RATtreks

Elk River Falls (Big Falls) and Jones Falls – 4-18-2010

Unseasonably hot weather and sunny skies found us heading to the most popular waterfall this area has to offer which is Elk River Falls also called Big Falls. Their popularity is not due to their size although they are an impressive 45′ tall with a very large pool at the bottom, but rather for their easy access. You can drive right to them and see the top right from your car. A short 5 minute hike will take you right to the base of the falls. I have seen videos of kayaker’s going right over them which is impressive but there were none there on this Sunday. I also forgot my good camera in the car that my girlfriend drove out of state that morning so had to use my old one which did not take very good pics but on the other hand the sun was way too intense for any good shots anyway so I will definitely be coming back here soon.

Elk River Falls (Big Falls)

Please be aware that there have been injuries and deaths occur here as the strong, unpredictable currents at the base of the falls can be very dangerous not to mention the dangers of jumping in the wrong spot. A young teen lost his life here not long ago when he was swimming (not diving) near the falls and his leg became entangled in some fishing line and he drowned. It took 3 days to recover his body so please use caution at all times.

Elk River Falls (Big Falls)

After checking out these falls, we then took the old forest road leading out of the parking lot that follows the Elk River until a side trail is found that continues along the river until you reach a short spur trail to the left (you will see a water source coming out here) that goes up a short hill climb to the newly relocated Appalachian Trail.  Once that was reached we headed South (on the trail) continuing uphill until we could see and hear the Jones Falls across the deep hollow we were traversing around. There is a sign and a short level side trail that leads right to the base of these magnificent falls.This is beyond any doubts the easiest and shortest route to these falls !

Jones Falls

Jones Falls

We ate lunch here and enjoyed the company of a nice lady from Texas (her trail name was ‘Red Hat’) and another couple with their dogs whom we had met earlier at Elk falls. We climbed the falls to the upper part where the water free falls and you can actually stand under and behind it. There is a nice view from there. We then climbed even higher around those (not as easy) and followed the ridge up a ways until we heard the upper Jones falls. This required a short bush-whack to get down to them as they have become very overgrown but we did manage to get some pics even though my old camera is limited in its abilities! I was definitely missing my good camera at this point.

Jone Falls (upper)

We had planned to hike back down the AT to the Splash Dam falls and not do any bush-whacking but somehow this was forgotten (much to Tyler’s dismay) as we kept following the ridge trail which led to more trails that somehow got us into map skill mode. We ended up finding our way over the next ridge and went down the hollow on the other side passing some nice rock cliffs, and also a huge ninja log walk which was about 20 feet above a small creek. There were some smooth and some  gnarley sections but it was actually a shortcut that came out right at our vehicle at Elk falls ! It was then we realized this was probably not a good idea and remembered that we wanted to go to the other falls !  Oh well, it will have to be another time as we have to return soon anyways to get better photos and besides after going through the dense overgrowth in shorts (being told beforehand there would be no bush-whacking) Tyler was ready to head home !

Jones falls

For more pics of these falls please visit the photo gallery.