Great Channels of Va. and Airplane Rock – 12-28-2017
Ever since my first trip to the Great Channels of Virginia a few years ago and upon seeing the huge rock formation perched high on a nearby ridge from there, that I started calling that day the ‘airplane rock’ , I have wanted to go there. Despite a few more trips to the area without accomplishing that goal, it was on my last trip there on 11-10-2016 as we were showing Larry Jarret the area, that my friend John Forbes and I vowed that we would stand upon the airplane rock before the next year (2017) was over ! That being said and with 2017 being almost over, the opportunity was presented for a return trip to the great channels in late December 2017 when another friend of ours, Scott ‘The Professor’ Burns was to be passing through our area and had asked if we could assist with marking something off his ‘bucket list’ which was a visit to see the great channels. Of course we all jumped at the chance and had high hopes of leaving early enough to have enough time for a full tour of the channels and still be able to get out to explore the airplane rock on our way out. A plan was formulated and finally the day came when my son Tyler and I would be leaving right after I clocked out of work at 4 am to pick John up at his house and hopefully arrive to meet Scott at the trail head before the first light.
Group shot in the ‘geometry room’
It was a bitterly cold morning with a base temperature around 10 degrees in the valley when we left. We knew there would be some snow still in the mountains and we expected a low of around 0 not including wind chills when we got to the trail. The forecast was for a clear and sunny day with little to no winds but, it would not make it much higher than the teens all day so, we dressed accordingly. There was some sort of issue with my car on the way to get John as it was unusually thirsty to the point where I could actually watch the fuel gauge go down with each passing mile. Checking for leaks at John`s house revealed none so, I stopped for more gas and hoped for the best but, was still paranoid about being stranded somewhere in the cold and worst case not even making it to the trail head. Luckily we had no such issues and after another stop for coffee and a Gnome breakfast, we would soon be sitting in the dark at the trail head awaiting Scott to arrive. He was there right on time just as we could see the very first light break over the horizon. There was about an inch of snow on the ground and it was VERY cold being right at 0 when we started hiking. The sun rose quickly which was good for the mental aspect but, the temps did not rise much with it.
First light as seen from the trail head
Scott admires the old log cabin along the way. There is Gnome in this picture also, IF you can find him as he is in stealth mode here.
There was a lot of ice along the way with temps in the single digits.
We made really good time on the three mile uphill climb stopping only a few times. One of which was to show Scott the cool Stingray Rock cliffs we found hiding on our last trip there so he could see the ‘Stingray Rock Crack‘ that John and I had managed to squeeze into before. A very impressive crack and cliff system hiding just out of sight along the trail which is well worth taking the time to stop and see.
Scott at the entrance to the Stingray Rock Crack
Ice along the top of the Stingray Rock Cliffs aka death overhead
Icicle clinging to the tiniest of roots !
John inside the Stingray Rock room
From there it is not far to the top part of the mountain where you soon come out at the side trail that leads to what we call the ‘hidden channels’ that we would wait to visit on our way out, and the old rangers cabin that is now in disrepair due to some disrespectful morons who have recently vandalized it and of course the mountains iconic old fire tower. We took a break at the tower and although John, Tyler and myself have always took the time to climb it, we opted not to on this occasion but, gave Scott the choice to do so if he so desired. He was tempted but, did decline. I think it was that decision that allowed us the extra time needed to do a full tour of the channels which included finding and exploring two sections not seen before by any of us and , having time to attempt to find the airplane rock. We did also skip showing Scott the small channel system under the tower but, did show him where it was and the various ways to get in there so that he could make a note for any future trips he may take back there.
The old fire wardens cabin is in disarray due to some inconsiderate vandals as of recently
Iconic fire tower
Looking back at the poor, old, vandalized cabin
A new sign has been added. These usually do not do much as a deterrent but, hopefully if enforcement follows then word will get around.
