There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. Both occupants were killed. Hiked to this wreck back in the 90s when I went to school at Western Carolina University. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. Its about two-hours round trip from here!. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. 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. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. 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? Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. Areas; NC West and Mountains . Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shuckstack Fire Tower is an old fire observatory tower in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! 10/10 recommend it as a place to stay, and, wherever you choose, Maggie Valley is a great base for your adventures. 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. He was right on course, the Civil Air Patrol Major explained to a Chicago newspaper in the winter of 1983. 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. Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. The rest of the debris is slowly being reclaimed by the forest or has been carried off by visitors over the years. I think about how this section of the mountain range probably wasnt a trail at the time. To find the plane crash, you hike to a clearing called Waterrock Knob, and take the trail to the left that leads to Browning Knob. He was just a little low.. 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. 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. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. She hung on to me for several minutes. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . Have you hiked to this plane crash before? If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Have you ever been to this crash site before? Maybe the Labor Day weekend was causing us to think about work instead of focusing on a true adventure. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. True! And some of the trees along the trail have been marked with yellow spray paint to make it easier. 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. GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. I was touched by her ability to express herself in a way that most people dont. After crossing snowbird VOR the aircraft turned south and again there were altitude excursions. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! 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. 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. She was a quick talker. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . People have absolutely no respect. Hes Siennas sloth and he comes on hikes with us . They would never reach their destination, and the aftermath of the crash has lied deep in the mountains of North Carolina ever since. Read more about my story here. It has a bit of wow factor yet its eerie all at once. 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. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. This shed some light on the mystery. The plane slammed into the mountain, killing Martin and his passenger immediately. The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. Just before the summit, you will see the path to the plane crash on the left. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. 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. My son-in-law, grandson and I hiked up Waterrock Knob and followed the one mile plus trail to the site of a plane crash on the side of this mountain. She brushed her hand across the. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. 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. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. A mountain dog in his element! 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. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. I saw families with kids doing the trail while I was there and people with dogs I took my dog too. 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? Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. Thats so crazy! Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Let us know in the comments. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? This spray painted rock points the way. This portion of the trail is also fairly difficult and is not recommended for novice hikers or lone hikers. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. Stay left.. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. This shed some light on the mystery. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Ask me how someday? Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. Discover our featured content. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. Yes. This half mile trail climbs all the way to the peak. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! 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. Nature brings out the best in people. The Perfect 4 Day Miami Itinerary for Travelers. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Or have you already been out to see it before? Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . It was time to head back. Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. 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. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. Download Millions Of Videos Online. Once you start at the visitor center, you will climb .5 miles up to the top of Waterrock Knob. A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. . Waterrock Knob plane crash is located in Sylvia, North Carolina, right outside of Maggie Valley. About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. Your email address will not be published. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. Both passengers aboard died as a result. There is a shared bond in braving the elements and climbing to higher altitudes. The elevation change is said to be equivalent to about 68 flights of stairs. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. The probable cause of the crash was determined to be due to low visibility from low lying clouds and precipitation. Both occupants were killed. 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. 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. 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. 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. A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage. I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. Spinosaurus might still be there close somewhere. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. 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. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. However, on that fateful day, he was apparently unaware or unconcerned by the weather awaiting him. Your pictures were fabulous! 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. Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. The crash site was eerie, especially knowing that my dad was piloting a similar plane in the 1990s and survived a crash. Glad we saw the same thing. See All . Photos (3,774) Directions. 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. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The main reason we stopped was to walk to the plane crash site, about 2.5 miles off the main trail. 0. Haha good call. Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. It looks so eerie and such a unique hike. There are some days when you really get the itch to go on a hike. And it appears to have had some holes kicked into it as well. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. Wed love to hear about them! The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. You can un-subscribe at any time. Have you hiked at Waterrock? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE PRINTABLE TRAVEL PLANNER! I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. 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. My legs and arms were feeling slightly fatigued, but I was still looking forward to the climb. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. 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. It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. Note: When hiking to this area please be respectful of the site. It was quite a trek! His wife was suddenly standing by my side, close, like she was my friend. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . Fort Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sylva, North Carolina. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. That was my co-worker who cleaned it up! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Tammy arrived after Patrick; she was standing behind the plane on the slope. 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. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. 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. You will receive your first newsletter soon. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout.