Falls Branch Falls Hike

About Falls Branch Falls Hike

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act by taking a day hike to Falls Branch Falls located in the Citico Creek Wilderness. To help visitors plan their adventure and enjoy this featured day hike, Johnny Molloy, Outdoor Writer & Board Member of Partners of the Cherokee National Forest, has provided an excerpt from his book, Waterfall Hiking Tennessee, Falls Branch Falls Hike.The Falls Branch Trail #87 is a 1.3-mile trail (2.6-mile round trip) that leads to Falls Branch Falls, a 70-foot waterfall. Please note that this trail is located within congressionally designated Wilderness, a primitive area where trail signing and blazing are minimal.The majority of the trail follows an old roadbed, but it eventually leaves the roadbed and becomes narrow, steep, and rocky closer to the waterfall.

How to Get There

From Tellico Plains take TN hwy 165 east approx. 18 miles until you reach the Rattlesnake Rock West pull-off which is the parking area for Falls Branch as well as Jeffery Hell trail #196.

Plan Your Visit to Falls Branch Falls Hike

Heading to Falls Branch Falls Hike? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)