Turn left for the falls. The trailhead is near the campsite, but make sure to pay the $2.00 day fee which is based on the honor system. It is one is of the most popular waterfall trails in the area. From here you'll descend until 1.8 miles where the trail splits again. This is a hike I recommend for late fall to early spring as without the leaves on the trees, you'll be within ear and eye shot of the creek the entire way to the falls and get views of the falls from far above before descending to their base. We are less than 20 miles from Tellico Plains, TN. Easy, rewarding hike. There are bees in this area, be aware if you are allergic. Bald River Falls resides in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains in Monroe County, Tennessee. Mr. Solomon’s enthusiastic sharing of the area’s natural beauty is a perfect example of how the users of the Forest are its best advocates. This trail is rated moderate due to the steep elevation gain of 668 feet and rocky parts of the trail over… After descending a few steep switchbacks, turn left for the upper Turtletown Creek Falls. Please note there is very poor GPS signal in this area so hikers recommend using our off line map. Then head back to the intersection and continue up to the left to continue the loop. The loop makes a tight right turn, but stay to the left and continue downhill for just over a tenth of a mile for a view of the lower falls. Beware this trail can be muddy and overgrown in some sections. Bald River Falls is located in the Unicoi Range of mountains near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. Waterfalls are always amazing, and Rainbow Falls has three! He generously offered to photograph scenic Maragarette Falls as a replacement. The directions for this route are incorrect and will take you to Newman Road. NOTE: the google directions will take you to the wrong trailhead because Consagua Spura FS Road is missing from the google map. Backbone Rock Recreation Area. $3 day use fee. With cooler weather and no leaves on the tress, you'll get views of the Turtletown Creek for a solid half of this hike. The trailhead starts from a parking area on the Cherohala Skyway. As of May, 2020, users have reported that the gate is closed so you have to walk about half a mile to the trail head. The Cherokee National Forest is a United States National Forest located in the U.S. states of Tennessee and North Carolina that was created on June 14, 1920. There are many more trails in this area if you wish to extend your trip. Continue straight/left to head back to the trailhead. Just minutes from Highway 64 near Lake Ocoee is Benton Falls.This is a beautiful waterfall with a pool at the bottom. Top Cherokee Waterfalls: See reviews and photos of waterfalls in Cherokee, North Carolina on Tripadvisor. Coming from Maggie Valley, it's 1.5 miles west from the Blue Ridge Parkway and will be on your left. The beautiful double upper falls are one of the most scenic you'll find, in my opinion. The trail is right around the corner. Margarette Falls Trail. Those listed below are in Polk County and are easily accessible by Cherokee National Forest trails. Located in southeastern Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest is home to over 600 miles of hiking trails, as well as dozens of lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Directions: 11 miles east of Cherokee on US 19 towards Maggie Valley you'll find Soco Falls on your right. Explore two waterfalls along a scenic creek on the Turtletown Creek Falls trail. Please check with the park for more information. And the lower falls are just as powerful. Dana & Kenny Koogler . Cherokee National Forest will close all camping, cabins, group recreation sites and restrooms due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you’ve been looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, then we’ve found the perfect spot right in the heart of Elizabethton. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail. The Tellico Plains region of the Cherokee National Forest has several waterfalls throughout the area. Raft or kayak the Ocoee River, backpack a section of the Appalachian Trail, or pick a dayhike through the delicate pink blooms of rhododendron bushes in summertime. This small Tennessee town is home to the Blue Hole Falls, a hidden wonder tucked away in the famed Cherokee National Forest. It's a beautiful setting and well worth the short but very steep hike. The smooth surface of the falls allows visitors to slide down the fall, and plunge into a basin below. March 18 2017. Right continues the loop. Three mile round-trip hike. “Ocoee” comes from the Cherokee word “U-wa-go-hi,” meaning “apricot place” and referring to the wild passion flower that once grew in fields and along roadsides. Either way, they're beautiful and absolutely worth the hike! Located in the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, this is a must hike for any skill level. My three days exploring only 1 (of 11) areas of the forest was highlighted by 2 waterfalls and a … Cherokee National Forest: Twisting Falls (Compression Falls), Elizabethton, Tennessee. But it is AH-MAZING! This route follows the Scenic Spur Trail to the Rock Creek Falls. The falls are easily visible from a … This route offers a steady incline over a trail that is 95% rocks and roots.There are four water crossings on the way up. There are several waterfalls near Quest Expeditions located in the Cherokee National Forest. There are a couple creek crossings along the way so come prepared! From a rocky vantage point you'll have a perfect view of this equally powerful falls. Head back to the previous intersection and continue along the creek, hiking up a short but steep section. And I only saw a tiny portion of this massive national forest. It's very close to the newish Rocky Fork State Park, but not actually in the park. In 1901, a tunnel was drilled through solid rock to create a route for … There is even a large sloping rock next to the swimming hole that is great for relaxing. Begin planning your visit by selecting "Recreation" in the left menu. Flow was relatively low when I visited. Park at the end of the dirt/gravel road off of Farner Road. Like hiking? Turtletown Creek Falls Loop. Stay left to head directly to the Upper Falls. You can park at the recreation area by the lake. Explore two waterfalls along a scenic creek on the Turtletown Creek Falls trail. The area will close at noon on Monday, March 23, and remain closed until at least May 15. Sat. 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