Of course the first thing we did from there was go out on top of the great channels as no trip is complete without seeing what is above you while you are down in the deep crevices. This was a risky venture due to the inch of snow and amount of solid ice that was covering them which prevented a full on tour however, that also bought us a little more time for the other things. The sun was out and very bright and I feared that the light would be so intense that it would be impossible to get any usable pictures from within the channels as, on the best of conditions, this is one of the hardest places to photograph however, the postcard blue skies and smattering of white clouds had a different look to them and although I can not explain why, we actually ended up having the best light conditions I have ever had in all my trips there ! This was discovered as soon as we entered into the main entrance channel and started taking pics just below what I call the ‘music note’ wall.
The Professor finds a Geocache on top of the Channels !
View across the top of the Channels
Hanging out on top of the Channels. This would be Tyler`s second trip here.
View from the top of the Channels. This shows how cold it was as the spots on Tyler`s lens was frozen !!! (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
View from the top of the Channels
View from the top of the Channels. Despite the bright sunlight, the views were exceptional for some unexplained reason.
View from the top of the Channels.
View from the top of the Channels. The fog lying in the valleys made it all more surreal.
Scott ‘The Professor’ Burns stands on top of the Channels with the fire tower in the background.
The main entrance to the Great Channels. The music note wall is the one on the left
Having a light dusting of snow on the tread-way and whatever was working with the light made for some really good pics although I did not bring my larger camera or tripod on this trip as I wanted to be as light as possible due to carrying the cold weather gear and knowing we might be bushwhacking out the long, overgrown ridge to find the airplane rock. We spent the majority of the day showing Scott around the maze of cracks and routes of the great channels. After making the rounds from the geometry room and around to climb up to one of John`s most recent discoveries, the ‘Great Striation Room’ where you go through a tall arch and climb up to a room that is marked by circular lines on the walls etc, we then climbed up through another tight squeeze where John led us to another new (to us) area that was on the backside of some of the largest and tallest rock formations found there. This was a very interesting place I had not seen before which we all enjoyed immensely. We entered the area by climbing through a small hole and came out underneath what I deemed the ‘elephant face’ rock.
Music note wall
making our way into the channels
Looking up at the channel above us
Scott laying back to get some shots of the great channels
John Forbes in front of the mighty Tiki Head rock.
many different rock textures within the channels
John posing beneath the mega ton wedge rock that is obviously just sitting there wedged into the channel at the geometry room.
The massive wedge rock with some dirty icicles along its sides.
Scott climbs high within the realm of the Geometry room
Tyler working with his new tripod and lenses for his phone camera while Scott is perched high above him.
A RAT in a maze of rock ! (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
Scott in the balcony of the Geometry Room
Other side of the massive wedge rock. This thing would weigh hundreds of tons.
Tyler, myself, and John hanging out beneath the huge wedge rock ! (Photo by Scott Burns)
Amazing the difference a little dusting of snow makes !
Tyler testing out his remote control. Yep, it works !
Tyler using his new remote control device ! Apparently Scott was moving lol (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
The diffused light made me wish I had brought my larger camera.
The ole leg bone rock.
John and Scott within the colorful channels
The rocks in the channels always impress me.
Some trees growing in the lobby of the main hub
Awesome rock markings caused by freeze and thaw.
Tyler in one of the many channels.
An earthquake would wreak some major havoc here.
Going through the high arch where you have to climb to the top in order to reach the ‘Great Striation Room’ John found previously that has the circular striations on the walls.
Tyler looking down at me as I choose a different route to the top of the ‘Great Striation Room’
Me resting near the ‘Great Striation Room’ (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
Me at the top of the ‘Great Striation Room’ (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
John and Scott already at the floor of the ‘Great Striation Room’
The circular striations in this crack are amazing to see
John, Scott and Tyler below me in the ‘Great Striation Room’
John`s view of me as I stand at the top of the ‘Great Striation Room’ (Photo by John Forbes)
Looking over at the attic of the ‘Great Striation Room’
Triple stacked in the ‘Great Striation Room’ ! (Photo by John Forbes)
John and Scott emerge from the small opening of the crack we climbed up and out of from near the exit of the circle room arch. Just behind them is the elephant trunk / face rock
Scott gets his first view of the massive tall rock walls that are seen as soon as you exit from below the broken elephant trunk rock !
Huge tower of overhanging rock just above us.
Coming out of the elephant face crack beside one of the tall rock towers
John providing some scale to the rock tower
Tops of some of the vertical walls found on this edge of the channels
Scott explores the base of this vertical wall
Checking out this new (to us) part of the channels
Looking farther down this line of huge vertical walls of the channels. We would be following that channel out of this area to get back to the main hub, if it was possible.
Making our way through this narrow crack
Close up of the elephant face rock that we had climbed out from under
Here you can see the tight crack we crawled through below the massive elephant face rock !
John leads the way out of the previous area to get us back into the main channels
a jumbled up mess of rocks was the path less traveled
Following the route back to the main channels
Blurry action shot of Scott emerging from one of the many cracks we had to go through to get back to the main part of the channels
Tyler and John back in the main channels
Tyler getting some pics while deep within the channels. Note the HUGE rock above him.
Following one of the many channels
The balance of rocks are unique here as we find this one in a channel that is well off the beaten path
Scott and Tyler stand below some golden glowing light that was filtering down into this rarely traveled chasm.
Nose to nose you have to wonder how much weight is actually being balanced here !
Looking back at the channel we had just came through
Tyler (above) and John (below him) checking out to see if there was a way out of this now dead end channel we were in
Top notch quality pic of Tyler within the confines of the great channels of Virginia (Photo by John Forbes)
After making our way back into the main channels we found our way over to the tightest crack that is humanly possible to squeeze through. We had to show this to Scott as it is quite the experience as it seems like nothing could possibly fit through it but, given the proper guidance and instruction, most normal sized bodies can pass that is, IF they are not claustrophobic ! Upon coming out on the other side, you are in another area not seen by many humans. This area has other hidden routes that we followed farther than normal which led John to yet another fantastic discovery of underground passages that we took the time to explore as well. It is obvious that not many know of this secret underworld but, a few do as there was a small fire pit and some charcoal art drawings on one of the walls. We thoroughly enjoyed this area and then another trip back through the seemingly impossible crack. After that it was obvious that the day was getting on and it was time to leave and get back up top if we were to have time for a stop at the Hidden Channels and then hopefully to find a way out to the airplane rock.
It is nearly impossible to properly photograph the tightest crack as there is not any light. There is a large rock obstacle on this end which john has now climbed up on top of. The only way through this crack is on hands and knees at the very bottom as it is extremely tight.
It actually looks larger than it is in this shot.
John getting ready to come down off the blockage rock and get down into the crack. You can see here just how narrow it is.
John lowering himself down off the blockage rock to get inside this narrow vein as you can see, the blockage rock is over his and my heads.
John sits inside the widest part of this narrow crack. Sorry for the blur but there is very little light
Making my way towards the end of this very narrow crack you can see how tight (and dark) it is.
Following John as he is at the widest spot
Looking back at Tyler who is coming through the crack behind me
I think the red light is the professor who is bringing up the rear
slime ice was the first thing I seen as soon as I exited the crack and looked up. The tight crack on the left is actually the top of the one we just came through
Me beside the alien slime ice having just emerged from the crack (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
Looking back into the crack to show how small it is. It is quite a ways to get through it too !
after exiting the tight crack, you enter a part of the channels seldom seen. Here is john climbing the walls of one of the smaller channels found back in that area.
Like a fly on the wall john wedges himself up to get a better view
John and Scoot in the back end of this channel
Looking back at the tight crack we just came through. You can see how belly crawling is the only way through it. we would have to go back through it to get out of this area but, first we had some exploring to do.
