The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. Ask me how someday? Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. Haha good call. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. Its getting harder and harder to find safe abandoned places in North Carolina, so wed highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity while you still can. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. His sweat covered hair was tied back in a ponytail. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. 10 Tips for Safe Travel: How to Travel the World Safely! See. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches some of its highest points in the Waterrock Knob area, including Richland Balsam (highest point on the Parkway) and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (highest visitor center on the Parkway). Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. Completely agree! Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. In my blog I never try and say whether you should or shouldnt do a hike. The trail is obviously used often based on the wear but we didnt see anyone while we were hiking: Spraypainted yellow dots help to mark the trail. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. I usually describe this kind of place as Narnia: Its not the easiest hike, but very doable if you can climb over fallen trees and jump across some small mud pits: The canopy is pretty thick so the vegetation is mostly ferns, fungi and mosswhich I love: Theres a lot of photograph if you take your time: This looked like a waterfall of roots to me.a rootfall? The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942. A black smoke monster chased him away before he had the chance to look. You also could like hiking at Deep Creek. Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. This shed some light on the mystery. 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. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. Of course, many people come to Waterrock Knob to also hike to a tragic plane crash site. This short trail will lead you down to the site of the airplane crash. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. Nature brings out the best in people. Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! There are some days when you really get the itch to go on a hike. We said goodbye to Patrick and Tammy; telling them about a few places to visit during their stay. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? from Mike Schoeffel. 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. Thank you! We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. The pilot was also determined to have been impaired, with a blood alcohol content of 0.04%. Thats what I usually use to book accommodation when I travel and I can always find a good deal there. Located in the Smokey Mountains just outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, this hike is challenging due to its steep ascents and occasional scrambling over fallen trees and thick roots. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. Where can I hike to a cave in North Carolina? The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . His pack animal instinct was causing him to be on alert. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. The wreckage was uncovered by Civil Air Patrol members a week later near the summit of Waterrock Knob. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Fort Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sylva, North Carolina. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. The two men onboard didn't survive the crash. The white aluminum caught my attention; nestled in a downward section of the mountain in a quiet place among trees and other plant life. 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 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. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. Its definitely sad but interesting to see! Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. While sad, this hike is definitely unique and interesting. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. All rights reserved. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. I was confused. 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. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. But please, be careful! Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. Press J to jump to the feed. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. She was a quick talker. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. Hey, I said. You can find a series of cave trails in North Carolina, including Boones Cave Park whichs great for children, Torys Den Cave which will hustle you to a tiny cave steeped in local history, and Hibriten Cave which requires the work of a GPS to locate the tiny wonder. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. Watch premium and official videos free online. A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. 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. The path is clear and paved for the first bit before turning to dirt and leading up several stone staircases. The trail turns to dirt and continues for another quarter mile until Waterrock Knob. Areas; NC West and Mountains . Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 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. The first half of the hike is straight down the ridge and then you have to hike back up the spine of the connecting knobs. The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. If you are interested in hiking to this airplane crash, you also will probably enjoy hiking to Shuckstack Fire Tower. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. 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. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. People have absolutely no respect. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. It is often used but remains off the beaten path. Offer subject to change without notice. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. I hung onto his leash with one hand, and used my free hand to grab tree trunks along the trail. 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. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. Here, you will see the third trail on your left. Sylva, North Carolina. GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. If you are walking uphill as opposed to returning from the summit, it will be on the left. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. Beware. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Book your tickets online for Waterrock Knob, Maggie Valley: See 321 reviews, articles, and 262 photos of Waterrock Knob, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Maggie Valley. . The hike is about 2 miles long. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. There are also restrooms available and . 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? Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. This half mile trail climbs all the way to the peak. Tragic story. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. Its a good idea to have someone with you. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. This information is added by users of ASN. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. Its not too far from where you live. He continued by describing how this plane had crashed sometime in the 70s off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. Required fields are marked *. Its not right off the side after the knob and its NOT.. And its very very difficult and could take hours. The cause of the crash was determined to be a combination of weather conditions/poor visibility and alcohol (the pilots blood alcohol level was 0.04%). Did you know that there are several airplane crashes that have happened in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. ???? It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. 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. Or perhaps in this case, maybe not quite close enough. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island, The Paratethys Sea Was the Largest Lake in Earths History, How Communities Are Uncovering Untold Black Histories, The Medieval Thieves Who Used Cats, Apes, and Turtles as Accomplices, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/waterrock-knob-trail. He was right on course, the Civil Air Patrol Major explained to a Chicago newspaper in the winter of 1983. Hiking to such a place really gives one time to think and realize how fragile and fleeting life truly is. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. 0. It was fantastic to have breakfast on the porch, sit by the fire in the evenings, and soak in the jacuzzi at night while watching glow bugs. You said in your writing of finding plane. The views are epic and sweeping: It rises a total of 2,000 feet in just about three . Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. Stay at our historic Sixty-One Park Farmhouse located right in downtown! Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. When I can make the trip Ill definitely consider doing this hike, it seems like an interesting one I had no idea how dangerous the Smoky Mountains were for planes. You can un-subscribe at any time. Sadly, it is true. 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. And, a Hawaiian woman who I will most likely never see again, held my hand, as if she were one of my closest friends. Neither the pilot nor passenger survived. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. It's far worse now than it ever was. The nicely paved trail eventually transitions into a fairly strenuous trail with many stairs leading the way. These cookies do not store any personal information. Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. Rethink that selfie. The visitor center building with restrooms in the building on the left, This sign points out the start of the trail. Here's the general gist of how to get to the crash site: Hike the 0.5 mile path to Waterrock Knob, almost to the top. Earlier this month, Robert Hawkins, 66, discovered what he believes to be what remains of a 1979 plane crash in the Bald Knob area of the trail, near the three-county border of Amherst, Nelson and . I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. A mountain dog in his element! Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. 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. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Here are some of the best state parks in North Carolina: The real question iswhat state park shouldnt you visit in North Carolina? And some of the trees along the trail have been marked with yellow spray paint to make it easier. I saw families with kids doing the trail while I was there and people with dogs I took my dog too. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. 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. If you are facing the visitor center, the trail follows an incline on the right. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. This portion of the trail is also fairly difficult and is not recommended for novice hikers or lone hikers. I was super interested. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. Since it is unmaintained, it might be worth asking at the visitor center for any current updates or safety tips for the time you are visiting. Both occupants were killed. It is equal parts morbid and fascinating. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. I dont think a flight plan was filedwhich means the pilot may have just been flying by sight and ducking under clouds. Certainly, it is a stark reminder of how powerless we really are in the face of nature. Headed over to the browning knob/plane crash site, this part of the trail wasn't to hard to follow with AllTrails map downloaded. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. The Waterrock Knob Plane Crash Heres A Step By Step Hiking Guide, these are my favorite beginner hiking shoes, I like to have a couple of these energy gels. Neither the passenger nor the pilot survived, and the cause of the crash is said to have been a combination of poor visibility and a 0.04 . I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. Two people died in this crash. Follow the yellow markers painted on the trees. Today the wreckage is still on Browning Knob and is a reminder of the many dangers that are present in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The hike to the plane crash is about a 2.5 mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . Aside from Harrison Ford jumping off a dam waterfall, the most iconic scene from the 1993 film, The Fugitive, . We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. Here are some of the best places with cave hikes in North Carolina: Caves are perhaps one of the most fascinating and strange natural wonders out in the wild, especially because of how tempting they are to explore. My legs and arms were feeling slightly fatigued, but I was still looking forward to the climb. That was my co-worker who cleaned it up! Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. If youre not a confident hiker but still want to explore the area, maybe just do this trail to the summit. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. Show 9 More Check-Ins May 29, 2018 Rob H. Amazing view I was able to share with my best friend . Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. Its a paved path and well signed so all you need to do is look out for it. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. Did you see the plane crash site? Take a left turn into the forest . Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the, Feeling the Energy at The Airport Mesa Vortex, A Trail of Luminaries through Old Town Albuquerque. At least, this was his recollection. I was confused. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. Note: When hiking to this area please be respectful of the site. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. It was quite an eerie sight! . Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. There are very few small plane crash sites in North Carolina, and you can find one of them hidden deep in the woods on a trail that runs along a ridge. Waterrock Knob About 35 minutes away, you can get to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. My first thought after the second picture, Theresa falls up the stairs, Theresa falls down the stairs, The occupants died in the crash so that probably adds to that feeling as well, Info on the incident. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. I asked the family if theyd been to the plane crash. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. How are you!, She responded, I never run into you outside of work., We asked about the crash.