Splash Dam Falls (Elk River)

Splash Dam Falls is an small waterfall on Elk River in Carter County, Tennessee.  The waterfall is located in Cherokee National Forest just off the Appalachian Trail.

Hike Length: 3.6 miles
Estimated Time: 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: 36.21016,-81.97396

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 straight on the AT for another 1 mile to where the trail starts to head up.  An obvious path on the right leads out to the river at the top of the waterfall.  It's a tricky rock scramble to get down to the base.

The waterfall isn't high, but kind of cool as it squeezes through the rocks.  Here's a video of the falls.

Blog Entries:

25-Jun-2023: Elk River Waterfalls