Turtletown Waterfalls

There are two scenic waterfalls on Turtletown Creek, a tributary of Hiwassee River, in Polk County, Tennessee.  The waterfalls are located in near Turtletown in Cherokee National Forest.

Hike Length: 3.8 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Ocoee Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.16017,-84.33905
Waterfall GPS: 35.16417,-84.35246 (Upper Falls), 35.16483,-84.36296 (Lower Falls)

Directions:

From Tellico Plains, head south on TN-68 for about 19 miles or just under a mile after crossing Hiwassee River, and bear right on Duggar Road.  Go 0.6 miles and turn right on Farner Road.  Drive another 0.5 miles and turn right on gravel Forest Road 1166.  Follow this for just under 1.5 miles to the parking area at the end of the road, just after the auto ford.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike past the gate on Turtletown Falls Trail (#185) and follow the creek downstream.  At 0.7 miles, bear left at the split to stay close to the creek.  At 1 miles, the trail passes above Upper Turtletown Falls and then descends via switchbacks.  A short side path to the left leads to the base.

The Upper Falls is about 25 feet and splits into two distinct streams.

Head back to the main trail and continue following the creek downstream.  At 1.8 miles, come to another split.  Go left and head down about 0.1 miles to the base of the Lower Falls.

It's really unique in the way it spreads out.  Here's a video of the waterfalls.

For the return hike, it is shorter to stay straight at the first split and climb up Shinbone Ridge.  At 3.1 miles, the two paths come together - go straight to return to the trailhead.

Blog Entries:

28-Dec-2021: Turtletown Falls

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/recarea/?recid=35074