It's far worse now than it ever was. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. Hope you prayed for the departed. There are the remnants of an old Cessna plane that crashed there many years ago that you can hike to. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. You will be walking through the quiet woods then all of a sudden the crash appears through the trees. Later we learn there is a hike to a plane crash that can be reach from Waterrock Knob Trail. Dont be disrespectful, dont leave trash behind, dont graffiti the airplane, and dont take anything with you. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. Today the wreckage is still on Browning Knob and is a reminder of the many dangers that are present in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Say hi to the doggy, she called her granddaughter with a wave of her hand. WATERROCK KNOB - 83 Photos & 20 Reviews - Yelp Your email address will not be published. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. A black smoke monster chased him away before he had the chance to look. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. There were several up and down altitude excursions. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. 601. I hollered up the stairs to Marcus, come on, lets go on the hike!. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. I alway come prepared, he said. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. I know its been a minute since you posted, but my husband and I hiked this last week and I am sad to report that it has been re-tagged. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. If you get the chance, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit. Located at Milepost 451.2, it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are also restrooms available and . Sample Page; ; I hung onto his leash with one hand, and used my free hand to grab tree trunks along the trail. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. Unfortunately, we were still unable to witness any of the panoramic views we had heard about, but noticed another trail leading to the left, which lead to the Cessna 414 plane crash. About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. Make sure when you visit, however, that you take care to follow all safety precautions listed by the park in question. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. This site is monitored, so please do not remove any items from the crash. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . Its definitely sad but interesting to see! John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. Waterrock Knob - Blue Ridge Parkway We were nervous we were not going to get a good view of sunset due to the haze and overcast skies, but by the time we arrived back to the parking lot the haze had cleared and we were able to view one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. He went on to explain its an unofficial trail, and the navigation can be treacherous. We talked about the dented metal and torn off debris; and tried to visualize what had happened. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. It was an unspoken closeness she was expressing; after she and I had shared a few things we had in common with our lives. Our drive to Waterrock Knob along the parkway began with sunny skies, but quickly transitioned into an eerie, but mystical, hazy day with fog and clouds sweeping between the mountains as we increased in elevation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Follow this trail for half of a mile to reach Browning Knob. The nicely paved trail eventually transitions into a fairly strenuous trail with many stairs leading the way. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Thats so crazy! Abandoned Plane Crash Remains from 1983 - YouTube If you are spending some time in North Carolina or if you are driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking this trail will make a fantastic addition to your trip. The Waterrock Knob Plane Crash Heres A Step By Step Hiking Guide, these are my favorite beginner hiking shoes, I like to have a couple of these energy gels. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. Have you hiked at Waterrock? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. Waterrock Knob - Wikipedia Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997 Press J to jump to the feed. The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a super neat place to explore and . People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie The Fugitive can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad. Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob | Map, Guide - Sylva, NC | AllTrails Graffiti covered the white paint. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. Accident Cessna 414A Chancellor N6623C, 24 Nov 1983 - Aviation Safety . He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. I used to hike to this as a teenager once every few months and the vandalism and theft has only really started in the past 3 years. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. Waterrock Knob , Maggie Valley - Inspirock WATERROCK KNOB (Maggie Valley) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE - Tripadvisor Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. And one of those trails holds the wreckage of a plane crash from more than 40 years ago. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. Located at Milepost 451.2, it is the sixteenth highest mountain in the East. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. Its a good idea to have someone with you. Read Also: 5 abandoned places in the Smokies you didnt know existed. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and features the last hiking trail along the parkway before reaching the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. But, its a wide trail with plenty of room to stop and catch your breath if you need to. The last recorded elevation of the airplane was about 6,000 ft. And you just stay left. You can find a series of cave trails in North Carolina, including Boones Cave Park whichs great for children, Torys Den Cave which will hustle you to a tiny cave steeped in local history, and Hibriten Cave which requires the work of a GPS to locate the tiny wonder. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. This shed some light on the mystery. Waterrock Knob, Maggie Valley, North Carolina - Hiking Project Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes (30 of the Best Trails!) Hike the relatively easy Waterrock Knob Trail for 0.9 miles: mostly uphill and paved, with impressive views. The hike to the plane crash is about a 2.5 mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. Download Millions Of Videos Online. Areas; NC West and Mountains . Show 9 More Check-Ins May 29, 2018 Rob H. Amazing view I was able to share with my best friend . If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. For mountain views wed recommend Mount Mitchell, standing a whopping 6,684 feet above sea level that allows hikers to see up to 100 miles past the point. I was the first person to arrive at this Crash Site in 1983. An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hes Siennas sloth and he comes on hikes with us . The Perfect 4 Day Miami Itinerary for Travelers. You probably dont need to reminder, but keep in mind it is a site where people died so keep it respectful when you visit. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. Waterrock Knob plane crash is located in Sylvia, North Carolina, right outside of Maggie Valley. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Spinosaurus might still be there close somewhere. 10/10 recommend it as a place to stay, and, wherever you choose, Maggie Valley is a great base for your adventures. Both occupants lost their lives in the crash, so it is important to be respectful of the crash site when visiting. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. After a few hours of homework, I glanced out the window. Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. At least, this was his recollection. The path is clear and paved for the first bit before turning to dirt and leading up several stone staircases. To get here first drive to the visitor center at Waterrock Knob, (one of our favorite places to bring visitors too. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. It was heading to Sylva, just 11 miles from the crash site, but unfortunately they did not make it. Nature brings out the best in people. