RATtreks

Lower Sill Branch Falls – 11-30-2013

Since it had been awhile since my last trip to the mountains (11-16-2013), I needed to get a quick fix but, it was already 3pm so it had to be somewhere close to home. For this reason I decided to go to Clarks Creeks and hike up Sill Branch to the Lower Falls to get some exercise and take some pics of those falls and some of the other smaller ones in the vicinity. It was about 3:30pm when I left the car and began my hike up the Sill Branch hollow. There was still snow on the ground and the breeze blowing out of the valley was chilly but, it felt good to be in the woods. I met two friendly older ladies who were on their way out and we conversed for a spell about waterfalls as it seems they were from Sevierville and were tired of hiking in and around the Smokies and were venturing further out to see new things. They asked me about some huge waterfall called Mill Creek Shoals and for once it was a falls I had not heard of. We have a very small falls on Mill Creek over on some private property near Erwin but nothing large by that name that I know of. I let them know about my website and welcomed them to contact me anytime to help them find lots of falls in the area.

Lower Sill Branch Falls

It did not take long to hike to the falls. Along the way I could see some of the Monkey Head Rocks high above me shining in the sun and I couldn’t help but wish I was standing on them enjoying the amazing view. I was surprised how much water was coming off the falls and due to the fading light I wasted no time in setting up a tripod in an attempt to get some pics. I spent a good hour there taking pics and just enjoying the beauty and serenity found there. It was nice to have the falls all to myself for a change. This is a popular falls that is easy to get to so it is rare to be there alone. The upper falls on the other hand is a bit harder to get to and not  many even know the way but, for those who do, they will find the trail completely open now due to the hard work of ourselves and several friends who put forth a lot of effort there this past summer to clear it.

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

Lower Sill Branch Falls

When the sun started setting, I decided to work my way down the creek stopping at a few of the nicer cascades and small falls that can be found there. One of the nicest ones is missed by most everyone as they hike right over the top of it on their way to the lower falls not knowing it is even there. It is located on the South Fork of Sill Branch (the lower and upper falls are located on the North Fork) right where the two creeks converge together. You have to not cross the South Fork like you would if you were going to the lower falls but instead, go left at the trail head to the lower falls to get down to where the creeks come together and you will see the small falls on the right (South Fork)  there. They are very nice and worth the trouble. I can`t imagine how many people must walk right across the top of them and never even know they are there.

Small cascades and reflecting pool below Lower Sill Branch Falls

Small cascade and reflecting pool just below the lower Sill Branch Falls

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch often missed by many

Small Falls on South Fork Sill Branch

Small Falls on South Fork Sill branch

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch

Small falls on South Fork Sill Branch

From there I continued to make my way out the Sill Branch hollow as it was getting close to dark by that time. I did get a couple pics on my way out but the light was gone so they were not that good. Once I reached the car, I drove the short distance to the Peter`s Hole to see if I could possibly get a pic before it was too dark but the light was almost gone. It was completely flat mate ! I did take a couple pics anyway and then headed home.

Cascades along Sill Branch

Cascades along Sill Branch

Cascades along Sill Branch

Swimming Hole on Clarks Creek (taken in the dark)

Swimming hole on Clarks Creek (taken in the dark)

Swimming hole on Clarks Creek (taken in the dark)

Cascades on Clarks Creek just below the swimming hole (taken in the dark)

While I was waiting to pull out a car passed and I thought it looked familiar and when I started following it out it pulled over and let me pass. It looked like Bol’Dar but I wasn’t completely sure so I kept going. It followed me home and come to find out it was indeed Bol’Dar who had also gotten a late start and had gone all the way to the Delsatch Falls (Chigger Branch aka Milky Way Cascades). I could not believe he started at 2pm and made it all the way to the falls and back and got out at dark same as me !  I had to hurry and get to work but was already planning my next adventure.

To see more pics of these falls, please visit the Photo Gallery here.