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Hike to Rockhouse and Cane Creek Falls

Pikeville, Tennessee

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

1 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jess Fischer

The base of Cane Creek Falls and Rockhouse Falls is often overlooked but it's a perfect place to explore and get away from the usual weekend crowds at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to multiple waterfalls. The main attraction and biggest waterfall, Fall Creek Falls, is often tourists' main destination, but I encourage you to visit the base of Rockhouse Falls and Cane Creek Falls to enjoy some quiet solitude and get away from the usual weekend crowds. 

This hike is not for small children, pets, or any individual who cannot lift or hold their own body weight with their own arm strength.

From the Betty Dunn parking area take the Paw Paw Trail. This will lead you down past a few little cascades. Follow the trail until it comes to the road, jump on the road and take a left to cross the bridge. Immediately take a left to go back into the woods and you will see a sign for Cable Trail. In a few hundred feet you will come to the top of a cliff and you will see a thick cable. 

From this point very carefully begin your make your descent down the cliff face while using the cable for support. During certain parts of your descent you will have to forgo the cable and use roots and rocks to support yourself down the cliff face. At the bottom of the cliff follow the little trail out to the base of the falls. Use caution while walking on the rocks- they are slippery and some are unstable. 

When we visited the base of the falls we enjoyed our time for over an hour and we weren't disturbed by any other hikers!

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Features

Rock Climbing
Chillin
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Reviews

Accessing these waterfalls from cable trail is a very cool hike but the view at the bottom is even better. These waterfalls are very picturesque and are a must do when visiting the park.

This is always a treat to go for swimming during the summer. Love the view of the powerful flow of the water during rains too!

The cable trail gets its name from, you guessed it, the cable that you have to grasp on your way up and down. Despot being a near 90 degree climb in places, there are plenty of roots and rocks to grab on to along with the cable. The lower plunge pool is beautiful and large. You won't want to miss it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Fall Creek Falls

Hike to the Base of Fall Creek Falls

Photograph Buzzard's Roost Overlook

Hike to Fall Creek Falls Fire Tower

Hike to Lost Creek Falls

Welch's Point