Waterfall Hero Hikes: Paint Creek Corridor (Cherokee)

Paint Creek is a tributary of French Broad River in the Bald Mountains near the North Carolina state line. The Paint Creek Corridor includes Cherokee National Forest lands surrounding the creek in Greene and Cocke County. Lower Paint Creek Road, Forest Road 41, parallels the creek and provides numerous opportunities for fishing, hiking, water activities and nature viewing. A developed campground is located at the start of the road and dispersed camping is permitted in designated spots. Several small roadside waterfalls are found along the corridor.

Directions:

From Greenville, head south on TN-107/TN-70 for 11.5 miles and turn right on Rollins Chapel Road. Go 1.3 miles and turn left on Lower Paint Creek Road. Drive 1.7 miles to Paint Creek Campground and turn right on Lower Paint Creek Road/FR-41 to drive the corridor.

Map:

Trails:

Chimney Rocks Trail (#154)

Chimney Rock Trail starts from near the end of Weaver Bend Road and heads past Chimney Rocks, intersecting with Paint Rock Trail and Paint Mountain Trail. There are several beautiful views over French Broad River from the trail.

Paint Mountain Trail (#7)

Paint Mountain Trail starts from FR-41 and leads up to Lone Pine Gap at FR-54 and then intersects with Chimney Rocks Trail before descending to Weaver Bend Road.