May 31st, 2009 - I had a great hike with Shannon, Campbell, and our good friends Alice and Mike to the beautiful Sill Branch Falls in the Clark's Creek area of Unicoi County, TN.                     

Campbell Playing at the Falls

This is a short trek of about 1.0 mile round-trip, which makes it a good family hike.  The grade is also moderate to easy on a wide trail, which follows the stream.  Hemlocks (my favorite) are everywhere, but unfortunately are infected with Wooly Adelgid. 

We all had a good time and enjoyed our hike.  Mike and I tried some slow shutter speeds with our cameras, taking a bunch of photos of the waterfall, while the girls talked.  The only disappointment was that the waterfall's flow was a little low.  So, if you go to check this out, do it after a really good rain.  Here's some pics with a little better flow that I took in late 2008:  see here     

I think Sill Branch Falls is one of the most under-rated waterfalls in the area, especially after a good rain.  At the time of this report, I have it rated with 30 points on my scale, which is ranked 7th out of the 23 waterfalls I've visited so far in the eastern Tennessee region.  

Total Miles Hiked:  1.0 

Getting There :  

Driving - From Johnson City:  Take I-26 to the Erwin/Jonesborough exit (#37). At the end of the ramp turn right and take State Rt. 81/107 for 6.5 miles.  Stay on Rt. 107 by turning left and continue for 5 more miles. Turn left onto Clark's Creek Road and drive 3.1 miles into the Cherokee National Forest to a parking area on the left. A sign will indicate the trailhead for Sill Branch Falls.     

Trails - This is a short 0.5 mile hike to get to the falls on CNF Trail #115.  When you come to a fork in the trail, follow the sign to the falls by taking the trail to the left.  You'll have to immediately ford the stream, and then ascend up a steep hill (the only tough portion of the hike)  The trail dead-ends at the falls.    

Hike Rating -

Bill's Overall Rating:

Distance:  1.0 miles

Difficulty:  EASY

Type: OUT & BACK

Vista Rating: 

Waterfall Rating:  H(6) + F(4) + V(4) + W(2)  + G(3+4+7) = 30

Water Crossings:  2-MODERATE (EASY in times of low water flow)

Scrambling/Climbing:  EASY

Hazards:  slippery slopes, steep slope

Significance:  waterfall

Recommendation:  family/beginner, average

Click here for hike rating reference guide.