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. I hollered up the stairs to Marcus, come on, lets go on the hike!. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. Ernest Martin, founder and owner of Martin Tool Works, Inc., was the he in question. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. The main reason we stopped was to walk to the plane crash site, about 2.5 miles off the main trail. Hope you prayed for the departed. The wreckage was uncovered by Civil Air Patrol members a week later near the summit of Waterrock Knob. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. Stay left.. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Its a paved path and well signed so all you need to do is look out for it. The pilot was also determined to have been impaired, with a blood alcohol content of 0.04%. When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. Overall, this is one of the interesting and rewarding hikes that I have been on in North Carolina.My thoughts are with the families of the two lives that were lost in the crash. Not only are the views spectacular but the flowers and wildlife are too: The sides of the trail were covered with butterflies when we went, so many it looked like the mountains were moving: Just as you get to the top of Waterrock Knob you will notice a small unmarked trail to the leftyou might even miss it if you werent looking for it. Its not something you would climb in or on, but it is interesting to see and take some photos of. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. 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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. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. 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.. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. Required fields are marked *. The plane slammed into the mountain, killing Martin and his passenger immediately. 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. The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. Are you talking about the plane crash site? I asked. She was a quick talker. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. I was ahead of Marcus with Odin on his leash in the lead. 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. 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. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. 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. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Great eye! Wed love to hear about them! 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. I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. Haha good call. 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. A mountain dog in his element! Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. Thank you for sharing. This half mile trail climbs all the way to the peak. It was time to head back. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! I was touched by her ability to express herself in a way that most people dont. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. Keep these hiking tips in mind: It is important to remember that the two men on the airplane died in the crash. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 451.2 into the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center located inSylva, NC to begin the hike to the crash site. Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. Both occupants were killed. January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. In 1983, this Cessna 414 was traveling from Chicago, IL to a small airport in western North Carolina. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. It was quite a trek! If youve never been to Bryson City you need to visit! 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. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. I stayed here and it was just awesome. The trail turns to dirt and continues for another quarter mile until Waterrock Knob. Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! It is easy to take a wrong turn in the forest, so be sure to pay attention to the yellow markers on the trees leading the way along the trail. What a good movie. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! There is a visitor center at mile marker 451 so you can park and use the restroom before your hike. Only a short detour off the beaten path of one of North Carolina's most notable sunset hikes, lies a Cessna 414 plane crash site full of eerie history. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. 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. 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? Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! Read Also: 5 abandoned places in the Smokies you didnt know existed. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. Copyright 2017 CleanBlog | Theme by AirThemes. We said goodbye to Patrick and Tammy; telling them about a few places to visit during their stay. 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. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 692 ftRoute type Out & back. I asked the family if theyd been to the plane crash. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a super neat place to explore and . Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. If you get the chance, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. Look at a map before you go as it's a little tricky. People are going there and tagging it with spray paint and being disrespectful as many people in the states are. It was heading to Sylva, just 11 miles from the crash site, but unfortunately they did not make it. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. . 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. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Ask me how someday? Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? The white aluminum caught my attention; nestled in a downward section of the mountain in a quiet place among trees and other plant life. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. At that moment, a backpacker made his way towards us; as if he were coming from the other direction on Browning Knob Trail. That was my co-worker who cleaned it up! Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I wrote about it here in 2015. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. If they had only been flying a little bit higher, they probably would have reached their destination. I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. We passed by the hiker, shoulder-to-shoulder, thanking him for his time, and we followed the path through the brush. Waterrock Knob is a mountain peak in the U.S. state of North Carolina. I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. If you follow that trail for a little bit you will see a tree with the following signs on it: Yes, there are warningsmake sure you tell someone where you are hiking just in case! The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. This hike is definitely worth it! As well as what happens when we take the majesty of flight for granted. If you are facing the visitor center, the trail follows an incline on the right. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. You also could like hiking at Deep Creek. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! Maybe the Labor Day weekend was causing us to think about work instead of focusing on a true adventure. You can un-subscribe at any time. A soft warm breeze touched my face, and finally got me to take action. Jun 25, 2018. His wife was suddenly standing by my side, close, like she was my friend. Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. You will receive your first newsletter soon. If you are walking uphill as opposed to returning from the summit, it will be on the left. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfortunately, since the internet has connected everyone. 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. It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. 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. 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. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. You said in your writing of finding plane. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. One wing torn off, the cockpit exposed, no windshield. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. Love North Carolina? Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. What! 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. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. Its a good idea to have someone with you. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. There were several up and down altitude excursions. 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. We all know that North Carolina has much to offer; however, it's home to only one known plane crash site. 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. You take the Waterrock Knob Trail, he said. I think he and his parents were Hawaiian. Once you start at the visitor center, you will climb .5 miles up to the top of Waterrock Knob. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . Here on the mountain side, seats and wreckage were scattered all over the steep terrain. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. 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. Then I looked at my pictures from a year out so ago and realized that indeed it has been cleaned. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. 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. Have you hiked at Waterrock? Take a left turn into the forest . Thats so crazy! Beware. Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side.