We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. ???? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. You take the Waterrock Knob Trail, he said. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob - Sylva, North Carolina - Atlas Obscura Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Only a short detour off the beaten path of one of North Carolina's most notable sunset hikes, lies a Cessna 414 plane crash site full of eerie history. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Man discovers 35-year-old plane wreckage on Appalachian Trail This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I think he and his parents were Hawaiian. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. Hope you prayed for the departed. On November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was en route to the Jackson County Airport from Chicago when it crashed into the mountainside just before 6:00 pm. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. When the weather turned low lying clouds and rain he began ducking the plane under the clouds. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. Especially for people that think its a hour hike People ruin a lot of stuff but the tagging doesnt seem to take away the fact its a plane way way way out in the woods. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. In 1983, this Cessna 414 was traveling from Chicago, IL to a small airport in western North Carolina. Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! Your email address will not be published. The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. The outdoor adventures found along the parkway include a multitude of trails, visitor centers, and stunning overlooks. From Waterrock Knob, which is named for the spring near the summit where hunters would refill their canteens, the trail is small, mostly unmarked and easily missed. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. He listened intently. Graffiti covered the white paint. Deep & Dark Mammoth Cave: Like Navigating Another World, Woodfin Cascades: Best Kept Secret Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, Finding My Life Purpose and Passion in Happy Trails, Success Isnt About Money When Your Heart is in the Game. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. You are at Browning Knob as soon as you start to see the views again: Once over to Browning Knob, youll notice another small unmarked trail to the left. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. I found the spray paint trail markings most helpful since some of the ties had been blown away in storms, When you come to this clearing, take the path left (this spray painted rock points the way) and you are very close to the crash. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. The young girl was about eight-years-old. Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. At least, this was his recollection. The rest of the debris is slowly being reclaimed by the forest or has been carried off by visitors over the years. After you take in the scenery at the top, go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob. The visitor center building with restrooms in the building on the left, This sign points out the start of the trail. Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. Watch premium and official videos free online. Sylva, North Carolina. The hike back to the parking lot was just as arduous as the hike to the crash site, and ended up being about a 2.5 mile hike round trip. 8 Best Things To Do In Charlotte North Carolina, Appalachian Trail Day Hike Essentials That You Need, Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, 7 Reasons Why I am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Update: I Am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2022, Appalachian Approach Trail: Everything You Need to Know, How to Visit Chichen Itza: Ultimate Guide for Travelers, Hiking Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. Leave the crash site (and the trail) exactly as they were before your hike. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob While sad, this hike is definitely unique and interesting. Two people died in this crash. It was an unspoken closeness she was expressing; after she and I had shared a few things we had in common with our lives. This trail is paved but very steep! I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. Both passengers aboard died as a result. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. The plane was inbound from Chicago on November 24th, 1983. The views are epic and sweeping: Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Her voice had an upward inflection. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Just keep an eye out for the small path. Its getting harder and harder to find safe abandoned places in North Carolina, so wed highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity while you still can. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. At the top of Waterrock Knob, you will get a great view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For this portion of the trail, it is important to follow the yellow markers painted on the trees to make sure you stay on the correct trail. Rethink that selfie. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. You can use 'Waterrock Knob Visitor Center' in Google Maps to get to the parking area. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. on How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob, How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob. Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. - Cause: Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. 10 Picturesque Trails In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, Everyone In North Carolina Should See Whats Inside The Gates Of This Abandoned Theme Park, Most People Dont Know North Carolina Has A Fairy Trail And Its Positively Magical, The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail In North Carolina Takes You From Water To The Mountaintop And Back, The North Carolina State Park Where You Can Hike Across A Stone Bridge, A Metal Bridge, And A Wooden Bridge Is A Grand Adventure, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned School Hidden In North Carolina, Theres A Covered Bridge Trail In North Carolina And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of, This Abandoned Speedway In North Carolina Once Hosted The Best Races In NASCAR History. as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . . It crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. WATERROCK KNOB (Maggie Valley) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE - Tripadvisor Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. There are also restrooms available and . Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. The probable cause of the airplane crash was slight intoxication of the pilot, lack of experience flying in the mountains, and inclement weather that caused low visibility.