Stay left.. 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. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". I dont think a flight plan was filedwhich means the pilot may have just been flying by sight and ducking under clouds. Fair weather clouds against a pale blue sky and the Great Smoky Mountains waiting for me. 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. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. Have you hiked at Waterrock? I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. 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? Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. Thank you for reading! Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE PRINTABLE TRAVEL PLANNER! Here are some of the best state parks in North Carolina: The real question iswhat state park shouldnt you visit in North Carolina? 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. I was confused. This shed some light on the mystery. Glad we saw the same thing. Just keep an eye out for the small path. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. He was right on course, the Civil Air Patrol Major explained to a Chicago newspaper in the winter of 1983. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. 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. 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. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles, most of which are right here in North Carolina. The two men onboard didn't survive the crash. Required fields are marked *. I wrote about it here in 2015. No purchase necessary. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. 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. This trail is paved but very steep! Read more . A soft warm breeze touched my face, and finally got me to take action. Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. The path was straight down the side of the mountain; winding around moss covered trees and through what seemed like mile high pines overhead. Jun 25, 2018. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. 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. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. The views are epic and sweeping: A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Did you see the plane crash site? Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. I hung onto his leash with one hand, and used my free hand to grab tree trunks along the trail. January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. How could that be, you ask? Wed love to hear about them! You can use Waterrock Knob Visitor Center in Google Maps to get to the parking area. The Perfect 4 Day Miami Itinerary for Travelers. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. The path is clear and paved for the first bit before turning to dirt and leading up several stone staircases. Waterrock Knob is a mountain peak in the U.S. state of North Carolina. I hollered up the stairs to Marcus, come on, lets go on the hike!. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. 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. 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 best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. It was time to head back. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. 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. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! 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. 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. This Guide Will Help You Decide, BREAKING: Gatlinburg SkyTrail at SkyLift Park is now open, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Land of Oz in NC: What its like to visit the once-closed theme park, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? 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). Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. 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. Take a left turn into the forest . Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. He went on to explain its an unofficial trail, and the navigation can be treacherous. 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. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? Copyright 2017 CleanBlog | Theme by AirThemes. Both occupants were killed. 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. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. He listened intently. 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. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. 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. Id like to know why the plane was left there. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. 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 . 2023 Atlas Obscura. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check this box to receive emails from Journey to the Destination. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. . He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. 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 visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. I love to hike! They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. This site is monitored, so please do not remove any items from the crash. 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. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. 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. The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. It was quite a trek! Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. Graffiti covered the white paint. Two of the boys, probably her son and his friend, started howlinglike wild prey from further up the trail . Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. 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. 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. This hike is definitely worth it! There are also restrooms by the visitor center which is your last chance to go before you start hiking. It was a CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. 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. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. The young girl was about eight-years-old. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Follow this trail for half of a mile to reach Browning Knob. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. 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. A museum celebrating rare American motorcycles where everything runsand none of it quietly. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. 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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). The unpredictable weather off a mountain range estimated to sit about 6000 feet above sea level, can change drastically in a short time. As well as what happens when we take the majesty of flight for granted. Packing the right day hike essentials is super important for your trip. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. Hike the relatively easy Waterrock Knob Trail for 0.9 miles: mostly uphill and paved, with impressive views. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. 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. Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. You can un-subscribe at any time. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link. 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. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. 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. This portion of the trail is also fairly difficult and is not recommended for novice hikers or lone hikers. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. 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. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Hiking to such a place really gives one time to think and realize how fragile and fleeting life truly is. People are going there and tagging it with spray paint and being disrespectful as many people in the states are. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. And it appears to have had some holes kicked into it as well. fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. Ive always wanted to visit North Carolina! Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. Completely agree! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. 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. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. It is equal parts morbid and fascinating. This one is a fairly easy trail in terms of skill. After a few hours of homework, I glanced out the window. 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. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. It has a bit of wow factor yet its eerie all at once. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. 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. We all know that North Carolina has much to offer; however, it's home to only one known plane crash site. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. We said goodbye to Patrick and Tammy; telling them about a few places to visit during their stay. Both occupants lost their lives in the crash, so it is important to be respectful of the crash site when visiting. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. The latest music videos, short movies, tv shows, funny and extreme videos. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Its definitely sad but interesting to see! 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. If youve never been to Bryson City you need to visit! 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 of the valley below. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. It is the modern-day retelling of the Icarus story of flying too close to the sun. On November 24, 1983, two pilots began their flight from DuPage Airport in West Chicago headed to Jackson County Airport, North Carolina. Thats so crazy! Its going to work your legs. This trail is rocky, narrow . The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Located at Milepost 451.2, it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. 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. This half mile trail climbs all the way to the peak. Shortly after taking the detour to the left (approximately 0.3 miles from Browning Knob) we saw the plane crash in the distance, admidst the trees and haze. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both occupants were killed. She brushed her hand across the soft whitish golden fur on Odins head without hesitation. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. 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. We passed by the hiker, shoulder-to-shoulder, thanking him for his time, and we followed the path through the brush. The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. Thank you for sharing. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. There were several up and down altitude excursions. I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. Jerry Mattox, [footer_backtotop href="#top" text="Return to Top"] The plane was inbound from Chicago on November 24th, 1983. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. The young girl was about eight-years-old. At one point, I said something funny. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfortunately, since the internet has connected everyone. Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Knowing that two lives were lost at the site, the vibe was pretty heavy. Sadly, it is true. The hike is about 2 miles long. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. 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. In my blog I never try and say whether you should or shouldnt do a hike. At least, this was his recollection. Sylva, North Carolina. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. Just before reaching the top of the Knob, there is a trail to your left. Hiked to this wreck back in the 90s when I went to school at Western Carolina University. We said goodbye to our new friends, and began our adventure. 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. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor.