Trail 16: Fall Branch Falls
Overview
This hike is a perfect counterbalance to the wonderful but far more familiar Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike, like the Big South Fork, is quieter and subtler than the Smokies. It features unique rock cliffs that are perfect for kids to take in and explore. The visitor center, horse stables (not to mention hundreds of miles of nearby trails), complement the hike. Because you can turn around at any point, this hike is great for kids of nearly any age. However, be aware of the ladders along the hike that can be a little tricky for the youngest kids to navigate!
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 2.5 hours - 4.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 3.7 |
| Elevation Change | Moderate |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Big kids and Pre-teens and older |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Bandy Creek Visitors Center, 151 Stable Rd, Oneida, TN 37841
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 36.49062, -84.69777
From the Visitors Center, walk across Bandy Loop Road toward the campground. Find Duncan Hollow Road, and walk up it a short distance, passing the Bandy Creek Pool, which is another accessible parking area, on the left. The trailhead is immediately past the pool on the right side of Duncan Hollow Road.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start on the Litten-Slaven Farm Loop Trail. |
| 0.2 | Begin to gradually descend into the Fall Branch creekbed. |
| 0.5 | Trail levels out. |
| 0.55 | Rocky section featuring a short ladder (to make it easier to navigate through the rocks). |
| 1.8 | Fall Branch Falls. A great spot for a break before turning around to return to the start. |
| 3.6 | Trailhead. |
Nearby
- Camp at Bandy Creek! The Bandy Creek Campground is a gem - spacious sites, nice restrooms, and lots of cul-de-sacs for kids to endlessly play or bike. Consider a stay here as a launching point for this hike.
- Stop by the visitor’s center. A good place to learn more about the Big South Fork and to ask any questions or to seek the advice of park rangers.
- Hike the nearby Bandy Creek or Angel Falls Trails. Check out the Bandy Creek or Angel Falls Trails chapters. There are hundreds of hikes available to you, and any are well worth a hike (the Grand Gap Loop is a lengthy favorite!). Consider stopping the the visitor center to ask for recommendations and up-to-date information.