All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. The possibility the pilots decision making ability on a cloudy night could have also been impaired by alcohol and other factors we just dont know. Would you hike to this abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina? He listened intently. The white aluminum caught my attention; nestled in a downward section of the mountain in a quiet place among trees and other plant life. It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. It crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. The Waterrock Knob Plane Crash Heres A Step By Step Hiking Guide, these are my favorite beginner hiking shoes, I like to have a couple of these energy gels. After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. How to Get There. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. At the top of Waterrock Knob, you will get a great view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Located in the Smokey Mountains just outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, this hike is challenging due to its steep ascents and occasional scrambling over fallen trees and thick roots. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. The first half of the hike is straight down the ridge and then you have to hike back up the spine of the connecting knobs. Ive always wanted to visit North Carolina! Leave the crash site (and the trail) exactly as they were before your hike. If they had only been flying a little bit higher, they probably would have reached their destination. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. But, its a wide trail with plenty of room to stop and catch your breath if you need to. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. The hike to the plane crash is about a 2.5 mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. I love to hike! The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. Sylva, North Carolina. Haha.thats Sam! At least, this was his recollection. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. You are at Browning Knob as soon as you start to see the views again: Once over to Browning Knob, youll notice another small unmarked trail to the left. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The hike back to the parking lot was just as arduous as the hike to the crash site, and ended up being about a 2.5 mile hike round trip. When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. We all know that North Carolina has much to offer; however, it's home to only one known plane crash site. This short trail will lead you down to the site of the airplane crash. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. If youre not a confident hiker but still want to explore the area, maybe just do this trail to the summit. Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. Read more . It is often used but remains off the beaten path. Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. Just keep an eye out for the small path. By checking this, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! Quiet reflection will force you to be in the moment with your thoughts. His wife was suddenly standing by my side, close, like she was my friend. There's a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so it's worth checking out. On November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was en route to the Jackson County Airport from Chicago when it crashed into the mountainside just before 6:00 pm. Our human curiosity about the story, and the image of a plane lasting 36 years out in the elements is what drew us to this place one late summer day in September. As well as what happens when we take the majesty of flight for granted. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! I wrote about it here in 2015. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. Where can I hike to a cave in North Carolina? An old airplane engine forms an unusual cairn atop this Moroccan peak. For this portion of the trail, it is important to follow the yellow markers painted on the trees to make sure you stay on the correct trail. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. A mountain dog in his element! All rights reserved. First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. He was just a little low.. It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. Print/PDF map. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. There are affiliate links included in this post. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. The trail begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and continues for a quarter mile up a well-marked, paved path to an observation point . Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. There were several up and down altitude excursions. Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. The hike offers epic and sweeping views of the North Carolina mountains, including from one of the spurs, a glimpse of Ghost Town in Maggie Valley off in the distance. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. It was quite an eerie sight! Here are some of the prettiest trails in North Carolina: The state of North Carolina is known for its expansive beauty, but there are a few hikes across the Tar Heel State that really take the cake. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As interesting as the crash site can be, it was important for us to remember the two pilots who lost their lives in this very spot and treat the area with respect. You also could like hiking at Deep Creek. And some of the trees along the trail have been marked with yellow spray paint to make it easier. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. Especially for people that think its a hour hike People ruin a lot of stuff but the tagging doesnt seem to take away the fact its a plane way way way out in the woods. Here's the general gist of how to get to the crash site: Hike the 0.5 mile path to Waterrock Knob, almost to the top. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. The rest of the debris is slowly being reclaimed by the forest or has been carried off by visitors over the years. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. I found the spray paint trail markings most helpful since some of the ties had been blown away in storms, When you come to this clearing, take the path left (this spray painted rock points the way) and you are very close to the crash. Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. The unpredictable weather off a mountain range estimated to sit about 6000 feet above sea level, can change drastically in a short time. The probable cause of the airplane crash was slight intoxication of the pilot, lack of experience flying in the mountains, and inclement weather that caused low visibility. We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 692 ftRoute type Out & back. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. I found an article in the Mountaineer called. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. Photos (3,774) Directions. Read more about my story here. It rises a total of 2,000 feet in just about three . A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. Two people died in this crash. PLANE DOWN A plane crash that occurred in November 1983 is now the end-point for an off-beat hike that starts at Waterrock Knob, one of WNC's most popular outdoor destinations. 10 Picturesque Trails In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, Everyone In North Carolina Should See Whats Inside The Gates Of This Abandoned Theme Park, Most People Dont Know North Carolina Has A Fairy Trail And Its Positively Magical, The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail In North Carolina Takes You From Water To The Mountaintop And Back, The North Carolina State Park Where You Can Hike Across A Stone Bridge, A Metal Bridge, And A Wooden Bridge Is A Grand Adventure, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned School Hidden In North Carolina, Theres A Covered Bridge Trail In North Carolina And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of, This Abandoned Speedway In North Carolina Once Hosted The Best Races In NASCAR History. Discover our featured content. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. There are very few small plane crash sites in North Carolina, and you can find one of them hidden deep in the woods on a trail that runs along a ridge. If you plan to visit, it's recommended to hike with a partner or let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return, as there are many unmarked side trails, difficult terrain, and steep drops along the way. It was quite a trek! Just before the summit, you will see the path to the plane crash on the left. The hike is about 2 miles long. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I was touched by her ability to express herself in a way that most people dont. Thank you! Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. Sadly, it is true. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. I alway come prepared, he said. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Show 9 More Check-Ins May 29, 2018 Rob H. Amazing view I was able to share with my best friend . The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Why did the plane remain? The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. This Guide Will Help You Decide, BREAKING: Gatlinburg SkyTrail at SkyLift Park is now open, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Land of Oz in NC: What its like to visit the once-closed theme park, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? Beware. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. Stay left.. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . The trail to the Browning Knob plane crash site is called Plott Balsams and is unofficial. Your email address will not be published. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. Rethink that selfie. Located at Milepost 451.2, it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And be prepared. It is definitely a unique hike, Although this is a site created by a tragic event, I really like sites like these abandoned buildings, vehicles, planes, etc., purely for the artistic side of them. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. Both occupants were killed. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! Tammy arrived after Patrick; she was standing behind the plane on the slope. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches some of its highest points in the Waterrock Knob area, including Richland Balsam (highest point on the Parkway) and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (highest visitor center on the Parkway). ???? Offer subject to change without notice. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. The distance from the parking lot to the Waterrock Knob lookout is a 0.5 mile steep trek, and begins with a nice paved trail but does have some steep stairs along the way. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Hey, I said. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. The views are epic and sweeping: Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. You said in your writing of finding plane. It is equal parts morbid and fascinating. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. I was super interested. Here are some of the best places with cave hikes in North Carolina: Caves are perhaps one of the most fascinating and strange natural wonders out in the wild, especially because of how tempting they are to explore. Take this trail. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a super neat place to explore and . I think the challenges with this hike are because you need to be more alert for markings to stick to the trail and because the terrain can be a little slippery, requiring a little more skill than walking a paved trail. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Have you hiked at Waterrock? If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. If you decide to go on this hike, you be challenged, rewarded and you will find a group of trail buddies along the way. Did you see the plane crash site? Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. I wrote about it here in 2015. When the weather turned low lying clouds and rain he began ducking the plane under the clouds. Certainly, it is a stark reminder of how powerless we really are in the face of nature. Your email address will not be published. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee at no additional cost to you. Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store. Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have been left where they came to rest. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. It was also pretty easy to follow the well worn path just by looking as well, but the spray painted markings definitely made it easier. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. At that moment, a backpacker made his way towards us; as if he were coming from the other direction on Browning Knob Trail. Be sure to wear hiking boots because the trail is rocky, dont forget your reusable water bottle, and bring a map and compass in case you get lost. Or have you already been out to see it before? Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. There are the remnants of an old Cessna plane that crashed there many years ago that you can hike to. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. In my blog I never try and say whether you should or shouldnt do a hike. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. Haha good call. Are you talking about the plane crash site? I asked. Take a left turn into the forest . I created this little PDF with some very basic info thats easy to print off if you are thinkingabout hiking to the crashclick here or click the image below to download: Do you have any favorite hikes in the Smoky Mountains? The nicely paved trail eventually transitions into a fairly strenuous trail with many stairs leading the way. But the hike is definitley one of my favorites. Located just 18 miles from the southern end of the Parkway and farther away from larger cities, it has a more remote and quiet feel to it. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. In November of 1983, a combination of poor weather and alcohol led to the crash of a small Cessna 414A plane, killing all on board. The trail is obviously used often based on the wear but we didnt see anyone while we were hiking: Spraypainted yellow dots help to mark the trail. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. Both people on board died. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. These knobs will give you a spectacular view of the Blueridge Mountains. The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and features the last hiking trail along the parkway before reaching the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. To learn more, clickhere. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. 10/10 recommend it as a place to stay, and, wherever you choose, Maggie Valley is a great base for your adventures. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. Its a paved path and well signed so all you need to do is look out for it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. The crash site was eerie, especially knowing that my dad was piloting a similar plane in the 1990s and survived a crash. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. Its going to work your legs. Aside from Harrison Ford jumping off a dam waterfall, the most iconic scene from the 1993 film, The Fugitive, . Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. He went on to explain its an unofficial trail, and the navigation can be treacherous. I think about how this section of the mountain range probably wasnt a trail at the time. Fair weather clouds against a pale blue sky and the Great Smoky Mountains waiting for me. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. Plane crash PARKING LOT Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Waterrock Knob Browning Knob 5719 ft 6292 ft 6240 ft Elevations: Waterrock knob parking lot to peak waterrock peak to Browning Knob Browning knob to plane crash .5 miles .7 miles .05 miles distances: Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. We passed by the hiker, shoulder-to-shoulder, thanking him for his time, and we followed the path through the brush. Once you start at the visitor center, you will climb .5 miles up to the top of Waterrock Knob. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. Its a sudden break from solitude to a social experience. One wing torn off, the cockpit exposed, no windshield. I listened intently to his point by point directions. Learn how your comment data is processed. Mitchell State Park will take you along a rocky, windy path to the top of the mountain, and a hike to Paradise Falls will reward you with stunning, watery views of the hidden waterfall. Its not right off the side after the knob and its NOT.. And its very very difficult and could take hours. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. Or perhaps in this case, maybe not quite close enough. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. If you follow that trail for a little bit you will see a tree with the following signs on it: Yes, there are warningsmake sure you tell someone where you are hiking just in case! Glad we saw the same thing. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. Thank you for sharing. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Both occupants were killed. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. Fort Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sylva, North Carolina. Due to the rugged terrain of the region, only the engines were salvageable. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on!