The Marvelous 1-Mile Trail In Tennessee Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfall
By Chris Dodge|Updated on February 01, 2024(Originally published February 08, 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.
We have so many waterfalls in Tennessee that it would take a lifetime to see them all. It’s an overwhelming task, but something I have a passion for so I have been to many great and wonderful places in my travels. Today I would like to showcase for you a waterfall in Tennessee I am rather fond of. I have hiked there multiple times and each visit has been a wonderful journey with memories that will last a lifetime. If you are looking to search out all of the fantastic falls in our state then I have a short and sweet waterfall hike in TN that’s a good place to start. Sill Branch Falls in Erwin, Tennessee, is a fun and easy trail that features a stunning waterfall. So grab your hiking shoes and backpack, and let’s hit the trail.
This mountain range is known as the Cherokee National Forest and hidden deep within its mountainous forests is a treasure trove of hidden gems. Beautiful biodiversity, wonderful wildlife, and marvelous waterfalls can all be found within this section and one of those gems is Sill Branch Falls.
I have hiked quite a few trails and explored key areas in this national forest and I have a few favorites. Watauga Lake is the picture-perfect place for a relaxing picnic. Also, the stunning views on top of Round Bald are second to none. Whenever I have guests from out of state visit us I always take them up to Round Bald on Roan Mountain because there isn't a view like that anywhere else in the world. Among these places, I would consider Sill Branch Falls to rank up with the best places to see in the Cherokee National Forest.
This 20-foot waterfall is truly stunning any time of the year. The forest in the fall just comes alive with color and the green overgrowth in the spring and summer makes for one gorgeous backdrop.
Even though you can hike this trail any time of the year, I suggest going after a fresh covering of snow for a truly magical experience. The cool mountain air may be brisk, but there is just something special about a trail with a light covering of snow. That is what we did one cool winter day and it was one of the best waterfall hikes we have done in Tennessee.
Along this mile-long out-and-back trail, you will be following a stream which provides a tranquil trickle to serenade you during your hike. There are even spots to just sit on a rock and enjoy the sounds of the forest if you want to.
Make sure to download the AllTrails app and pull up the Sill Branch Falls Trail. I always keep this on my whenever we go hiking and has saved us a lot of grief by staying on the path, especially on hikes with lots of intersecting trails. Near the end of this trail, the path splits and you will want to turn to the left to get to the falls.
There is one stream crossing near the end of the trail, but the water is usually quite shallow. There are also rocks placed as stepping stones for travelers to hop across. After the stream crossing, there is a staircase you'll ascend to reach Sill Branch Falls.
As you can see, this waterfall is just amazing during the winter. With frozen spires twisting and reaching ever upward, they bring to mind something like an ice castle. This water flows under the ice walls, making for a unique experience each time you visit.
Sill Branch Falls in Erwin is a spectacular waterfall in Tennessee to see especially in the winter. If you plan on taking this adventure and pairing it with some other winter hikes we have compiled a list of what to take on a winter trip. Also, make sure to check out this video of Sill Branch Falls by Adventuring in the Moment:
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Waterfalls In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|February 01, 2024
What are some of the best waterfalls in Tennessee to hike to?
Here are a few of my favorite waterfalls in Tennessee to hike to:
