Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Two of the boys, probably her son and his friend, started howlinglike wild prey from further up the trail . Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. I hollered up the stairs to Marcus, come on, lets go on the hike!. I wrote about it here in 2015. This Guide Will Help You Decide, BREAKING: Gatlinburg SkyTrail at SkyLift Park is now open, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Land of Oz in NC: What its like to visit the once-closed theme park, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? My son-in-law, grandson and I hiked up Waterrock Knob and followed the one mile plus trail to the site of a plane crash on the side of this mountain. You will receive your first newsletter soon. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. She brushed her hand across the. Hes Siennas sloth and he comes on hikes with us . The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. If youve never been to Bryson City you need to visit! And it appears to have had some holes kicked into it as well. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. I created this little PDF with some very basic info thats easy to print off if you are thinkingabout hiking to the crashclick here or click the image below to download: Do you have any favorite hikes in the Smoky Mountains? I couldnt find any engines at the site and after a little research it turns out that they were salvaged soon after the crash. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. Headed over to the browning knob/plane crash site, this part of the trail wasn't to hard to follow with AllTrails map downloaded. This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. It was quite an eerie sight! Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. Thank you for sharing. Its not right off the side after the knob and its NOT.. And its very very difficult and could take hours. Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Then I looked at my pictures from a year out so ago and realized that indeed it has been cleaned. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I was ahead of Marcus with Odin on his leash in the lead. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. The last recorded elevation of the airplane was about 6,000 ft. Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. Mitchell State Park will take you along a rocky, windy path to the top of the mountain, and a hike to Paradise Falls will reward you with stunning, watery views of the hidden waterfall. Its going to work your legs. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was the first person to arrive at this Crash Site in 1983. The hike continues for about .7 milesalong the ridge of the mountainbut with a lot of elevation change (the equivalent of about 68 flights of stairs!) Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. Just before the summit, you will see the path to the plane crash on the left. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. The nicely paved trail eventually transitions into a fairly strenuous trail with many stairs leading the way. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link. Have you hiked at Waterrock? Unfortunately, we were still unable to witness any of the panoramic views we had heard about, but noticed another trail leading to the left, which lead to the Cessna 414 plane crash. Everything but the engines still remains at the crash site. CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. After you take in the scenery at the top, go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. The trail turns to dirt and continues for another quarter mile until Waterrock Knob. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee at no additional cost to you. Waterrock Knob is best known for the hiking trail to its summit. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Both occupants were killed. Martin had emigrated from Germany sometime after the war, building a company and a fortune in the Chicago area. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. Make sure when you visit, however, that you take care to follow all safety precautions listed by the park in question. If you get the chance, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit. Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . She brushed her hand across the soft whitish golden fur on Odins head without hesitation. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. In my opinion the trail is intermediate because its unmaintained so you are hiking over a lot of tree roots and it requires more awareness to keep on track. 10 Picturesque Trails In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, Everyone In North Carolina Should See Whats Inside The Gates Of This Abandoned Theme Park, Most People Dont Know North Carolina Has A Fairy Trail And Its Positively Magical, The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail In North Carolina Takes You From Water To The Mountaintop And Back, The North Carolina State Park Where You Can Hike Across A Stone Bridge, A Metal Bridge, And A Wooden Bridge Is A Grand Adventure, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned School Hidden In North Carolina, Theres A Covered Bridge Trail In North Carolina And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of, This Abandoned Speedway In North Carolina Once Hosted The Best Races In NASCAR History. Some North Carolina Cherokee have been keeping their history alive for decades with a single play. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. These knobs will give you a spectacular view of the Blueridge Mountains. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. GPS coordinates: 3527'37.2N 8308'27.0W. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Located just 18 miles from the southern end of the Parkway and farther away from larger cities, it has a more remote and quiet feel to it. The hike back to the parking lot was just as arduous as the hike to the crash site, and ended up being about a 2.5 mile hike round trip. Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? There are also restrooms by the visitor center which is your last chance to go before you start hiking. The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. Follow the yellow markers painted on the trees. Once at Browning Knob (big obvious clearing on the top of a mountain), there's another trail off to the left, which leads down to the crashed Cessna 414. At least, this was his recollection. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. At that moment, a backpacker made his way towards us; as if he were coming from the other direction on Browning Knob Trail. Beautiful sunset, viewed from the Waterrock Knob parking lot upon returning after the hike. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The probable cause of the airplane crash was slight intoxication of the pilot, lack of experience flying in the mountains, and inclement weather that caused low visibility. 601. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have been left where they came to rest. At the top of Waterrock Knob, you will get a great view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Shuckstack Fire Tower is an old fire observatory tower in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Now it's as worse as it's ever been. 8 Best Things To Do In Charlotte North Carolina, Appalachian Trail Day Hike Essentials That You Need, Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, 7 Reasons Why I am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Update: I Am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2022, Appalachian Approach Trail: Everything You Need to Know, How to Visit Chichen Itza: Ultimate Guide for Travelers, Hiking Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were nervous we were not going to get a good view of sunset due to the haze and overcast skies, but by the time we arrived back to the parking lot the haze had cleared and we were able to view one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. In order to reach the site of the airplane crash, you will need to start off on the Waterrock Knob trail located off of mile marker 451 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. There are some days when you really get the itch to go on a hike. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. The unpredictable weather off a mountain range estimated to sit about 6000 feet above sea level, can change drastically in a short time. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. 20 reviews of Waterrock Knob "Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsalms range. We were unfortunately unable to see much from the lookout due to the low lying clouds, but continued on towards our next destination, which was Browning Knob. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. I think the challenges with this hike are because you need to be more alert for markings to stick to the trail and because the terrain can be a little slippery, requiring a little more skill than walking a paved trail. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Offer subject to change without notice. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. Certainly, it is a stark reminder of how powerless we really are in the face of nature. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the position of the plane on the ground seemed to reveal clues about the crash. The hike is about 2 miles long. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. My legs and arms were feeling slightly fatigued, but I was still looking forward to the climb. on How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob, How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob. You can un-subscribe at any time. When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. Other than graffiti and parts that have probably been moved around from spectators over the years, the wreckage remains nestled on the Southern Appalachian mountain range between Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. People are going there and tagging it with spray paint and being disrespectful as many people in the states are. I listened intently to his point by point directions. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. See. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Completely agree! The Mixa' hike Waterrock Knob. By checking this, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. PLANE DOWN A plane crash that occurred in November 1983 is now the end-point for an off-beat hike that starts at Waterrock Knob, one of WNC's most popular outdoor destinations. This shed some light on the mystery. Read more . The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. I used to hike to this as a teenager once every few months and the vandalism and theft has only really started in the past 3 years. I love to hike! Shortly after taking the detour to the left (approximately 0.3 miles from Browning Knob) we saw the plane crash in the distance, admidst the trees and haze. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Leave the crash site (and the trail) exactly as they were before your hike. Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. You will hike to the beautiful Waterrock knob and Browning knob on your way to the plane crash site. Both occupants were killed. We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. It looks so eerie and such a unique hike. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. Weather was likely a factor in this plane crash nearly 40 years ago in North Carolina, where the wreckage remains (photo by Justin Colburn/Alamy stock). That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. As sad as it is it would be interesting to see this in person especially a plane from the 80s! Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. You will find the crash site at latitude 35.46354, longitude -83.13207. Wires clustered through exposed metal. Rethink that selfie. When we arrived to the crash site, the scene was completely somber and serene. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. The plane slammed into the mountain, killing Martin and his passenger immediately. There are also restrooms available and . The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. Hey, I said. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. You are at Browning Knob as soon as you start to see the views again: Once over to Browning Knob, youll notice another small unmarked trail to the left. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. https://www.baaa-acro.com/sites/default/files/2020-03/N6623C.pdf, http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=6623C, http://videotarts.com/video/6GrSrJC0NAk/abandoned-airplane-in-the-middle-of-the-woods.html, https://www.lilblueboo.com/2018/08/hiking-to-a-plane-crash-in-the-smoky-mountains-via-waterrock-and-browning-knobs.html, Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency], Updated [Time, Operator, Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Embed code, Narrative], Updated [Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative]. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. The possibility the pilots decision making ability on a cloudy night could have also been impaired by alcohol and other factors we just dont know. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. It's far worse now than it ever was. As interesting as the crash site can be, it was important for us to remember the two pilots who lost their lives in this very spot and treat the area with respect. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. This spray painted rock points the way. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. To get here first drive to the visitor center at Waterrock Knob, (one of our favorite places to bring visitors too. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. There's a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so it's worth checking out. Read more about my story here. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. This shed some light on the mystery. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. We passed by the hiker, shoulder-to-shoulder, thanking him for his time, and we followed the path through the brush. You probably dont need to reminder, but keep in mind it is a site where people died so keep it respectful when you visit. Graffiti covered the white paint. . The young girl was about eight-years-old. Our human curiosity about the story, and the image of a plane lasting 36 years out in the elements is what drew us to this place one late summer day in September. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. Discover our featured content. Maybe the Labor Day weekend was causing us to think about work instead of focusing on a true adventure. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check this box to receive emails from Journey to the Destination. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store. Elk Knob State Park is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and Hanging Rock State Park has five waterfalls, incredible rock outcroppings, a lake, AND a mountain. . I alway come prepared, he said. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. She hung on to me for several minutes. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and features the last hiking trail along the parkway before reaching the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina . The wreckage was uncovered by Civil Air Patrol members a week later near the summit of Waterrock Knob. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. For this portion of the trail, it is important to follow the yellow markers painted on the trees to make sure you stay on the correct trail. Its a good idea to have someone with you. I found an article in the Mountaineer called. People have absolutely no respect. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. What! It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. How could that be, you ask? We took some time along the hike back to really appreciate the beauty of the forest and fall foliage. Knowing that two lives were lost at the site, the vibe was pretty heavy. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. Did you see the plane crash site? Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob Andrew Plyler (Atlas Obscura User) This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. This one is a fairly easy trail in terms of skill. The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town.