Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. I was touched by her ability to express herself in a way that most people dont. Wed love to hear about them! This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! This one is a fairly easy trail in terms of skill. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. 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. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Make sure when you visit, however, that you take care to follow all safety precautions listed by the park in question. Take a left turn into the forest . Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. 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. Wires clustered through exposed metal. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. The hike is about 2 miles long. It is the modern-day retelling of the Icarus story of flying too close to the sun. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. We said goodbye to Patrick and Tammy; telling them about a few places to visit during their stay. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. While sad, this hike is definitely unique and interesting. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. I was confused. Look at a map before you go as it's a little tricky. 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). 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. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. I wrote about it here in 2015. Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. As Im getting older I dont do it as much as I should and your pictures helped me see things I dont see much of anymore. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. 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. Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. Later we learn there is a hike to a plane crash that can be reach from Waterrock Knob Trail. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. Our drive to Waterrock Knob along the parkway began with sunny skies, but quickly transitioned into an eerie, but mystical, hazy day with fog and clouds sweeping between the mountains as we increased in elevation. Read more in my about section. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. However, by eight-years-old he wasnt getting free ride. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. Did you see the plane crash site? 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. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Both people on board died. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. He listened intently. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. 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. It was also pretty easy to follow the well worn path just by looking as well, but the spray painted markings definitely made it easier. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . We don't recommend it, but you can reach the site by hiking to Waterrock Knob's summit (0.5 miles) and then to the top of Browning Knob (0.5 miles). I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys! . 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. If you plan to visit, it's recommended to hike with a partner or let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return, as there are many unmarked side trails, difficult terrain, and steep drops along the way. What! When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Here, you will see the third trail on your left. The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad. 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. Required fields are marked *. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Read more . Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. This trail is rocky, narrow . While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Aside from Harrison Ford jumping off a dam waterfall, the most iconic scene from the 1993 film, The Fugitive, . Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA Can Sacred Places Impact Our Energy and Our Mood? Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. Tammy arrived after Patrick; she was standing behind the plane on the slope. Packing the right day hike essentials is super important for your trip. 0. Read more about my story here. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. He went on to explain its an unofficial trail, and the navigation can be treacherous. 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. This site is monitored, so please do not remove any items from the crash. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. 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. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . Maybe the Labor Day weekend was causing us to think about work instead of focusing on a true adventure. 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. Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. As well as what happens when we take the majesty of flight for granted. People are going there and tagging it with spray paint and being disrespectful as many people in the states are. How are you!, She responded, I never run into you outside of work., We asked about the crash. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. Sylva, North Carolina. Where To Swim At Jordan Lake, NC Complete Beach Hopping Guide, Glamping In North Carolina Heres How To Plan Your Off The Grid Adventure, Heres Why You Gotta Visit The Worlds Largest Strawberry Building In NC. Offer subject to change without notice. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. 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. Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. Or have you already been out to see it before? All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. You can un-subscribe at any time. Both occupants were killed. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. 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. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. What a good movie. Both occupants were killed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This shed some light on the mystery. Heres my full guide on how to hike to the Waterrock Knob plane crash with everything you need to know to plan your outing. Knowing that two lives were lost at the site, the vibe was pretty heavy. It was time to head back. 20 reviews of Waterrock Knob "Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsalms range. Once you start at the visitor center, you will climb .5 miles up to the top of Waterrock Knob. There is a visitor center at mile marker 451 so you can park and use the restroom before your hike. I was getting Uncharted 1 vibes. 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. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. Or perhaps in this case, maybe not quite close enough. 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 walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. 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. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. Ask me how someday? The distance from the parking lot to the Waterrock Knob lookout is a 0.5 mile steep trek, and begins with a nice paved trail but does have some steep stairs along the way. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. On November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was en route to the Jackson County Airport from Chicago when it crashed into the mountainside just before 6:00 pm. Beware. . 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. 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. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. 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. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. Areas; NC West and Mountains . How to Get There. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Land of Oz features an immersive experience based on the iconic story of the Wizard of Oz, including characters, the yellow brick road and a visit to Emerald City (photos and compilation by TheSmokies.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The outdoor adventures found along the parkway include a multitude of trails, visitor centers, and stunning overlooks. The trail begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and continues for a quarter mile up a well-marked, paved path to an observation point . We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE PRINTABLE TRAVEL PLANNER! . The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Its a sudden break from solitude to a social experience. I found an article in the Mountaineer called How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob from Mike Schoeffel. 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. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. Thank you for reading! GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. The trail turns to dirt and continues for another quarter mile until Waterrock Knob. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. Have you ever been to this crash site before? Would you hike to this abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina? The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. The pilot was also determined to have been impaired, with a blood alcohol content of 0.04%. Are you talking about the plane crash site? I asked. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. Photos (3,774) Directions. The terrain is fairly difficult with a change in elevation of about 600 feet. You take the Waterrock Knob Trail, he said. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. Follow the yellow markers painted on the trees. It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a super neat place to explore and . https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Here on the mountain side, seats and wreckage were scattered all over the steep terrain. Due to the rugged terrain of the region, only the engines were salvageable. Waterrock Knob About 35 minutes away, you can get to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! This blog post covers the hike to the Cessna 414 plane crash deep in the mountains of North Carolina and where to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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: It was a CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. 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. She brushed her hand across the. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. . Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway.