RATtreks

Rock Creek Falls 1-23-2010

Another January adventure led us back to the Unaka Mountain Wilderness area, this time up Rock Creek to the many waterfalls that are found there. Another late start on a partly sunny day, not too cold, and no wind blowing when we left Hairnt-quarters, but as soon as we got out of the vehicle you could hear the winds roaring loudly, high overhead. There was no snow on the ground this time due to the recent warmer temps, but we did find some before the day was over. The park is still closed this time of year so we parked at the gate and walked the full length of the park until we reached the Rock Creek Falls trail-head. Apparently this takes you outside the ‘safety zone‘ of the park according to the signs ! I am also glad I did not bring a hang-glider as apparently that is not allowed ! After hiking a short way past some cool fungus and a gnarley tree, we came to the first of four creek crossings. The water levels are still very high right now which is one reason I am going to as many waterfalls as I can but, this makes for some tricky creek crossings, many of which
are done by what we call ‘ninja log walks‘.

Rock Creek Falls (upper)

After stealthily negotiating the log and rope crossing, we stopped for a break and it was not long before the two guys we met last week on our trip to Dick Creek falls (Dave ‘Old Salt’ and his friend from Belgium) appeared on their way back from the falls. A pleasant surprise and it was nice hearing about the trail and waterfall conditions that lie ahead.

Forest Floor

We passed some nice cascades along the creek before reaching the second creek crossing. Here was yet another log type obstacle to maneuver only this time was more like a log and some sticks to walk across and the creek was slightly narrower. Luckily they did not break under my weight as would happen later on that day. The wind continued to roar louder as the day went on but luckily it was not reaching all the way down into this deep hollow. It got colder as we gained elevation and just before the third creek crossing we did start to see remnants of snow and ice from last week.

Small falls along Rock Creek

There was an old, rusty, steel cable across this creek which two trees are giving their lives for but, the log under it has long since been washed away. Not feeling like Bear Grylles we opted to find another rock and log combination to cross instead of scaling across hanging from the cable as we would have done without thinking some 20 years ago. My first choice of logs broke under the weight of only one leg so I used the ‘floaty’ one that Bol’Dar chose and made my way across without incident.

cable crossing

It was not long before the ridges became steeper and more cliff-like getting colder with more and more signs of snow and ice as we continued on to the first set of falls (Lower Rock Creek Falls). The water was gushing violently so we were happy that we chose this day to visit this remarkable area.

small falls along Rock Creek

We continued onward and gradually upward, passing even more superb cascades and creek formations until eventually reaching the fourth and final creek crossing. This was yet another ‘ninja log walk‘ only not as level this time which we knew would be fun coming back. The trail started gaining altitude at an accelerated rate as the trail became narrower and much higher above the creek. The bountiful water levels created many more impressive cascades and wet weather springs that we enjoyed immensely before finally reaching the lower Rock Creek Falls.

Rock Creek Falls (lower)

The lower falls require a short but steep climb down, to reach the base where good visuals and pictures can be taken but, there are equally impressive views of them as you follow the trail climbing up and around them. We took respite here for awhile taking photos and snacking while the rushing waters entertained us. A small group of people and their dog passed by us on their way to the upper falls. It was getting later in the evening with fading light so we decided to advance to the final destination, the upper Rock Creek Falls which are the largest of the group being at least 50 feet tall.

Rock Creek Falls (lower)

The terrain quickly became steeper and more rugged as the creek narrowed with more cliffs on either side. We passed by another noteworthy set of small falls and then spied a cave-like cavity in the cliff above where upon closer examination through my zoomed viewfinder, we seen it had water flowing through it where it eventually reached the creek at the bottom. The water was flowing right out of the top of the rocky ridge. The trail continued its ascent becoming more rocky and narrow until we got our first view of our destination, the upper falls.

Rock Creek Falls (upper)

You could hear the thunderous reverberation of the water crashing down as it echoed off the sheer vertical rock walls on either side of the falls. The ridges come together here in mighty junction where proceeding any further would require some serious rock climbing. The upper falls were magnificent, commanding your full attention to their glory. As soon as we seen the falls you could instantly feel the much colder winds coming off the falls and the ice formations that hung around them. It was suddenly bone chilling cold and the light was fading quickly so we took as many photos as we could, explored some of the nearby cliffs before making our departure so fast that I forgot to shoot any video. By the time I realized this I was too tired to go back also knowing we still had a good ways to go with four creek crossings to repeat before we would make it back to the trail-head.

Bol"Dar on Ninja Log Walk

The return trip went quicker and was somewhat easier as it was descending rather than climbing and we already knew the best routes to take across the creeks. Despite the late hour we did make it back to the vehicle before dark and even had time to grab some cool pics of some Ent-like trees, a small log cascade, and the swimming hole at the park with the small bridge and cascades flowing into it.

Rock Creek Park Swimming Hole

To see a complete collection of photos of all the falls, please visit the gallery. We were tired and damp but already talking about our next trip hoping the weather will allow it to be very soon.

RAT