This was pitch black without a flash. john found this which led down into an underworld we had not seen before.
Following John deep into this new dark underworld of the channels he had just discovered.
Checking out this new area. There were hardly any signs of traffic here so only a very few know about this spot obviously.
John had been climbing up a few of these to see if there was another way out rather than the way we had crawled in.
John exploring the area
John adding some scale to this new channel we had found
This is looking back out of the entrance to this new underworld play ground we had found without using a flash.
Following another narrow channel in the underworld area
There was evidence of a small fire pit in the underworld area and we also found some charcoal rock art as well
Charcoal rock art
using a flash to show some of the cool areas within the underworld area
John waiting on us to make our exit back out of this dark crack we had used to get into the underworld area
using a flash to illuminate the rock art before leaving the underworld area
Closer shot of the charcoal rock art
back out into the channels we had to make our way out.
Stopping back at the Geometry Room to take advantage of the awesome lighting and we still had to get a group shot.
John and Scott found some hobbit houses
Side by side hobbit houses !
Getting a shot of Scott since after all this trip was for him. That rock looks like a big elephants foot or maybe some dinosaur !
Back by the femur rock. The orange glow behind it was killer.
Trying my best to capture the golden glow of the afternoon light
Scott in the main channels as we make our way out
Using Tyler`s tiny tripod for my camera, testing for a group shot in the geometry room
The group shot. Scott chose to remain a silhouette for this one
Group shot (Photo by Tyler Tarpley)
The Professor tapping into the energy in the Geometry Room.
Tyler and me in the Geometry room (Photo by Scott Burns)
I can see how many would have trouble finding their way out of the channels and some have gone as far as scratching arrows on some of the rocks there however, I find that a futile act as it really only adds to the confusion. After a few trips there you get a feel for the ‘lay of the land’ although I will admit that even having a good knowledge of the area, there is still a lack of any sense of direction while down in the bowels of the channels as one can not see the angle of the sun nor any surrounding landmarks. Even using a compass is tricky unless you are indeed familiar with the surrounding landscape outside of the channels. Luckily we had no such issues and easily made our way back to what we call the ‘main hub’ and out the main entrance beneath the music note wall and back up to the tower where we continued to a quick stopover at the hidden channels. Also covered with snow and ice as the high temp for the day was in the low 20`s, there was not any extensive tours given there either. While taking a break there, it was decided we would definitely be attempting a run on the airplane rock. It is after all, best seen from this location which does ignite the fire of desire to be there !
View from the Hidden Channels. You can see the airplane rock in the far right side of the image as it looks like it just crash landed there.
Hanging out at the Hidden Channels
View from the top of the Hidden Channels
View from the top of the Hidden Channels
View from atop the Hidden Channels
View of Airplane rock as seen from the Hidden Channels (Photo by Scott Burns)
Zoomed shot of the airplane rock. It also looks like a turtle but, airplane is the first thing I ever called it.
Closer zoom of the airplane rock cliff series. You can see the other cliffs hiding within the trees. These are much larger (taller) than they appear !!!
It only takes a few minutes to get down the trail to where the correct ridge line connects and although it is apparent that there used to be a trail leading out to it at some time long ago, it seems that a huge chasm has been cut across it and it is terribly overgrown making it an unwise choice to go that way. I had explored that area before so wasted no time in going that way. Instead we found a much easier way in to the ridge on the other side of that gnarly area which soon put us on the faint remnants of the old trail. There are actually a few of the painted blazes there if you look close enough. It is overgrown in spots so doing this during the winter months is definitely a wise decision. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly we were able to travel the length of the ridge and was happily elated when we came to the first major rock formation of the airplane rock series.
Happy to be on the airplane rock cliffs. You can see the tower now in the background !
Tyler on the big, flat rock near the airplane rock
John on the flat rock with the airplane rock seen in the distance behind him
Hanging out on the flat rock before heading over to the actual airplane rock. John is a happy Gnome to now be completing our earlier declaration of doing this before years end !
Tyler, me, and John on the flat rock with the Airplane Rock behind us. (Photo by Scott Burns)
This large, flat rock was actually a very high cliff on the side of the ridge that is almost completely hidden by trees and growth. You would not want to be pushing your way through the dense brush and fall off the edge of it as it is a long way down. We could see the main airplane rock just over from us as we were very close although, Tyler and I took some time to rest here and get some water and take in the views. It was the first time of the day that Tyler`s water tube was not frozen ! The sun was out and it was around 20 degrees.
Tyler taking a well earned break
Looking over some huge chasms between us and the airplane rock
View of the airplane rock. Despite the bright sun, we were still amazed at the picture quality this day was providing.
Tyler checking out just how high and vertical these cliffs are. They are like icebergs as more is hidden by the growth than there is exposed.
Looking down into the growth on the tower side of the flat rock cliff, you can see it goes a long way and is completely hidden by the growth. I look forward to traversing the base of all these rocks in the future.
Looking across the massive flat rock cliff
View of the airplane rock. I was getting anxious to head over there.
Tyler is rested and we are ready to head over to the airplane rock
While we and the Gnome was hanging out there, Scott the Professor, went ahead and quickly found his way over to the airplane rock and after negotiating what sounded like some very tricky terrain, we saw him be the first one of our group to climb up and stand atop the infamous rock formation. Of course this was intentional as he was our guest for this trip and it helps to get better pictures when you have other people in opposite locations to show the scale of the area. This worked out perfectly for all these intentions. The main airplane rock does not look anything like an airplane once you get this close to it and we almost decided to change the name however, the distant view does look like one and since I named it that and have been calling it that for so long now, I chose to leave it. Getting from the first exposed rock over to the airplane rock is a bit tricky as it is just an enormous series of rock cliffs that jut out on that side of the ridge, mostly covered by trees and thick growth and there are very deep and wide channels between them. Getting over to the airplane rock requires actually going down into the gut of one such channel however, it will lead right out to the edge of a major drop off near the base of the airplane rock so, you have to actually climb back out of it (or take the high ground and avoid it completely which requires a bit of bushwhacking) but, I chose to go down into the channel as it is an amazing place down in there which I plan to come back to explore it and the base of these rock cliffs extensively in the future ! Going by directions shouted to me from Scott and John high above us, Tyler and I found our way to the backside of the airplane rock and the narrow climbing route up to its summit where we would soon all be celebrating this successful accomplishment of standing on the cockpit of the airplane rock.
View of Airplane Rock as Scott makes his approach to its summit.
Scott proudly standing on top of the infamous airplane rock. of course it looks nothing like an airplane or turtle when this close to it !
Scott atop the highest point, the cockpit of the airplane rock.
John has now joined Scott on top of the airplane rock.
View of Tyler and me on the flat rock as seen from the airplane rock (Photo by Scott Burns)
Looking back towards the tower before continuing on to the airplane rock, you can see how thick the tree growth is here.
Some last shots of the airplane rock before heading that way to join them.
Really large channel that had to be crossed to get to the climb up to the airplane rock.
Going through the amazing chasm on our way to the airplane rock
This was am awesome chasm. I can`t wait to come back to explore it more.
Looking up at some of the large dinosaur head jenga type rocks found along the chasm near the airplane rock
Tyler finds out the chasm ends on a cliff and at the base of the cliff which IS the airplane rock !! We wold have to climb out the other way to climb up to join the others which we could hear above us shouting out directions.
Scott’s picture of the chasm (Photo by Scott Burns)
It did not take long to climb out of the chasm and get on top of the airplane rock. This was my first view of John there.
I was very happy to finally be at this spot and I was equally surprised by the views seen from there. The deep blue skies and picturesque cloud formations were perfect and a nearly full moon was just icing on an already deliciously sweet cake. We hung out there for quite awhile enjoying the serenity of this pristine and seldom visited location.
Tyler makes his way to join John on the high point of the Airplane Rock. The crack there goes all the way down to the base of this high cliff ! It narrows down so falling in would not be good.
Tyler marvels over how deep the crack goes !
A happy Gnome stands atop the cockpit of the Airplane Rock
Tyler jumps the crack and climbs up to join John on the summit. Nice view of the tower in the distance. I had waited a long time for that view.
Hanging out on the airplane rock. Since Tyler and I had left our packs back on the flat rock, Scott had graciously offered to go back and retrieve them for us.
Looking down into the crack
John taking pics of the phenomenal views from the airplane rock. You can see Scott now back at the flat rock retrieving Tyler and my packs ! (now that`s a friend !)
View from the airplane rock of Scott over on the other part of the cliffs and the tower in the background
Scott`s view of us at that same instant, from the flat rock !! (Photo by Scott Burns)
View of Scott taking a well deserved break over on the flat rock cliff
John doing that thing he does ! Document ! document ! document !
View from atop the airplane rock
John absorbing the amazing views seen from the airplane rock. You could not ask for a better sky !
Our very own Gnome atop the airplane rock. Complete with an untied boot !
Looking down off the front side of the airplane rock you can see it is a LONG way down ! Most of this mighty rock cliff is completely hidden by the trees here. I plan to come back and explore the base soon.
View off to one side of the airplane rock
View off the backside of the airplane rock
A Gnome and a RAT on top of the airplane rock
John on the airplane rock
Scott, the professor, has now rejoined us and is drinking a beer as he connects to the earth atop the mighty airplane rock.
View from airplane rock
These views from the airplane rock made me wish again that I had brought my larger camera and tripod.
View from airplane rock.
A man and his beer. I can not think of a better place for it.
Scott and Tyler on the airplane rock. it was then I noticed the moon in the sky.
Tyler and the moon as seen from atop the airplane rock.
Moon over airplane rock
Views and the moon from airplane rock
Scott ‘The Professor’ Burns embraces the beauty and power of the Airplane Rock !
Scott draws in some Ki energy atop the airplane rock
Some parting shots as we depart from the airplane rock.
My last shot, the moon over airplane rock before I climbed down off it.
Soon the sun started dropping low in the evening sky so we knew we had to leave. It is always hard to leave such a fun spot but, with the cold temps and the snow and ice covered route we had to take back down, we knew we had to go. I wanted to take a shortcut down the spine of a finger ridge that Larry Jarrett and I had spied on our last visit here but, the others opted to go back the way we came for fear of being ‘cliffed out’ and ending up in a longer bushwhack exit than we had time and daylight for. I will probably come in up the finger ridge when I return here to confirm and mark the best route but, for this time we made quick work out of going back the way we had came and were soon back on the main road heading back down the mountain towards the vehicles.
None of the ice we saw on the way up had melted ! It never got above the low 20`s all day.
Ice Ice Baby !
More ice,,,
A very frozen road. You would not want to slip off this as the sides are extremely steep and go for a long long way !!
Making our way carefully down the frozen solid road as the sun is is setting
We made it back just before dark so the day could not have been any more perfect than it was. We had done all we set out to do and then some with the new discoveries within the great channels and finally standing atop the mighty airplane rock. Scott seemed to have enjoyed the day even more than we did which added to the success. We said our goodbyes and he went on his way to continue his journey and we went ours in search of the post hike grub out. If I remember correctly we stopped at a Cracker Barrel but, I was so hungry that I had my food all eaten before anyone thought about taking any pics of it ! The car made it to John`s house and back to our home without issue and after changing the air filter I think it is now back to normal so, it was a good ending to a great day in one of the most awesome places to see in our area being, the Great Channels of Virginia. I can not wait until the next great adventure. Until then,,,
My name is 'RAT' and I love the mountains and waterfalls of the East TN. area where I live and I hope you enjoy this blog about my outdoor adventures.
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