The Falls Branch Trail is a relatively short (1.3 miles) trail leading
to a secluded and beautiful, but little known, waterfall.[Editor’s
Note: Even though the Citico Wilderness is my "homegrounds" and I
walked Sassafras Ridge Road many times as a teenager, I had never
visited this waterfall until recently.] The trail starts out,
along with the Jeffery Hell Trail, from the Rattlesnake rock
parking/overlook down a short access trail to the old Sassafras Ridge
Road. Jeffery’s Hell trail goes to the right on the old road while the
Falls Branch Trail goes to the left. This section of the old road
passes through an especially beautiful old growth grove. Follow the
old road for about .9 miles and watch for the trail going off to the
right. Brush has been piled across the road to warn you of the turn
and I did not find it difficult to locate.
Shortly after leaving the old road the trail descends rather
precipitously. This portion is quite rocky and treacherous but lovely!
Some of the knurled and knotted old tree roots are like illustrations
out of a fairy tale. When you finally reach Falls Branch you can see
the waterfall, but in summer your view will be obscured by the foliage.
You can cross the branch carefully and climb thru a miniature "stone
door" and up the other side of the branch for an unobstructed view.
To find this trail take whatever route suits you best to Tellico Plains.
The simplest (not the shortest) route is to go north on I75 to SR68
(Sweetwater exit) and then go east to Tellico Plains. Follow the signs
for the Cherohala Skyway to the Rattlesnake Rock (8.4 miles from the
junction with FS345, which has a sign pointing to Bald River Falls).
Rattlesnake Rock has no sign, but is in Tennessee past Eagle Gap and
before Beech Gap both of which are marked. Although at approximately
80 miles from Chattanooga which is a long drive for such a short hike,
this would make a nice "break" for anyone traveling the Cherahala
Skyway for whatever reason.
For more information or to purchase a map contact:
Tellico Ranger District
Route 3, Tellico River Road
Tellico Plains, TN. 37385