Sylva, North Carolina. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island, The Paratethys Sea Was the Largest Lake in Earths History, How Communities Are Uncovering Untold Black Histories, The Medieval Thieves Who Used Cats, Apes, and Turtles as Accomplices, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/waterrock-knob-trail. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. Rethink that selfie. - Cause: Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. 10 Tips for Safe Travel: How to Travel the World Safely! Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. You probably dont need to reminder, but keep in mind it is a site where people died so keep it respectful when you visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. 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. 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]. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. And be prepared. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. It is definitely a unique hike, Although this is a site created by a tragic event, I really like sites like these abandoned buildings, vehicles, planes, etc., purely for the artistic side of them. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. We said goodbye to our new friends, and began our adventure. Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. Two people died in this crash. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. 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. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. When we arrived to the crash site, the scene was completely somber and serene. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfortunately, since the internet has connected everyone. Its definitely sad but interesting to see! Retumbo 8lbsIn addition, it is an Extreme Powder, making it perfect for big game hunting under all types of. Note: When hiking to this area please be respectful of the site. Your email address will not be published. There are also restrooms by the visitor center which is your last chance to go before you start hiking. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. It was quite a trek! Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. However, by eight-years-old he wasnt getting free ride. Everything but the engines still remains at the crash site. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. 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. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . You can use Waterrock Knob Visitor Center in Google Maps to get to the parking area. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. For us, this happens on most weekends. 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 use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . We found out how you can hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina, and have all the necessary details below. And you just stay left. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys! After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. Then I looked at my pictures from a year out so ago and realized that indeed it has been cleaned. All we could hear was brushing of leaves and distant howls from the wind. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. 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. Did you see the plane crash site? He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. We took some time along the hike back to really appreciate the beauty of the forest and fall foliage. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. And, in the solitude of the trail embarrassed us once again. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE PRINTABLE TRAVEL PLANNER! 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. The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles, most of which are right here in North Carolina. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob. One wing torn off, the cockpit exposed, no windshield. 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. Haha good call. 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. 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. 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. 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 Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. It looks so eerie and such a unique hike. Youll have to be real careful, He said. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. The human remains, of course, were returned to the family, and the engines and anything else of value were salvaged. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. Youre there, its right up ahead. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. 601. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. 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. 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. . The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information. In November of 1983, a combination of poor weather and alcohol led to the crash of a small Cessna 414A plane, killing all on board. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. As it turned out, the plane could have made it over the mountain if it had been about 150 feet higher! 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. After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. To start the trail, you simply follow the hike to Waterrock Knob. . Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. The trail begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and continues for a quarter mile up a well-marked, paved path to an observation point . Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Thank you for sharing. Show 9 More Check-Ins May 29, 2018 Rob H. Amazing view I was able to share with my best friend . 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. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. True! Skip to main content. 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. We started early, only 3 other cars in lot. We don't recommend it, but you can reach the site by hiking to Waterrock Knob's summit (0.5 miles) and then to the top of Browning Knob (0.5 miles). Sadly, it is true. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! - pay close attention to the ground about 50' from the top of Waterrock Knob and you'll see a faded blue arrow spray painted on a large, flat rock. A soft warm breeze touched my face, and finally got me to take action. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA
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