Waterfalls
A stunning prize awaits the truly adventurous hiker who makes the trek to one of Unicoi County's majestic waterfalls. The glorious view of these cascading natural wonders is well worth the trip for the careful and conscientious hiker. Located in the Limestone Cove Community, Red Fork Falls is approximately 80 feet in height and is one of the most scenic falls in the area. Upper and lower Rock Creek Falls are 40 feet in height, and are located in the Rock Creek Recreation Area. Located in the southern part of the county, Spivey Falls is on private property, but makes for beautiful pictures from the nearby parking area. The Chamber of Commerce can provide detailed directions to these scenic waterfalls.
ll directions given from the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Main Avenue, Erwin, TN.
Red Fork Falls
Travel north on Main Avenue into the town of Unicoi, 5.1 miles.Turn right on highway 107 toward Limestone Cove. Continue 7.3 miles, watching for a wildlife viewing area sign. Turn right on to the paved road, keeping to the right at the fork. Proceed 1.2 miles to a gravel turnout on the right. A painted red spot on a large tree marks the trailhead. Walk down the old roadbed to a fork of the creek, approximately 100 yards. Cross the creek and continue to a second fork. Cross again and turn downstream to the right. You will soon see the top of the falls, but continue down the trail which begins a nearly vertical descent. There are natural handholds and steps in the rock. These are slippery and can be dangerous. Red Fork Falls is approximately 80 ft. in height and is one of the most scenic falls in the area. Roundtrip hiking distance is less than a mile.
Rock Creek Falls
Travel north on Main Avenue 1.2 miles, turn right on to highway 395 following the signs to Rock Creek Recreation Area, 3.0 miles. Turn left into the area ($2.00 daily fee). Park at the bath house and continue walking down the paved road beyond camping loop C to the trailhead. The trail generally follows Rock Creek upstream. After a short distance you will arrive at a footbridge on your left. Do not cross the bridge. Continue on the main trail past the iron gate. You will cross the creek on rocks and logs four times before arriving at the lower falls. You must descend steeply along a narrow trail to reach the base of the falls. Upper Rock Creek Falls is a short distance further on the main trail. Both falls are approximately 40 ft. in height. During the winter the bluffs are often covered with large icicles. This is a moderate hike over a very rocky trail. Round trip distance is approximately 4 miles.
Spivey Falls
Travel north on Main Avenue two blocks and turn left onto Second Street. Continue one half mile under the overpass and turn left onto U.S. 19/23. Travel south for six miles to exit 12, the Temple Hill Exit. Go under the overpass and turn right onto highway 19W and 352. After one mile, these two highways split. Keep to the left on 19W. From this point continue approximately 3.2 miles to an unmarked paved road on the right. This is a narrow road that will descend to a small parking area at the base of the falls. Spivey Falls is located on private property, but beautiful pictures can be taken from the parking area
