Elk River Waterfalls

Sunday, we checked out of the hotel and had a great breakfast at Eggs Up Grill.  Then we drove just across the state line to North Carolina and parked at the trailhead for Elk/Big Falls.  The short Elk Falls Trail (#172) led from the parking area to the top of the waterfall and then down steps to the base of Elk River Falls.

Lighting wasn't ideal but most of the waterfall was still in the shadows.

After some pictures, we headed back up and got on the gated road that went past powerlines and back down to the river.  Where the road crossed the river, we picked up a path that led back into Tennessee to meet up with the Appalachian Trail.  Heading northbound, we went about a mile to a spur path that led to Splash Dam Falls.  It was tricky scrambling down the rocks to the base

It was mostly sunny, but waiting a few minutes, some clouds arrived and I could get a decent picture.

Then we started heading back and saw a rat snake along the trail.

Before getting off the AT, we continued up the trail a little further and took the spur to Jones Falls.

It's a tall waterfall, but hard to get a good picture.  I waited a short time for a cloud and one cooperated.

Then I climbed up a steep path to the base of the upper drop.

It's a cool view and I really like how the water splashed off the huge boulder here.

After some pictures, we hiked back to the car.

We started making our way home with one more stop at Valle Crucis Conference Center for a short hike to Crab Orchard Falls.

Some clouds rolled in when we first arrived to get some nice pictures.

Soon though, the sun came back so we headed back.

On the way home, we stopped one more time for dinner at Booneshine then finished the drive home.