Cherokee Hiking Club
198 Crews Drive, Benton, TN 37307
Turtletown
Falls Dayhike
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Brief Description: First mile is an easy level warm up stroll alongside the creek. Then, we'll take the left fork. It becomes a foot trail
with some hill hugging and slight elevation changes with switchbacks that take the trail down to below the twin falls . Usually, the water coming off the falls cascades dramatically down both sides of the center rock. From there, we'll continue to the second set of falls and then, hike back out on the logging road. There should be great views of the Hiwassee from the higher rises on that road while the trees are still greening up. After looping back to the left fork we took to hike in, that easy mile stroll back to our cars will be a welcome cool down.
Length: 3.7 miles
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Easy, but there is a fair amount of elevation gain on the return trip to the car
Elevation Gain: maybe 500 feet on the return trip to the car
Hike Leader: Marc Bernatti
Directions to the Trailhead: Meet at the trailhead in Farner/Turtletown at 2 PM.
From Etowah (and points North), make your own arrangements to hook up at Hardee's in Etowah or Tellico Plains and head up the mountain South on Hwy 68. Approximately 25 miles from Tellico Plains, you'll cross a new bridge over the RR tracks. Just past it, take a right on Underwood Rd (at the Farner Post Office-look for the flag). Cross the RR tracks, bear right and turn left on Duggan Rd. Bear left on Farner Rd. The entrance is 3/4 miles on the right. Once you enter, keep driving until you cross a wet bridge, the parking lot will be just ahead.
From Cleveland (or points South), the Ocoee Hardee's at Hwys 411 and 64 is a good car drop off to carpool to Ducktown or meet at the Ducktown Hardee's. Take Hwy 68 North towards Madisonville/Tellico Plains. Approximately 15 miles North from Ducktown on Hwy 68, look for the Farner Post Office and take a left on Underwood Rd. After crossing the tracks, Duggan Rd will be on your left. Then, follow above directions.
Post Trip Report: Four brave hikers were rewarded with the perfect day on a great hike. Sunday, March 15, '09 started rainy but turned to just being overcast by mid-day. A little mist (probably a low cloud) hit my windshield on the way to Turtletown Creek Falls, but before I and Percy got there, it too quit. Gary, a neighbour of mine up her in Coker Creek and his dog Buddy were already there. Jane and her friend Sheri, another Hiawasse Club member came afterwards and completed the small group. Turtle Town Creek was roaring and the trail showed signs of having been swamped. There were still a few wet crossings which with a little log walking and rock hopping presented no problems. The volume of water coming over both sets of Falls was the most I've seen; well worth the hike. There are a few photos of both on our web site. While the group was small it was extremely well organized and protected. Gary and I with our dogs spearheaded the hike and Jane and Sheri did an excellent job of trailsweeping.Our return on the backside road provided some nice views of the Hiawassee from the bluff. The trees were just starting to bud up so, the view was still unrestricted. To reward us and spite those less brave who passed on the hike, the sun came out briefly on our last leg of the hike before arriving back at our cars.~ submitted by Marc Bernatti
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