en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en nl en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en fr en en en en en en en en en ca en ja en en en es es es es en en
Relatively easy 1.75 mile hike that leads to a beautiful, secluded three-tiered waterfall. The hike is not far from Knoxville or Chattanooga and is also close to the Cherohala Skyway.
Getting to the trailhead can be a challenge if there has been any heavy precipitation or icy conditions due to the fact the last two miles are one mile of broken pavement and the last mile a dirt road. You should be fine in good conditions in any car; however, just make sure to take it easy on the dirt road because it can be rough. Now, when you reach the end of the dirt road, you will come to a dead end in a circular parking area where there are two trails at the end. You will want to take the trail on the left marked by the hiking symbols to go down to the falls. The trail on the right is overgrown and I am unsure where that leads too.
On the trail, you will descend for close to three quarters of a mile and about four hundred feet on a well maintained trail until you reach the falls. About two thirds of a mile in, there can be a small creek crossing if there has been heavy rain, but nothing that should cause you any trouble other than getting your feet wet. There are no turns onto other trails or cutoffs to get to the falls, so simply stay on the trail you started on. Once you have reached the falls, you can get up closer by climbing over a few rocks and logs to reach the base of the falls and literally walk to the middle of them -- be careful because it can be slippery. The falls are most often flowing pretty well, even if there has not been a ton of rain. If you're planning to do some photography there, try and go as early as possible because the waterfall itself is quite exposed to sunlight. The hike back will be significantly more strenuous because it is all uphill. The way back the is the exact same as the route you came down. The hike could take about an hour or two depending on how long you stay at the falls, and if you really want to, you could do it easily in under an hour. Lastly, the trail does keep on going after the falls; however, it gets pretty rough. I have never been back there due to time constraints, but some pages indicate it may lead to some smaller falls or a swimming hole, so if you have some extra time I would definitely encourage you to see if there is anything further on. As always try to make sure you leave the trail better than you found it.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Hike to Conasauga Falls
This is a very neat place. I honestly like the trail here the most it takes you through a lot of conifers which is not common in this area.
Hike to Conasauga Falls
The trail to the falls is pretty narrow with a steep embankment to the side. A couple of rocks to climb over. I wouldn't recommend it for kids. We took our dog and he did okay. All downhill in, and a pretty taxing uphill all the way out. The falls are very nice. We were the only ones there, but there wasn't a ton of room to observe the falls. It could be uncomfortably crowded very easily. Over all a great short hike. Took us less than two hours to hike in, enjoy the falls for bit, and then back to the Jeep.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Drive the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway
The Cherohala Skway is one of the National Scenic byways in America it spans over 43 curvy miles from Tellico Planes, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. On the Skyway there are many overlooks ranging elevations from 2000-5200 feet all have beautiful views and different view points. The parkway also has many pull-offs that are great for a family picnic while enjoying the amazing views an...
Exploring Bald River Falls
If you're looking to check out a secnic waterfall in East Tennessee, Bald River Falls is sure to be on your list. At 90 feet, you can't miss this roaring beauty during any season. Also, Tellico Plains is an awesome mountain town in itself; check it out before or after your hike.To get to Bald River Falls from Tellico Plains, turn onto TN 165 and drive for approximately five miles. Turn right on...
Camp at North River Campground and Dispersed Campsites
North River Road is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Tellico Plains. To get to North River Campground you can either drive up the Cherohala Skyway about 6 miles then turn when you see the sign for the campground and bald river falls. Another way to get to the campsites along North River road is from the top of the parkway via North River Road from the parkway the first campsite is ...
Explore North River Road
If you're looking to get off the beaten path and take the road less traveled, North River Road is your ticket to solitude.A popular loop for the locals is starting on Tellico River Road, then getting on North River Road to make your way up the mountain all the way to the Cherohala Skyway. Take the Skyway back down the mountain toward Tellico Plains or head on over to Robbinsville, North Carolin...
Hike to Falls Branch Falls
To get to the trailhead, drive 22.5 miles on the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains, Tennessee. If you are coming from the North Carolina side, drive 20.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead parking area is marked by a large green sign saying West Rattlesnake and is surrounded by a low stone wall. The trail starts on the left side of the parking lot and immediately descends to a trail split...
Camp at Citico Creek
There are a few options for getting to Citico Creek, you can either go up the windy gravel road from US 411 or get off of the Cherohala Skyway and go down the mountain past the Indian Boundary campground. The Citico Creek campground has about 5 or 6 spots but is rarely full because it is very secluded. It is a free campground but it has no amenities including no bathrooms however there are bath...