Lower Falls (Slickrock Creek)

Lower Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on Slickrock creek on the border between Graham County, North Carolina and Monroe County, Tennessee.  The waterfall is located in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in Nantahala National Forest and Cherokee National Forest.

Hike Length: 6 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness (Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest and Tellico Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.  There is a creek crossing on Slickrock Creek before reaching the waterfall that is difficult in high water.
Trailhead GPS: 35.44876,-83.94117
Waterfall GPS: 35.45398,-83.97196

Directions:


From Robbsinville, NC, head north on US-129 for 15 miles and turn left onto Ike Branch just before the bridge over Calderwood Lake.  From Maryville, TN, head south on US-411 for about 6 miles and turn left on US-129 south.  Drive 35 miles, crossing into North Carolina, and turn right onto Ike Branch immediately after crossing the bridge over Calderwood Lake.  Park along this small road.

Map:



Hike Description:


The road becomes Slickrock Creek Trail (#42) and enters the wilderness, following along Calderwood Lake.


In 0.6 miles, Ike Branch Trail (#45) splits to the left.  In about 1.6 miles the trail turns left and begins to follow Slickrock Creek up.  Above the lake, there are some scenic cascades on the creek.


At about 2.8 miles is a crossing of Slickrock Creek that can be difficult in high water.


At 3 miles, the trail passes a small waterfall on a tributary.


Lower Falls is just beyond.  A steep scramble path leads down from the trail to the base of the falls.


Here's a video of the waterfall:


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