Rock Creek Falls is a 3.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Reliance, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This route follows the Scenic Spur Trail to the Rock Creek Falls. These falls go by several names including: Rock Creek Falls, Rainbow Falls, Rattlesnake Falls, and Falls of the Scenic Spur. Either way, they're beautiful and absolutely worth the hike! Beware this trail can be muddy and overgrown in some sections. There are a couple creek crossings along the way so come prepared! There are many more trails in this area if you wish to extend your trip. This trail is a part of the Chilhowee Trail System.
Parking for 8-10 vehicles; no restroom facilities. Good signage and trail markings.
Depart U.S. 64 upon State Route 30. Take an almost immediate left into the trailhead parking area. Embark upon Clement Trail #302/Scenic Spur Trail #78, with a sign stating it is 1.7 miles to "waterfalls". After 0.1 mile, bear right upon #78. In 0.6 miles more, Clemmer Spur Trail #86 is intersected. Stay straight on #78. After another 0.6 miles, rockhop Rock Creek. Go 0.3 miles more and make a second stream crossing. The descents are at trail's end in 0.1 mile. (http://www.mymaps.com/tnfalls/Cherokee/rainbow.html)
great trail double water falls. Steep/slick hike to the upper fall. It is the bigger of the two. 2 water crossings each way. With some skill the first can be done by stone hopping. Both are easier accomplished by getting wet.
Just be prepared. We went day after big rains- water shoes were a must. Easy to follow trail. Two river crossings- had to carry our dog. :) Flow was too strong for his short legs. Definitely worth the two hour drive from the Smoky Mountain Park area. I have yet to be disappointed, hiking in the Cherokee National Forest. We had a picnic lunch, on top a flat rock, at the upper falls. Memorable day.
starts out very mild, but don't let that fool you! this trail climbs more than I expected, with plenty of snow and ice. was glad to be wearing waterproof boots and have a hiking pole with me, they were put to good use. bear right once you see the unaka mountain wilderness sign, about 1.5 miles in or so. bearing left over the foot bridge will circle you right back around. all in all, a beautiful area that's well maintained and not that many people out in the cold weather!
Great hike but, be aware, there are 3 river crossings (water is very cold) to get to the falls and rocks at the falls are very slick, take your time if climbing down. Once you get to the first falls, there’s a trail to the left up around the cliff to get to the upper falls as well.
We hiked the lower and upper falls yesterday. The rocks and leaves were very slick due to the rain especially climbing up the hill at the rock wall, but so worth it in the end. The only thing for me, is once we got to the upper falls, I'm too short to climb up the large rocks to get close to the falls. I couldn't see a safe way to wade as the water was a little high due to the rain.
Great hike. The main trail was beautiful and a fairly easy hike. The water was a bit high in the creeks but we just took off our shoes and made it across. Bring water shoes!!! The hike to the second falls was quite a bit tougher. More like rock scrambling but lots of fun. Don’t hesitate. Enjoy the hike.
The trail was much better than some of the reviews make it seem. I went about 4 miles from the parking lot, to the main waterfall and back. The hike was moderate with both ways moving between easy and strenuous; I got a great workout and I am active. I also brought my two small dogs who did fine. The waterfall was so fun to play in and if it were warmer I would have gone for a swim. There are 2 water crossings and you can get over both by hopping over the rocks. Great hike!