March 29th, 2009 - We had our good friends the Davis Family in town for the weekend so we decided to check out some waterfalls.  We drove up to the TN/NC border to view one of the best in the area, the 60' Elk Falls located on the Elk River.  The rain was coming down very hard so we had to be careful on the climb down, and it was simply too wet to take many photos.  I was able to get the few seen below.                         

Shannon Helping Mandy on the Slick Rocks

After Elk Falls we stopped by the Blue Hole in Stoney Creek, Tennessee.  It was again raining very hard so I didn't even get my camera out.  The photos below are from Mandy's camera.  For the sake of this trail log, I'll rate the Elk Falls hike and waterfall, and save the Blue Hole for another time when I'm able to take photos.   

Total Miles Hiked:  0.2 (Elk Falls) + 0.2 (Blue Hole) 

Getting There (Elk Falls) - for Blue Hole directions click here:  

Driving - From Elizabethton, take 19E east and continue on through the town of Roan Mountain and into North Carolina.  Just before getting into the community of Elk Park, turn left onto Old Mill Road (there's a black sign there for Elk Falls, but it's hard to read).  Go about .25 mile on Old Mill Road, and then take a left onto Elk River Road.  Follow it for four miles into the Pisgah National Forest, to a parking at the end of the road.     

Trails - Begin on the yellow-blazed trail from the parking area.  This is a very short and highly traveled trail, which is approximately .1 mile to Elk Falls.    

Hike Rating (ELK FALLS)-

Bill's Overall Rating:

Distance:  0.2 miles

Difficulty:  VERY EASY

Type: OUT & BACK

Vista Rating: 

Waterfall Rating:  H(6) + F(9) + V(5) + W(3)  + G(3+3+6) = 35

Water Crossings:  NONE

Scrambling/Climbing:  EASY 

Hazards:  slippery slopes, steep slope

Significance:  waterfall

Recommendation:  beginner/sight-seer

Click here for hike rating reference guide.