Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. You can use 'Waterrock Knob Visitor Center' in Google Maps to get to the parking area. Did you see the plane crash site? Completely agree! Did you know that there are several airplane crashes that have happened in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? 20 reviews of Waterrock Knob "Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsalms range. He listened intently. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. In 1983, this Cessna 414 was traveling from Chicago, IL to a small airport in western North Carolina. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. As it turned out, the plane could have made it over the mountain if it had been about 150 feet higher! Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. The hike is about 2 miles long. Are you talking about the plane crash site? I asked. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. The trail to the Browning Knob plane crash site is called Plott Balsams and is unofficial. 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. Just before reaching the top of the Knob, there is a trail to your left. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. Let us know in the comments. You will find the crash site at latitude 35.46354, longitude -83.13207. Of course, many people come to Waterrock Knob to also hike to a tragic plane crash site. Its not something you would climb in or on, but it is interesting to see and take some photos of. 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 . The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. The probable cause of the crash was determined to be due to low visibility from low lying clouds and precipitation. 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. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. Neither the pilot nor passenger survived. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. I listened intently to his point by point directions. Thank you for sharing. North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob. 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. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. . We found out how you can hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina, and have all the necessary details below. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. Keep these hiking tips in mind: It is important to remember that the two men on the airplane died in the crash. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. Say hi to the doggy, she called her granddaughter with a wave of her hand. 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. He was just a little low.. 8 Best Things To Do In Charlotte North Carolina, Appalachian Trail Day Hike Essentials That You Need, Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, 7 Reasons Why I am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Update: I Am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2022, Appalachian Approach Trail: Everything You Need to Know, How to Visit Chichen Itza: Ultimate Guide for Travelers, Hiking Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. This information is added by users of ASN. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . If you are spending some time in North Carolina or if you are driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking this trail will make a fantastic addition to your trip. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. The outdoor adventures found along the parkway include a multitude of trails, visitor centers, and stunning overlooks. Deep & Dark Mammoth Cave: Like Navigating Another World, Woodfin Cascades: Best Kept Secret Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, Finding My Life Purpose and Passion in Happy Trails, Success Isnt About Money When Your Heart is in the Game. Graffiti covered the white paint. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. And you just stay left. There is a visitor center at mile marker 451 so you can park and use the restroom before your hike. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. If youre not a confident hiker but still want to explore the area, maybe just do this trail to the summit. Your pictures were fabulous! Print/PDF map. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Thats so crazy! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I love to hike! When you start returning back down the trail from the summit, youll see the small plane crash trail on your right. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. A black smoke monster chased him away before he had the chance to look. 2023 Atlas Obscura. These cookies do not store any personal information. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. Renovating a 1960s ranch house and an old train depot. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. Beware. At that moment, a backpacker made his way towards us; as if he were coming from the other direction on Browning Knob Trail. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! I think he and his parents were Hawaiian. Hey, I said. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. - pay close attention to the ground about 50' from the top of Waterrock Knob and you'll see a faded blue arrow spray painted on a large, flat rock. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. 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. I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. Beautiful sunset, viewed from the Waterrock Knob parking lot upon returning after the hike. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. We did this short hike a few weeks ago..You really should take the side trip to Browning Knob and see the old plane crash..Only an extra mile or so. I was confused. . It is equal parts morbid and fascinating. To learn more, clickhere. 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 for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. People have absolutely no respect. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the position of the plane on the ground seemed to reveal clues about the crash. 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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. 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. How could that be, you ask? Have you hiked at Waterrock? Packing the right day hike essentials is super important for your trip. It is the modern-day retelling of the Icarus story of flying too close to the sun. Once we arrived to the parking lot, we spent some time at the visitor center, were met with beautiful fall foliage, and eventually began our trek towards Waterrock Knob and the Cessna 414 crash. The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. Thats what I usually use to book accommodation when I travel and I can always find a good deal there. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. While sad, this hike is definitely unique and interesting. It was heading to Sylva, just 11 miles from the crash site, but unfortunately they did not make it. Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. Ernest Martin, founder and owner of Martin Tool Works, Inc., was the he in question. 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. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. 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 Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. 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. All rights reserved. It was quite a trek! People are going there and tagging it with spray paint and being disrespectful as many people in the states are. The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by: After departure at 1417 cst, radar track showed the aircraft climbing to and maintaining 7,600 feet until about 1733 est and 28-30 miles north of the Knoxville VOR. Can You Do Dollywood in One Day? The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. I think the challenges with this hike are because you need to be more alert for markings to stick to the trail and because the terrain can be a little slippery, requiring a little more skill than walking a paved trail. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. I think about how this section of the mountain range probably wasnt a trail at the time. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. Make sure when you visit, however, that you take care to follow all safety precautions listed by the park in question. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. . You take the Waterrock Knob Trail, he said. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. 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. It's far worse now than it ever was. I was the first person to arrive at this Crash Site in 1983. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . In November of 1983, a combination of poor weather and alcohol led to the crash of a small Cessna 414A plane, killing all on board. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. We started early, only 3 other cars in lot. Your email address will not be published. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. Its about two-hours round trip from here!. After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. Read more about my story here. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. The latest music videos, short movies, tv shows, funny and extreme videos. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. Completely agree! "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. The terrain is fairly difficult with a change in elevation of about 600 feet. 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. Waterrock Knob plane crash is located in Sylvia, North Carolina, right outside of Maggie Valley. We said goodbye to Patrick and Tammy; telling them about a few places to visit during their stay. 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. Everything but the engines still remains at the crash site. Weather was likely a factor in this plane crash nearly 40 years ago in North Carolina, where the wreckage remains (photo by Justin Colburn/Alamy stock). 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 . The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. 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. Take this trail. I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. 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. 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 692 ftRoute type Out & back. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information. When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. It can be easy to get lost or miss the trail that leads to the crash site. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store. Heres my full guide on how to hike to the Waterrock Knob plane crash with everything you need to know to plan your outing. Will you be taking the hike? from Mike Schoeffel. On November 24, 1983, two pilots began their flight from DuPage Airport in West Chicago headed to Jackson County Airport, North Carolina. 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. Great eye! It was an attempt to keep his bearings, which the FAA referred to as up and down altitude excursions. 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.. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. 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 . Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina . I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. Knowing that two lives were lost at the site, the vibe was pretty heavy. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail is rocky, narrow . Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. 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. A moderately . The views are epic and sweeping: Recommendations: We highly recommend a hike to Waterrock Knob to visitors in the Maggie Valley/Waynesville area. Graffiti covered the white paint. The elevation change is said to be equivalent to about 68 flights of stairs. Haha good call. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. Offer subject to change without notice. True! I stayed here and it was just awesome. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Take a left turn into the forest . Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. Youre there, its right up ahead. If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee at no additional cost to you. His sweat covered hair was tied back in a ponytail. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. 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. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. There were several up and down altitude excursions. No purchase necessary. It crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. 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. 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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. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. Oh and also, fuck Lauren and Trent . Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. 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? 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. If you get the chance, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit. OP watch out for dinos!! 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. 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. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. 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. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob Andrew Plyler (Atlas Obscura User) This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. Especially for people that think its a hour hike People ruin a lot of stuff but the tagging doesnt seem to take away the fact its a plane way way way out in the woods.
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