Upper Dick Creek Falls (Unaka)

Upper Dick Creek Falls is a unique 25-foot waterfall on its namesake in Unicoi County, Tennessee.  The waterfall is located in Unaka Mountain Wilderness in Cherokee National Forest.

Hike Length: 6.0 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.  The trail fords Dick Creek, which may require wading in high water.  The last half-mile is off trail.  The climb down to the base is challenging and a rope is recommended.
Trailhead GPS: 36.13837,-82.35015
Waterfall GPS: 36.14487,-82.32096

Directions:

From Erwin, head north on TN-107 and turn left on TN-195 east.  Go 3.1 miles and turn left into Rock Creek Recreation Area.  There is a pay station on the right to pay the day-use fee.  After paying continue up the road to the day-use parking area at the swimming area.  If the gate is closed, park without blocking the gate and hike up the road.

Map:

Hike Description:

Rattlesnake Ridge Trail (#26) picks up across the street from the camper registration kiosk and follows Rock Creek upstream.  At 0.4 miles, Rock Creek Falls Trail splits to the right; go left.  In another 0.1 miles, turn left to stay on Rattlesnake Ridge Trail where the bicycle trail goes right.  The trail climbs and reaches Dick Creek Gap at 1.2 miles at a four-way intersection.  Rattlesnake Ridge Trail turns right here.  Go straight on Dick Creek Trail (#27), which is also FR-307.  The road gradually descends and fords Dick Creek at 2.0 miles, which may be a wade in high water.  Once across the ford, turn right on an unmarked old road.  In under half a mile on the road, a right turn leads to Lower Dick Creek Falls.  Continue straight through an open area and the road will ford Dick Creek again at 2.6 miles.  There is a fire ring after the ford.  At this point get off the road and go left and up into the woods on a faint path.  From this point, there is no trail, but the bushwhacking is pretty easy.  Just follow the creek upstream on the path of least resistance, trying to stay close to the creek.  At 3 miles, the trail passes Upper Dick Creek Falls.  It's tricky to climb down to the base.  Having a rope to tie off on a tree would help, but it's not necessary.

The water level was low when I visited, but I thought the waterfall was really cool splitting in three streams over the rocks.  In higher water, I believe there are 4 streams.  I'll have to return.

Blog Entries:

24-Jul-2024: Dick Creek Waterfalls