Falls Branch Falls

I recently hiked to the 70′ Falls Branch Falls, a 3.1 mile (roundtrip) trail located in the Cherokee National Forest near Tellico Plains, Tennessee, along the Cherohala Skyway. It was the first of two hikes that day, the second being Conasauga Falls Trail – more on that another time.

I’d like to acknowledge my friend & her dog for making our hiking adventure so much fun – thanks Lara for your great planning!!!

Directions From Knoxville, TN

• take I-40 W / I-75 S to Exit 60 (Sweetwater / Spring City)
• turn left on TN-68 S (New Hwy 68) for 24.4 miles
• turn left on TN-165 E (Cherohala Skyway / Unicoi Turnpike) for 22.4 miles
• parking on left at Rattlesnake Rock

The Hike

The trailhead is located at the left side of the parking lot, and descends 515-feet to the base of the falls. Along the way, hikers will encounter a sign lacking clarity as to which way to proceed. Fortunately, someone has marked the sign with an arrow pointing left to the falls (see photo, middle):

Toward the end of the trail there is a steep section with loose rocks where hikers should exercise caution, particularly when covered with leaves, or following rain when surfaces may become slippery.

Though no flowers were present along the trail at this time of year, rhododendron plants were in abundance throughout the hike. As such, a return trip to this area in the spring may be in order.

Photographs

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