December 18th, 2008 - I skipped out of work a little early with my good friend Jimmy Humston to check out Sill Branch Falls in the Clark's Creek area of Unicoi County.  This is a very short hike (approximately 1.0 mile round-trip) on a nice, Hemlock-covered trail that leads to what I feel is one the most underrated and unknown waterfalls in the Tri-Cities area.    

Jimmy at Sill Branch Falls

After some recent good rains the falls were not a disappointment.  Jimmy and I took some photos and talked before heading back to the car.  See the photo above-right to get a better perspective on the size of Sill Branch Falls.  

Jimmy and I discussed returning in the near future to head on upstream (off-trail) to find Upper Sill Branch Falls, and possibly Buckeye Falls, which is also in the Sampson Wilderness.          

Total Miles Hiked:  1.0 

Getting There: 

Driving - From Johnson City:  Take I-26 to the Erwin/Jonesborough exit (#37). At the end of the ramp turn right and take State Rt. 81/107 for 6.5 miles.  Stay on Rt. 107 by turning left and continue for 5 more miles. Turn left onto Clark's Creek Road and drive 3.1 miles into the Cherokee National Forest to a parking area on the left. A sign will indicate the trailhead for Sill Branch Falls.  

Trails - This is a short 0.5 mile hike to get to the falls.  When you come to a fork in the trail, follow the sign to the falls by taking the trail to the left.  You'll have to immediately ford the stream, and then ascend up a steep hill.  The trail dead-ends at the falls.