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. Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Follow this trail for half of a mile to reach Browning Knob. Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. 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. The hike offers epic and sweeping views of the North Carolina mountains, including from one of the spurs, a glimpse of Ghost Town in Maggie Valley off in the distance. Hiked 10/30 2nd time doing this trail and 2nd time doing the entire thing in the clouds!! Spinosaurus might still be there close somewhere. Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. It was an unspoken closeness she was expressing; after she and I had shared a few things we had in common with our lives. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. Read more in my about section. 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? His wife was suddenly standing by my side, close, like she was my friend. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is often used but remains off the beaten path. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. See. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Did you know that there are several airplane crashes that have happened in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . And be prepared. 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. That was my co-worker who cleaned it up! You probably dont need to reminder, but keep in mind it is a site where people died so keep it respectful when you visit. Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. Its definitely sad but interesting to see! The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Print/PDF map. 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. 0. It is definitely a unique hike, Although this is a site created by a tragic event, I really like sites like these abandoned buildings, vehicles, planes, etc., purely for the artistic side of them. Both people on board died. Rethink that selfie. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? 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. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway.Located at Milepost 451.2 (just 18 miles from the end of the Parkway), it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.This peak (6,292 ft.) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States - and the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 feet. Just keep an eye out for the small path. See All . 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. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. Head down that trail about 100 feet and you should see the plane in the distance down the hill. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. Waterrock Knob is best known for the hiking trail to its summit. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. As sad as it is it would be interesting to see this in person especially a plane from the 80s! And you just stay left. The human remains, of course, were returned to the family, and the engines and anything else of value were salvaged. If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. This information is added by users of ASN. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. The elevation change is said to be equivalent to about 68 flights of stairs. It was quite a trek! Nature brings out the best in people. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. Your email address will not be published. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. There are the remnants of an old Cessna plane that crashed there many years ago that you can hike to. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. The main reason we stopped was to walk to the plane crash site, about 2.5 miles off the main trail. The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. You will be walking through the quiet woods then all of a sudden the crash appears through the trees. Will you be taking the hike? Wed love to hear about them! 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. Completely agree! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfortunately, since the internet has connected everyone. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Its going to work your legs. First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. GPS coordinates: 3527'37.2N 8308'27.0W. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. Discover our featured content. 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. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Copyright 2017 CleanBlog | Theme by AirThemes. I listened intently to his point by point directions. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. We hiked to one of them recently: The wreckage of this particular plane crash has been sitting there for 35 years: The story goes that on November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was flying from West Chicago to the Jackson County Airport here in the NC mountains. If you are walking uphill as opposed to returning from the summit, it will be on the left. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. From Waterrock Knob, which is named for the spring near the summit where hunters would refill their canteens, the trail is small, mostly unmarked and easily missed. It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. 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. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. Keep these hiking tips in mind: It is important to remember that the two men on the airplane died in the crash. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. Make sure when you visit, however, that you take care to follow all safety precautions listed by the park in question. 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. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Waterrock Knob is a mountain peak in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Once you start at the visitor center, you will climb .5 miles up to the top of Waterrock Knob. Odins ears perked up. Have you ever been to this crash site before? I hollered up the stairs to Marcus, come on, lets go on the hike!. 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. Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. It looks so eerie and such a unique hike. Plane crash PARKING LOT Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Waterrock Knob Browning Knob 5719 ft 6292 ft 6240 ft Elevations: Waterrock knob parking lot to peak waterrock peak to Browning Knob Browning knob to plane crash .5 miles .7 miles .05 miles distances: In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. Your pictures were fabulous! - Cause: The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. 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. Haha good call. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. Sylva, North Carolina. 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. Both passengers aboard died as a result. It was time to head back. If youre looking for a hike with a view, wed recommend catching the sunset on Green Knob, or perhaps hiking Looking Glass Rock for the mountaintop views. 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. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Say hi to the doggy, she called her granddaughter with a wave of her hand. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. I love to hike! Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. He was right on course, after all, just a little low. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. 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. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Your email address will not be published. I hung onto his leash with one hand, and used my free hand to grab tree trunks along the trail. 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. It was heading to Sylva, just 11 miles from the crash site, but unfortunately they did not make it. His sweat covered hair was tied back in a ponytail. 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). Hope you prayed for the departed. When the weather turned low lying clouds and rain he began ducking the plane under the clouds. However, on that fateful day, he was apparently unaware or unconcerned by the weather awaiting him. The plane was inbound from Chicago on November 24th, 1983. 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. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . 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. No purchase necessary. Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. It was quite an eerie sight! The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. He listened intently. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. However, by eight-years-old he wasnt getting free ride. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. THIS NEARLY 40-YEAR-OLD PLANE WRECKAGE is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage.. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. A soft warm breeze touched my face, and finally got me to take action. It is the modern-day retelling of the Icarus story of flying too close to the sun. Be sure to wear hiking boots because the trail is rocky, dont forget your reusable water bottle, and bring a map and compass in case you get lost. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. You will find the crash site at latitude 35.46354, longitude -83.13207. Her voice had an upward inflection. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. 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. Stay at our historic Sixty-One Park Farmhouse located right in downtown! They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Quiet reflection will force you to be in the moment with your thoughts. Skip to main content. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . At one point, I said something funny. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. 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. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. I found the spray paint trail markings most helpful since some of the ties had been blown away in storms, When you come to this clearing, take the path left (this spray painted rock points the way) and you are very close to the crash. 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 crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. Thank you for sharing. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee at no additional cost to you. A mountain dog in his element! Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. I asked the family if theyd been to the plane crash. This hike is definitely worth it! Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. Look at a map before you go as it's a little tricky. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We found out how you can hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina, and have all the necessary details below. I was the first person to arrive at this Crash Site in 1983. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. 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. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. And, a Hawaiian woman who I will most likely never see again, held my hand, as if she were one of my closest friends. This leads down the mountainside for approximately 200 yards to reach the crash site. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. The young girl was about eight-years-old. This shed some light on the mystery. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. We said goodbye to our new friends, and began our adventure. All rights reserved. Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! Learn how your comment data is processed. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. Everything but the engines still remains at the crash site. 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! Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. . Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. He was right on course, the Civil Air Patrol Major explained to a Chicago newspaper in the winter of 1983. Yes. 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 . For mountain views wed recommend Mount Mitchell, standing a whopping 6,684 feet above sea level that allows hikers to see up to 100 miles past the point. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Press J to jump to the feed. What! After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. There are some days when you really get the itch to go on a hike. I know its been a minute since you posted, but my husband and I hiked this last week and I am sad to report that it has been re-tagged. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. One wing torn off, the cockpit exposed, no windshield. 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. Tragic story. The unpredictable weather off a mountain range estimated to sit about 6000 feet above sea level, can change drastically in a short time. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . How to Get There. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. . Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. This site is monitored, so please do not remove any items from the crash. 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. Ernest Martin, founder and owner of Martin Tool Works, Inc., was the he in question. But the hike is definitley one of my favorites. How could that be, you ask? Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. I wrote about it here in 2015.