Blog Index

Monday, May 15, 2017

Indian Boundary Lake Trail - Cherokee National Forest


We had an opportunity to revisit the Indian Boundary Lake Trail in early May 2017. The trail loops around Indian Boundary Lake in Cherokee National Forest. To reach the trailhead from Interstate 75, take exit 60 heading east on TN-68 South for 24 miles to Tellico Plains. In Tellico Plains, turn left onto the Cherohala Skyway marked as TN-165 East. Drive 14.3 miles on Cherohala Skyway before turning left at the well-marked intersection with Indian Boundary Road marked as FS -345. Drive 1.3 miles to a T intersection and turn left onto Donnelly Branch Road. Continue as the asphalt surface is replaced with gravel to a large parking area and turnaround at the boat ramp.

We chose to hike the trail in a clockwise manner. The trail is basically flat as it circles the lake. It is a mixed use trail allowing both hiking and bicycling. Although marked in various locations along the trail as being a 3.1 mile loop, the Forest Service website claims it is 3.6 miles. Using a GPS receiver, I've found it to be closer to 3.25 miles. Most of the trail surface is finely crushed gravel. Even though rainfall has been above average for the spring, there were only a few muddy places along the trail.

Our previously documented visits to Indian Boundary Lake were in June 2012 and February 2014.

Topographic map with GPS route

Boat ramp parking area

Trailhead

One of several bridges across streams flowing into the lake

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

One of the many streams flowing into the lake

Example of a new bench and an old one on the trail

The only meadow along the trail

Typical trail condition in an open forest

A short side-trail leads to a bench and a view

A bridge through a rhododendron thicket

Triple-trunk tree

A bridge in the open forest

Reflections

Bowing handrails

A sturdier bridge

View from the bridge

Mountain Laurel past its peak

More reflections

The trail turns off the old roadway

A nice view of the lake

Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)

Open shade along the shore

Mountain Laurel near its peak

Walkway across the dam

The walkway is still single-file

Water flowing over the crest of the dam from above

Water flowing over the dam

Lake view from the end of the dam

Looking back at the dam

View of the swimming area

Another sturdy bridge

Another view of the lake

A fisherman at the volleyball court

A fee is not charged for visitors to hike the Indian Boundary Lake Trail as long as their vehicle is left at the boat ramp parking area. Entrance to the camping and recreation area requires a day use fee of $3 per day per car or a camping fee of $20 ($10 for overflow non-electric sites) per campsite. The day use fee applies to a variety of activities including swimming and picnicking.

The Cherokee National Forest Indian Boundary Lake page is https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35150.

The national forest website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Bald River Falls and Kahuna Falls - Cherokee National Forest


Bald River Falls is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in East Tennessee. At 90 feet, it is also one of the highest. To access the falls from the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in Tellico Plains, drive east on the Skyway (TN 165) for 5.0 miles then turn right on River Road (FS 210) and drive 6.2 miles to the bridge over Bald River. The waterfall will be on your right. Paved parking is available at the far end of the bridge.

To reach the 10-foot high Kahuna Falls, find the trailhead at the east end of the parking area at Bald River Falls. Follow the trail (Cherokee National Forest trail 88) up through a switchback, down a set of stairs, across a sturdy bridge to a vantage point above Bald River Falls. Kahuna Falls is just upstream of the vantage point. Although steep, the trail is very short and should not pose a problem for most visitors. Hiking around waterfalls can be dangerous, so please follow the Forest Service Waterfall Safety Checklist that I've copied below:

Preparing to Visit a National Forest - Waterfalls 
Waterfalls are popular places for viewing, picnicking and wading. While beautiful to see, they often pose risks to unprepared visitors. 
Slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the vicinity of a waterfall. 
  • Know the potential hazards of waterfalls. 
  •  Stay back from the edge. 
  • Avoid slippery rocks. 
  • Wear stable shoes and watch your footing. 
  • Don’t jump off of waterfalls. 
  • Don’t swim in waterfall pools. 
  • Stay out of restricted areas. 
  • Always carry a map of the area. 
  • Wear proper attire. 

We visited in May 2017. Previous visits included June 2012, October 2012, April 2013, and June 2014.

Bald River Falls from FS 210

Bald River Falls from the road bridge

Bald River Falls from downstream


A closer view

CNF trail 88

Bench at switchback

Switchback

Rail post and chain fence

Top of the climb

Sturdy stairs for the descent

Remnants of old asphalt surface

Bridge over a gap in the rock

Upper cascades of Bald River Falls


Bald River between the falls

Kahuna Falls


Open level area above the falls

Cascade on Bald River

First long view upstream

Return to the trailhead parking area

The Cherokee National Forest Bald River Falls page is at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35130.

The national forest website is https://www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee.