RATtreks

Millstone, Spivey, Big Creek, and Martin Creek Falls – 2-4-2015

It is not often that one can see five waterfalls in one day but, with proper planning and the right locations it is possible to see five or even twenty five for that matter. It was my pleasure to join fellow waterfall lovers Michael Taylor and Ken Woody on this adventure that would lead us to see these beautiful falls all located close to the place we call home. I was picked up at Hairnt Quarters around 9:30 am and before 10 am we were at the first falls of the day, Millstone Falls. These are located on private property not far from my house and are a lovely falls close to the road beside Nolichucky River.

There are several drops below the upper part of these falls that are each equally as nice and with the right angle you can still see the uppers in the shot.

Just below the lower drops of these falls is some really nice rock strata on both sides:

We would continue our quest from there by going into Unicoi County with the next stop being Lower Spivey Falls. These are also located on private property in Candler Cove but, we were able to get some unobstructed pictures from the road without trespassing. There was ample water flowing on all the falls today and on this one, it resembled a person leaning back against the hill. You see that right ? As usual the sun was shining brightly which made getting any special shots an impossibility but, it is always a pleasure just hanging out with friends and seeing a waterfall.

Our next stop should have been Middle Spivey Falls but, we were unable to connect with the property owner in time which is needed in order get permission. Even though there was no one at the cabin we decided not to trespass and wait until we could get permission to go in legally. We would instead go to Upper Spivey Falls but, we first we would follow this same road several more miles into North Carolina where another really nice waterfall is found called Big Creek Falls. The sun was nuking this side of the mountain at this time so I was not pleased with any pics I took.

After leaving Big Creek Falls we backtracked back into Tennessee to Upper Spivey Falls. These are very impressive with at least three major drops in succession and are located right beside the road. They can be seen from above but, in order to get a real appreciation of them and good pictures you will need to climb down the very steep bank to their bases. It is worth it. The middle drop had a rock that looked just like a head, a scull of sorts that looked , well, rather wicked !

Of course climbing back up to the road is the hardest part but, once that is done and you manage to get your breath back, you can continue on.

We still had time for at least one more waterfall so we decided to head back to Erwin (TN) to hike up to Martin Creek Falls. I was pleased to see an impressive trail head parking area had been built since I was here a few months ago. It is at least a mile or more hike uphill along the old gravel forest road to reach the turn off that leads down to the falls. It is a beautiful area and the falls are perhaps one of the most photogenic in this area. We took our time hiking to them and spent awhile taking pics and enjoying the beauty found there.

It is always hard to leave a nice waterfall but, it was getting late in the evening and we had worked up a powerful appetite so, we made our retreat back to the vehicle and proceeded to the township of Unicoi where we stopped at Clarence`s Restaurant for the post hike grub out. It had been another magnificent day spent with good friends at some really nice waterfalls. I am already looking forward to the next trip. Until then,,,,,