Rhododendron, footbridges and two wilderness waterfalls
On the first weekend of July 2023 we spent two days on two creeks in the Cherokee National Forest. Day one was Rock Creek, just outside Erwin, where the Rock Creek Falls Trail climbs into the Unaka Mountain Wilderness. Day two was Squibb Creek Falls in the Sampson Mountain Wilderness near Greeneville.
🥾 Day one: Rock Creek
Rock Creek Recreation Area is 3.5 miles east of Erwin on TN 395. It has a campground and a creek-fed swimming pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. The trail leaves from the recreation area, follows the creek through rhododendron, and crosses it several times on its way into the wilderness.
🥾 Day two: Squibb Creek Falls
The next day we hiked the Squibb Creek Trail, a rougher, unblazed path with creek crossings that ends at the falls. The Forest Service lists Squibb Creek Falls at 25 feet, about 4 miles round trip. It slides down a mossy rock face into a small pool.
🥾 Trail facts
- Rock Creek Falls Trail: about 1.5 miles one way (Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club measurement; the trailhead kiosk says 2.5), easy to moderate, with about 900 feet of climb and several creek crossings
- Rock Creek fees: Day use $2 per vehicle; the gate is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Squibb Creek Falls: 25 feet, about 4 miles round trip (Forest Service)
- Managed by: USDA Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest
Trail facts checked October 2026. Sources: USFS: Rock Creek Recreation Area, USFS: Horse Creek Recreation Area, TEHCC: Rock Creek Falls. Trail lengths for Rock Creek Falls differ by source. Trails and roads change, so check with the managing agency before you go.
