Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2+)
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 last section is very steep and overgrown.
Trailhead GPS: 36.13837,-82.35015
Waterfall GPS: 36.14461,-82.31889
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. Continue on the path of least resistance heading upstream for another 0.1 miles to where the path crosses the creek again. Immediately after crossing, a path to the right leads to Upper Upper Dick Creek Falls. Instead, go straight up to climb up along side the waterfall. It is very steep and a little overgrown but easy to follow. Near the top, there is a notch to climb through. There was a rope when I visited, but could have done it without. Once at the top, the path is very overgrown but just a hundred feet or so to the waterfall.
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