Hometown Tourist – Hiking Rock Creek Falls, Erwin, TN
Hi friends! I have decided to start a new monthly series where I highlight my incredible hometown and surrounding area by becoming a tourist. I’m going in and doing all the “must do’s” and seeing all the “must see’s” in my hometown of Erwin, Tennessee or right outside in our area of Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina. I hope you tune in to read about all the “touristy” things and how it is actually fun to do those things you swore you’d never do. Maybe it will even inspire you to become your own hometown tourist!
When I was growing up, I certainly took these Southern Appalachian views for granted. I never understood why Erwin was called, “The Valley Beautiful” or why people would rave about the views driving through the county. Well, after a few years away and change of perspective, I, too am just as captivated by these East Tennessee hills.
This week I want to highlight the hike to Rock Creek Falls. This is a short and moderate hike that’s doable almost year round! I got the opportunity to hike this trail with our local outdoor company Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute (NOLI). They offer free day hikes throughout the year, and I went on a hike with their main guides Rob & Michelle. If you’re interested in this hike, the trail is well marked and there is no need for a guide; I just went to meet new people and discover an awesome hike in my hometown.
According to AllTrails, this is a 4.2 mile out and back hike with 1,099’ elevation gain. Like I mentioned, the trails are well marked and maintained with a steady incline up the mountain to the falls. This is a great day hike just outside of downtown Erwin. It is dog friendly, and there are campsites available during the summer if you want to extend your stay in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest. Day parking permits are required, and only cash is accepted.
I got the opportunity to do this hike in early April when snow was still hiding in the shady patches towards the top of the trail. We were greeted by early wildflower blooms and educated about the various local foliage along the way thanks to our amazing NOLI guides. At the top, we were greeted by the sun peeking over the top of the falls. Parts of the falls were frozen as it was early April and the higher elevations had just received snow a few days prior. It was a beautiful sight, and we took ~30 minutes to take everything in. I had, surprisingly, never done this trail before my NOLI guided tour. It was a fun hike, and I understand why it’s rated as one of the top things to do in the county.
When hiking this trail, be aware that black bears are found in this forest along with several other wild animals. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks even though it’s a “short, moderate” hike. Be sure to check trail conditions as well as weather before heading out. You never know what you may encounter on the trail. Be sure to pack out EVERYTHING that you pack in including fruit peels and all trash as well as practice good Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. I want many generations to be able to experience the little slice of heaven I’ve come to think of as my hometown.
Thanks for reading my first installment of Hometown Tourist. I hope you come back and share with your friends if you find it interesting. Come back next month to see what adventure I went on that I previously thought of as “grungy” and something I never saw myself enjoying. Until then, I’ll see ya on the trail!
-M
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/rock-creek-trail--2
NOLI: https://www.nolilearn.org/
LNT: https://lnt.org/
About my Hometown: https://realwildunicoicounty.com/
