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I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. Due to these panoramic views, Waterrock Knob has become one of the most popular locations to witness sunset or sunrise along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I found an article in the Mountaineer called. 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. Just keep an eye out for the small path. 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. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. Our human curiosity about the story, and the image of a plane lasting 36 years out in the elements is what drew us to this place one late summer day in September. 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 rocky, narrow . You can use Waterrock Knob Visitor Center in Google Maps to get to the parking area. This shed some light on the mystery. It was quite an eerie sight! It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. I found an article in the Mountaineer called How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob from Mike Schoeffel. Both occupants were killed. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. While theres the obviously sad nature of why the plane is there to begin with, Im always interested in hikes that have some site, historical or otherwise, to see. We were unfortunately unable to see much from the lookout due to the low lying clouds, but continued on towards our next destination, which was Browning Knob. 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. We passed by the hiker, shoulder-to-shoulder, thanking him for his time, and we followed the path through the brush. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Its going to work your legs. Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. His pack animal instinct was causing him to be on alert. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. Located just 18 miles from the southern end of the Parkway and farther away from larger cities, it has a more remote and quiet feel to it. This shed some light on the mystery. Waterrock Knob is best known for the hiking trail to its summit. 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. 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. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. 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. This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. The pilot was also determined to have been impaired, with a blood alcohol content of 0.04%. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Thank you! The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway.Located at Milepost 451.2 (just 18 miles from the end of the Parkway), it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.This peak (6,292 ft.) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States - and the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 feet. Spinosaurus might still be there close somewhere. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Tragic story. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. 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 . The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. THIS NEARLY 40-YEAR-OLD PLANE WRECKAGE is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage.. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. Its not right off the side after the knob and its NOT.. And its very very difficult and could take hours. If youre looking for a hike with a view, wed recommend catching the sunset on Green Knob, or perhaps hiking Looking Glass Rock for the mountaintop views. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . And some of the trees along the trail have been marked with yellow spray paint to make it easier. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. Hi Ace, it seems you mightve mixed up what Ive written because I never said its on the right after the knob. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the, Feeling the Energy at The Airport Mesa Vortex, A Trail of Luminaries through Old Town Albuquerque. I saw families with kids doing the trail while I was there and people with dogs I took my dog too. It was time to head back. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. Both occupants were killed. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. Certainly, it is a stark reminder of how powerless we really are in the face of nature. Thank you! Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. The white aluminum caught my attention; nestled in a downward section of the mountain in a quiet place among trees and other plant life. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. This information is added by users of ASN. Yes. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Discover our featured content. Two people died in this crash. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. I think about how this section of the mountain range probably wasnt a trail at the time. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. A black smoke monster chased him away before he had the chance to look. fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. The entire trek to the plane and back is a little more than two miles round trip. Why did the plane remain? The views are epic and sweeping: I was confused. Its a good idea to have someone with you. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Hiked 10/30 2nd time doing this trail and 2nd time doing the entire thing in the clouds!! What! My son-in-law, grandson and I hiked up Waterrock Knob and followed the one mile plus trail to the site of a plane crash on the side of this mountain. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA This leads down the mountainside for approximately 200 yards to reach the crash site. Both occupants lost their lives in the crash, so it is important to be respectful of the crash site when visiting. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Where can I hike to a cave in North Carolina? Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. . These knobs will give you a spectacular view of the Blueridge Mountains. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. I wrote about it here in 2015. This short trail will lead you down to the site of the airplane crash. Shortly after taking the detour to the left (approximately 0.3 miles from Browning Knob) we saw the plane crash in the distance, admidst the trees and haze. It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. The rest of the debris is slowly being reclaimed by the forest or has been carried off by visitors over the years. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. 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. The main reason we stopped was to walk to the plane crash site, about 2.5 miles off the main trail. Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Love North Carolina? Both people on board died. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. The young girl was about eight-years-old. If you decide to go on this hike, you be challenged, rewarded and you will find a group of trail buddies along the way. There's a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so it's worth checking out. True! The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. Ive always wanted to visit North Carolina! Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. A mountain dog in his element! It is easy to take a wrong turn in the forest, so be sure to pay attention to the yellow markers on the trees leading the way along the trail. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. It would be nice to get that garbage off of the ground. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Of course, many people come to Waterrock Knob to also hike to a tragic plane crash site. Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. 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. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. Did you see the plane crash site? They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. 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. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Follow this trail for half of a mile to reach Browning Knob. If you are interested in hiking to this airplane crash, you also will probably enjoy hiking to Shuckstack Fire Tower. He listened intently. An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. 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: Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! Beware. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. 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. Headed over to the browning knob/plane crash site, this part of the trail wasn't to hard to follow with AllTrails map downloaded. Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? Stay left.. Debris is scattered everywhere in about a 20 to 30 foot radius. Nature brings out the best in people. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. And, in the solitude of the trail embarrassed us once again. Dont be disrespectful, dont leave trash behind, dont graffiti the airplane, and dont take anything with you. The path is clear and paved for the first bit before turning to dirt and leading up several stone staircases. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . These cookies do not store any personal information. The hike is about 2 miles long. By checking this, you agree to our Privacy Policy. I created a visual picture of the place in my mind as he talked. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. This one is a fairly easy trail in terms of skill. Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. Will you be taking the hike? If you choose to click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small fee at no additional cost to you. Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Her voice had an upward inflection. When I can make the trip Ill definitely consider doing this hike, it seems like an interesting one I had no idea how dangerous the Smoky Mountains were for planes. I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. ???? The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. And, a Hawaiian woman who I will most likely never see again, held my hand, as if she were one of my closest friends. She brushed her hand across the. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. On November 24, 1983, two pilots began their flight from DuPage Airport in West Chicago headed to Jackson County Airport, North Carolina. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? Have you hiked to this plane crash before? Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. Read more . In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. It's far worse now than it ever was. Stay at our historic Sixty-One Park Farmhouse located right in downtown! January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. Martin had emigrated from Germany sometime after the war, building a company and a fortune in the Chicago area.