I wrote about it here in 2015. This information is added by users of ASN. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . 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. Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. 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. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To learn more, clickhere. ???? No purchase necessary. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. We started early, only 3 other cars in lot. She was a quick talker. 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. Later we learn there is a hike to a plane crash that can be reach from Waterrock Knob Trail. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. Its not too far from where you live. He continued by describing how this plane had crashed sometime in the 70s off the Blue Ridge Parkway. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Completely agree! It's far worse now than it ever was. Waterrock Knob About 35 minutes away, you can get to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. An ideal spot for watching sunrise and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. The nearly 360-degree view from Waterrock Knob stretches the eyes over the heart of the Southern Highlands - including . The young girl was about eight-years-old. Where To Swim At Jordan Lake, NC Complete Beach Hopping Guide, Glamping In North Carolina Heres How To Plan Your Off The Grid Adventure, Heres Why You Gotta Visit The Worlds Largest Strawberry Building In NC. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link. Hope you prayed for the departed. 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. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. The last recorded elevation of the airplane was about 6,000 ft. To start the trail, you simply follow the hike to Waterrock Knob. Im pretty sure there are some ghosts there. Both occupants lost their lives in the crash, so it is important to be respectful of the crash site when visiting. I love to hike! Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Read more about my story here. 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. 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. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. Can Sacred Places Impact Our Energy and Our Mood? Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage. You will hike to the beautiful Waterrock knob and Browning knob on your way to the plane crash site. Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. In order to reach the site of the airplane crash, you will need to start off on the Waterrock Knob trail located off of mile marker 451 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. There are very few small plane crash sites in North Carolina, and you can find one of them hidden deep in the woods on a trail that runs along a ridge. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. 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. Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. 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: We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. Its a good idea to have someone with you. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. . 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. 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. 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. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. Pilot error, poor weather conditions, and other fatal mistakes all played a role in the crash that claimed both lives on board. I was confused. This Guide Will Help You Decide, BREAKING: Gatlinburg SkyTrail at SkyLift Park is now open, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Land of Oz in NC: What its like to visit the once-closed theme park, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. Odins ears perked up. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Both occupants were killed. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Graffiti covered the white paint. A mountain dog in his element! Youll have to be real careful, He said. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. Martin had emigrated from Germany sometime after the war, building a company and a fortune in the Chicago area. I was getting Uncharted 1 vibes. 0. Why did the plane remain? Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. Hiking to such a place really gives one time to think and realize how fragile and fleeting life truly is. After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? 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. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. 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. Fair weather clouds against a pale blue sky and the Great Smoky Mountains waiting for me. The unpredictable weather off a mountain range estimated to sit about 6000 feet above sea level, can change drastically in a short time. Waterrock Knob is a mountain peak in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Ask me how someday? I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. Dont be disrespectful, dont leave trash behind, dont graffiti the airplane, and dont take anything with you. When we arrived to the crash site, the scene was completely somber and serene. It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Land of Oz features an immersive experience based on the iconic story of the Wizard of Oz, including characters, the yellow brick road and a visit to Emerald City (photos and compilation by TheSmokies.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Will you be taking the hike? The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. I stayed here and it was just awesome. - Cause: Quiet reflection will force you to be in the moment with your thoughts. Its a sudden break from solitude to a social experience. The crash site was eerie, especially knowing that my dad was piloting a similar plane in the 1990s and survived a crash. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. It was fantastic to have breakfast on the porch, sit by the fire in the evenings, and soak in the jacuzzi at night while watching glow bugs. Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and its always one that I recommend to visitors. This trail is rocky, narrow . An old airplane engine forms an unusual cairn atop this Moroccan peak. It was heading to Sylva, just 11 miles from the crash site, but unfortunately they did not make it. Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Waterrock Knob plane crash is located in Sylvia, North Carolina, right outside of Maggie Valley. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. 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. The plane was inbound from Chicago on November 24th, 1983. Packing the right day hike essentials is super important for your trip. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. Download Millions Of Videos Online. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA 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. For us, this happens on most weekends. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. But, its a wide trail with plenty of room to stop and catch your breath if you need to. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. At one point, I said something funny. There is a visitor center at mile marker 451 so you can park and use the restroom before your hike. The cause of the crash was determined to be a combination of weather conditions/poor visibility and alcohol (the pilots blood alcohol level was 0.04%). 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 Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. 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But the hike is definitley one of my favorites. Follow the yellow markers painted on the trees. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. Oh and also, fuck Lauren and Trent . Your pictures were fabulous! The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. A museum celebrating rare American motorcycles where everything runsand none of it quietly. Its not right off the side after the knob and its NOT.. And its very very difficult and could take hours. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. Ernest Martin, founder and owner of Martin Tool Works, Inc., was the he in question. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. Say hi to the doggy, she called her granddaughter with a wave of her hand. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. It was also pretty easy to follow the well worn path just by looking as well, but the spray painted markings definitely made it easier. Great eye! Most often these travelers offer an interesting departure from the quiet along the trail. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. It crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. Be sure to wear hiking boots because the trail is rocky, dont forget your reusable water bottle, and bring a map and compass in case you get lost. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. Browning Knob is less traveled and isolated from other official National Park Service trails. The hike offers epic and sweeping views of the North Carolina mountains, including from one of the spurs, a glimpse of Ghost Town in Maggie Valley off in the distance. 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 . This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Waterrock Knob [Suggest Edits] 10 votes.