Waterfall Hero Hikes: Jones Falls (Elk River)

Jones Falls is a 100-foot waterfall on Jones Branch, a tributary of Elk River, in Carter County, Tennessee. The waterfall is located in Cherokee National Forest just off the Appalachian Trail.

Hike Length: 3.0 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Watauga Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 36.19737,-81.97002
Waterfall GPS: 36.20297,-81.98177

Directions:

There are several ways to get here, but coming from Elk Falls in North Carolina is the shortest route. From Elizabethton, head south on US-19E for about 22.5 miles, crossing into North Carolina. Turn left on Old Mill Road then left again on Elk River Road after 0.3 miles. Follow Elk River Road for 4.1 miles to the parking area at the end.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, pick up the gated road to the left of Elk Falls Trail. The road goes through a powerline clearing then down to the river at a ford at 0.6 miles. Don't cross the river but pick up the obvious path that continues downstream. It passes a campsite and crosses Jones Branch then climbs up to intersect the Appalachian Trail at 0.8 miles. Go left on the AT and start heading up. At 1.4 miles, a spur trail to the left leads 0.1 miles to the base of Jones Falls.

There is a very steep path just before the base that leads up to the base of the upper drop. I like the view here as you can see the water splashing off the huge boulder.