Falls Branch Falls: Cherohala Skyway’s Best-Kept Secret!

A hike that involves descending cables, scrambling over rocks, crossing rivers, and standing beneath a 70-foot waterfall?! Sign me up!

Get ready to hike to Falls Branch Falls, one of the Cherohala Skyway’s best-kept secrets.

girl standing at the base of falls branch falls in tennessee

Before you venture to Falls Branch Falls, there are a few things you should know. As a local Tennessean who’s hiked this trail and explored this waterfall, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Falls Branch Falls Trail.

In this detailed guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best time to go, when the waterfall is usually flowing, what to bring, important know-before-you-go info, and exactly what to expect as you hike this unforgettable waterfall trail from start to finish.

Table of Contents

Falls Branch Falls Trail Guide

girl hiking the cable section on falls branch falls trail in tennessee

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Directions, Parking & Hours

Falls Branch Falls is located in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, tucked inside the Citico Creek Wilderness and directly off the Cherohala Skyway.

Just a short drive from Knoxville, this iconic mountain road is one of my go-to day trips. There’s no shortage of scenic views, hikes, waterfalls, and hidden gems to explore along the way – one of which is Falls Branch Falls!

To reach the Falls Branch Falls trailhead from Tellico Plains, hop on the windy, paved Cherohala Skyway. The small parking area is about 22 miles from the Visitor Center, on the left side of the road. Look for the “Rattlesnake” sign; this is the trailhead parking lot! It doubles as an overlook pull-off. Get Google Maps directions here.

While the Cherohala Skyway’s roadways and trails are open 24/7, weather permitting, hiking is strongly advised during daylight hours only – from sunrise to sunset.

Know Before You Go

Leashed dogs are allowed at Falls Branch Falls. Please pick up after your pet! Dispose of any waste in the trash cans at the trailhead.

Cell service is nonexistent. Download driving directions and trail maps ahead of time. Get AllTrails+, the best beginner-friendly trail navigation app, for 30% off with my code alexysabroad30.

Please Leave No Trace when recreating outdoors. Leave the trail, rivers, roadways, and waterfalls exactly as you find them. Please do not carve into the trees, do not move or stack rocks, and do not pluck wildflowers. And make sure to pack out all of your trash.

Bonus points if you bring a trash bag and pick up other hikers’ garbage along the way!

When to Hike to Falls Branch Falls

girl walking at the base of falls branch falls in tennessee

girl hiking on falls branch falls trail in tennessee

The Falls Branch Falls Trail and waterfall are stunning year-round! However, the best time to go will depend on your priorities.

The waterfall is usually at its heaviest flow in the winter and spring, while summer brings the warmest air and water temperatures.

So if you want warm swimming temperatures, go in the summer. If you prioritize low crowds and flowing falls and don’t want to swim, go in the winter or early spring.

We hiked to Falls Branch Falls in early December. Temperatures were perfect for hiking, the waterfall was flowing nicely, and there were no crowds. Win, win, win!

NOTE: Since this trail sits at a high elevation (over 4,000 feet), the trail can get icy/snowy in the winter months. And the waterfall can even freeze over! Bring microspikes to help you gain traction on the steep sections near the waterfall.

What to Bring

Here are some essentials to bring for your day hike to Falls Branch Falls:

10 essentials – Don’t hike without packing these items
Day pack – To store all of your essentials
GoPro – Having a waterproof camera around waterfalls is a must
Packed lunch – Have a picnic with a view by the waterfall
Trekking poles – To help with the steep parts
Microspikes – For winter hikes
Swimsuit and towel – To swim at the falls in the warmer months

Falls Branch Falls Trail Description

Length: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 541 feet
Type of Trail: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate

Once you’re parked at the Rattlesnake overlook, head to the lower left side of the lot near the trash bins. The trail to Falls Branch Falls starts here!

You won’t see any trail signs until you descend to the bottom of the hill. Quickly, you’ll approach a junction and see a sign marking the wilderness area trails.

Head left at the junction to get to the waterfall. Heading right would take you on the Jeffrey Hell Trail.

The first 0.9 miles is just a gradual descent through the forest. It is actually an old forest road, so it’s nicely graded as it winds between the trees.

At the 0.9-mile mark, the trail veers right and leaves the old forest road. This section becomes noticeably steeper, with cables installed along part of it to assist hikers. These cables are especially helpful during icy or wet conditions.

At the 1.2-mile mark, you’ll approach the Falls Branch River. It’s at this point that you can see Falls Branch Falls – just upstream!

If you’d like to get a closer view of the waterfall (which I recommend), cross the river using the help of some large boulders. Duck between two flat-faced rocks (pictured below, on the left) and then turn right to walk along the left side of the creek.

At this point, it is a bit of a scramble to get to the base of the waterfall. You’ll have to climb up some rocks for about a tenth of a mile, twisting and turning through brush to reach the falls. But I promise the effort is worth it to get an up-close view of the falls!

Falls Branch Falls plunges 70 feet down a jagged rock wall, spilling into a shallow pool. With the help of some big boulders, you can make your way pretty close to the base of the falls without getting wet.

If the weather is warm enough, you can step into the pool and stand directly under the waterfall. Just use caution; there are strong currents and swirling cascades downstream!

Once you’re ready to head back, retrace your steps to get back to the trailhead.

Falls Branch Falls FAQs

How Tall is Falls Branch Falls?

70 feet!

How Hard Is the Hike to Falls Branch Falls?

A majority of the trail follows an old forest road, making it easy overall. The trail earns its “moderate” rating in the final third of a mile, where it drops steeply toward the river, crosses the water, and winds over rocky terrain.

Cables are installed in one section, but you’ll still need to do some minor unassisted scrambling to get down to the river and up to the base of the falls.

What Else Is There to Do on the Cherohala Skyway?

So much! Besides driving the 51-mile road from Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC, I’d hike to Huckleberry Knob and Hooper Bald, paddle Indian Boundary Lake, and stop by Bald River Falls and Baby Falls.

Need a 3-day itinerary? Good news – I’ve already written one! Read my Cherohala Skyway itinerary here.