The Hike To This Secluded Waterfall In Tennessee Is Positively Amazing
By Chris Dodge|Published March 27, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
If you are anything like us, then you love to chase waterfalls. The feeling you get as you hike deeper and deeper into mountainous forests in search of a scenic view — there is nothing like it. The reward at the end of a hike is to just kick back relax and listen to the water flow. We don’t have to convince you just how good we have it here in the Volunteer State, but we simply want to point you in the right direction. So we have another waterfall for you that you simply must put on your list: Martin Creek Falls in Erwin, Tennessee. This waterfall in Tennessee is small but beautiful and we encourage you to see it for yourself.
The trailhead for Martin Creek Falls can be found at the end of a neighborhood road in Erwin.
Leaving the downtown area of this small mountainous town you will be traveling through an unlikely place to find a beautiful waterfall. Keep driving until the pavement ends and you will be at the dead-end parking area. From there you will see a gate to what appears to be an old service road and that is the indication you are about to take off for a great hike.
The path is very wide and gradually will take you ever closer to the falls. The whole trip will take you on a two-mile hike with 364 feet of elevation gain; some would rate the trail as moderate, but we like to lean more toward the "easy" side of moderate.
Martin Creek Falls is part of the Cherokee National Forest which is filled with incredible trails and wonderful waterfalls. When the path forks, stay to the right which will continue on the old service road. Then you will be taking a left at the sign stating the direction of the falls. Here the trail narrows and you will descend down toward the falls.
It may seem intimidating at first, but there is a clear footpath and plenty of handholds to assist your descent. In addition, someone tied a rope to the tree -- so if it is slippery you have a way of getting down to the base of the falls.
The waterfall cascades down 20 feet to the crystal-clear pool below.
When you catch it just right, the water flow can be impressive and make for an even more scenic view. The contrast between the water falling and the calm clear water that pools at the bottom is striking, making it that much more beautiful. This trail is open year-round and is well worth the trip whenever you get a chance to explore it.
With a mile hike to the falls done, there is nothing left to do other than sit back and relax. Allow this peaceful place to just be a refuge in the woods to refuel and recharge. There is always something inherently life-giving about watching a good waterfall.
Martin Creek Falls in Erwin, Tennessee, is yet another tiny but mighty waterfall that demands your attention. For all those fellow hikers, nature lovers, and waterfall chasers, this trip calls to be explored. Make sure to check out this fun Adventuring in the Moment video to see where to go (and where to not go) on this waterfall hike:
Another incredible waterfall in the Cherokee National Forest is Margarette Falls — make sure you check that one out too.
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