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. This trail is paved but very steep! Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Both occupants were killed. Offer subject to change without notice. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. It was time to head back. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob - Sylva, North Carolina - Atlas Obscura And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". Let us know in the comments. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. She brushed her hand across the. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. 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. Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? Take a left turn into the forest . Theres a lot of ups and downs so youll probably get a little puffed on the incline, but if you have a reasonable level of fitness, you should be fine. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It was quite a trek! The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. Other than graffiti and parts that have probably been moved around from spectators over the years, the wreckage remains nestled on the Southern Appalachian mountain range between Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. Neither the passenger nor the pilot survived, and the cause of the crash is said to have been a combination of poor visibility and a 0.04 . A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . Headed over to the browning knob/plane crash site, this part of the trail wasn't to hard to follow with AllTrails map downloaded. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and features the last hiking trail along the parkway before reaching the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Skip to main content. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! The hike continues for about .7 milesalong the ridge of the mountainbut with a lot of elevation change (the equivalent of about 68 flights of stairs!) The outdoor adventures found along the parkway include a multitude of trails, visitor centers, and stunning overlooks. I listened intently to his point by point directions. Get more stories delivered right to your email. If you decide to go on this hike, you be challenged, rewarded and you will find a group of trail buddies along the way. Did you know that there are several airplane crashes that have happened in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? This information is added by users of ASN. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. This short trail will lead you down to the site of the airplane crash. We hiked to one of them recently: The wreckage of this particular plane crash has been sitting there for 35 years: The story goes that on November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was flying from West Chicago to the Jackson County Airport here in the NC mountains. Hiking to such a place really gives one time to think and realize how fragile and fleeting life truly is. Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Here are some of the best state parks in North Carolina: The real question iswhat state park shouldnt you visit in North Carolina? There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. Or perhaps in this case, maybe not quite close enough. Located in the Smokey Mountains just outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, this hike is challenging due to its steep ascents and occasional scrambling over fallen trees and thick roots. These knobs will give you a spectacular view of the Blueridge Mountains. Book your tickets online for Waterrock Knob, Maggie Valley: See 321 reviews, articles, and 262 photos of Waterrock Knob, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Maggie Valley. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. PDF Hike to Smoky Mountains plane crash via WaterRock knob Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . Plane crash PARKING LOT Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Waterrock Knob Browning Knob 5719 ft 6292 ft 6240 ft Elevations: Waterrock knob parking lot to peak waterrock peak to Browning Knob Browning knob to plane crash .5 miles .7 miles .05 miles distances: When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. He looked at his daughter, she gets tired easily, so we dont go on long hikes anymore.. The path was straight down the side of the mountain; winding around moss covered trees and through what seemed like mile high pines overhead. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . Elk Knob State Park is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and Hanging Rock State Park has five waterfalls, incredible rock outcroppings, a lake, AND a mountain. Required fields are marked *. Discover our featured content. This trail is rocky, narrow . 0. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. Thank you for reading this post on how to hike to an airplane crash via the Waterrock Knob trail. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. In my blog I never try and say whether you should or shouldnt do a hike. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. Completely agree! We said goodbye to our new friends, and began our adventure. It looks so eerie and such a unique hike. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. Love North Carolina? This spray painted rock points the way. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. PLANE DOWN A plane crash that occurred in November 1983 is now the end-point for an off-beat hike that starts at Waterrock Knob, one of WNC's most popular outdoor destinations. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 692 ftRoute type Out & back. True! . Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob Andrew Plyler (Atlas Obscura User) This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. His pack animal instinct was causing him to be on alert. She brushed her hand across the soft whitish golden fur on Odins head without hesitation. Crash of a Cessna 414A Chancellor in Waynesville: 2 killed Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. Man discovers 35-year-old plane wreckage on Appalachian Trail Its not something you would climb in or on, but it is interesting to see and take some photos of. Mitchell State Park will take you along a rocky, windy path to the top of the mountain, and a hike to Paradise Falls will reward you with stunning, watery views of the hidden waterfall. Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. 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. https://www.baaa-acro.com/sites/default/files/2020-03/N6623C.pdf, http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=6623C, http://videotarts.com/video/6GrSrJC0NAk/abandoned-airplane-in-the-middle-of-the-woods.html, https://www.lilblueboo.com/2018/08/hiking-to-a-plane-crash-in-the-smoky-mountains-via-waterrock-and-browning-knobs.html, Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency], Updated [Time, Operator, Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Embed code, Narrative], Updated [Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative]. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sadly, it is true. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? Both people on board died. He listened intently. Note: When hiking to this area please be respectful of the site. Wed love to hear about them! There are affiliate links included in this post. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. Overall, this is one of the interesting and rewarding hikes that I have been on in North Carolina.My thoughts are with the families of the two lives that were lost in the crash. Pilot error, poor weather conditions, and other fatal mistakes all played a role in the crash that claimed both lives on board. When the weather turned low lying clouds and rain he began ducking the plane under the clouds. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Waterrock Knob Plane Crash - BEST Hike in North Carolina? Some North Carolina Cherokee have been keeping their history alive for decades with a single play. Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. Stay at our historic Sixty-One Park Farmhouse located right in downtown! Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Youre there, its right up ahead. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. Waterrock Knob Plane Crash NC - downsouthliving.org My first thought after the second picture, Theresa falls up the stairs, Theresa falls down the stairs, The occupants died in the crash so that probably adds to that feeling as well, Info on the incident.