Waterfall Hero Hikes: Pete's Branch Falls (Unaka)

Pete's Branch Falls is a nice 40-foot waterfall on its namesake in Greene County, Tennessee. The waterfall is located near Old Forge Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest.

Hike Length: 3.4 miles
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Old Forge Recreation Area (Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. There are four fords along Horse Creek Road that will require wading unless the water level is low.
Trailhead GPS: 36.10549,-82.65340
Waterfall GPS: 36.08461,-82.65042

Directions:

From Greenville, head east on US-11/US321 for about 5 miles and TN-107 east. Drive 5.2 miles and turn right on Horse Creek Park Road. In 0.8 miles, turn right to stay on Hose Creek Park Road and continue another 2.3 miles into Horse Creek Recreation Area and park at the end by the pavilion.

Map:

Hike Description:

Being hiking down FR-74/Horse Creek Road which is open to 4WD and ATVs. In a quarter-mile, reach the first ford, which usually requires wading. If it's low enough to rock hop, the waterfall won't be worth the effort. At 0.5 miles, reach the second ford and then the third at 0.8 miles. At 1 mile, cross the fourth ford (which I could rock hop) and the road bears left. Go right on Poplar Cove Trail (#22). At 1.2 miles, turn left on Pete's Branch Trail (#12) and follow a half mile to the end.

It's a nice waterfall where the stream splits into two drops over a massive rock face. The stream is small so best to visit in normal to high water levels.