After visiting the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in east Knox County, I drove to the mountains and hiked to Baskins Creek Falls on Memorial Day, 2013. While this waterfall is not promoted in any park literature, there were still several people on the trail and at the falls. The hike starts at the first pullout on the left side of the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This pullout only has space for one vehicle, but there is a second pullout just a few dozen yards up the road with space for an additional three or four vehicles.
This is a 3.0 mile round-trip hike with a net drop in elevation of about 600 feet to the falls that includes a 350 foot climb before descending 950 feet to the falls. I met several seniors and families with small children on the trail, but only a few seemed to be dragging a bit on the climb back up to the road. Two gentlemen I met on the trail were brothers-in-laws from Oklahoma and Alabama who chose this hike instead of shopping with their wives.
One couple from Georgia was accompanied by their unleashed dog, even though a sign at the trailhead notes that dogs are prohibited. While I am sure they love their dog and wanted its companionship, I have seen bears on this trail and know that pets can turn an awkward wildlife encounter into a dangerous one. Please follow the rules and don't put yourself or your pet in danger.
The falls consists of two drops for a total of about 40 feet. When I was there, the pool at the base was no more than two feet deep and only ankle deep in most places.
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| The initial trail is deceptively wide and flat |
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| After the first turn, the trail goes uphill |
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| Numerous roots crisscross the trail |
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| After topping the hill, the trail turns steeply down |
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| Crossing Falls Branch requires some rock hopping or log walking |
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| The trail follows Falls Branch down the valley |
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| Falls Branch adds picturesque scenes to the hike |
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| Trees seem to grow out of the bedrock |
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| The spur trail to the falls is wide and well marked |
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| A wet-weather stream has taken over a part of the trail |
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| First glimpse of the falls |
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| The trail ends at the base of the falls |
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| A variety of locations are available for viewing the falls |
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| Rock hopping across the creek provides another perspective |
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| An easy climb provides another view |
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| Returning requires climbing these rock "stairs" |
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| Catawba Rosebay flowers |
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| Mountain Laurel flowers |
The park website is http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.
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