evidence that a number of trees came down over the winter, the road is passable. The one surprise was the condition of the short trail leading to the falls. It's in terrible shape. It's as if someone came through intending to improve it, but left the cut trees and brush in the middle of the trail. Hopefully this is temporary. But with some effort and scrambling over the trees, you'll soon arrive at the falls.

Martin's Creek Falls

Martin's Creek Falls (sometimes referred to as Martin Creek Falls) is a beautiful waterfall (20 feet high) to visit if you're ever in the Erwin, TN area. It's located right outside of town, within the Cherokee National Forest. It's not very well known -- but what it lacks in terms of power and majesty, is made up for in peace and tranquility. It's worth a visit - especially after some heavy rains. In times of drought this waterfall is reduced to a trickle.

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".