As sad as it is it would be interesting to see this in person especially a plane from the 80s! To find the plane crash, you hike to a clearing called Waterrock Knob, and take the trail to the left that leads to Browning Knob. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob. We found out how you can hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina, and have all the necessary details below. Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and its always one that I recommend to visitors. . What a good movie. The main reason we stopped was to walk to the plane crash site, about 2.5 miles off the main trail. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Quiet reflection will force you to be in the moment with your thoughts. We did this short hike a few weeks ago..You really should take the side trip to Browning Knob and see the old plane crash..Only an extra mile or so. Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. This shed some light on the mystery. I noticed it as a gap in the tall grass at first. Let us know in the comments. Waterrock Knob About 35 minutes away, you can get to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. Show 9 More Check-Ins May 29, 2018 Rob H. Amazing view I was able to share with my best friend . Weather was likely a factor in this plane crash nearly 40 years ago in North Carolina, where the wreckage remains (photo by Justin Colburn/Alamy stock). Beautiful sunset, viewed from the Waterrock Knob parking lot upon returning after the hike. A mountain dog in his element! The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches some of its highest points in the Waterrock Knob area, including Richland Balsam (highest point on the Parkway) and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (highest visitor center on the Parkway). If you are interested in hiking to this airplane crash, you also will probably enjoy hiking to Shuckstack Fire Tower. The crash site was eerie, especially knowing that my dad was piloting a similar plane in the 1990s and survived a crash. OP watch out for dinos!! Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. The path was straight down the side of the mountain; winding around moss covered trees and through what seemed like mile high pines overhead. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. . Watch premium and official videos free online. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. If you follow that trail for a little bit you will see a tree with the following signs on it: Yes, there are warningsmake sure you tell someone where you are hiking just in case! GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Neither the pilot nor passenger survived. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. The two men onboard didn't survive the crash. 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. Have you hiked at Waterrock? All rights reserved. Pilot error, poor weather conditions, and other fatal mistakes all played a role in the crash that claimed both lives on board. 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. Harold Blackwood photo. Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . Both occupants were killed. Youre there, its right up ahead. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. Graffiti covered the white paint. This trail is paved but very steep! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The nearly 360-degree view from Waterrock Knob stretches the eyes over the heart of the Southern Highlands - including . (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfortunately, since the internet has connected everyone. Its a paved path and well signed so all you need to do is look out for it. Have you ever been to this crash site before? Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. 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. Then I looked at my pictures from a year out so ago and realized that indeed it has been cleaned. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? I usually describe this kind of place as Narnia: Its not the easiest hike, but very doable if you can climb over fallen trees and jump across some small mud pits: The canopy is pretty thick so the vegetation is mostly ferns, fungi and mosswhich I love: Theres a lot of photograph if you take your time: This looked like a waterfall of roots to me.a rootfall? 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. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. Tragic story. 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. There are no engines at the site as they were salvaged soon after the crash. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. There were several up and down altitude excursions. 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. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Just before you reach the last stretch of trail to the top, you should see a fairly obvious trail leading off to the left, marked with flagging tape. Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. The Mixa' hike Waterrock Knob. Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Thank you! I think about the moments before, during and after the crash. A black smoke monster chased him away before he had the chance to look. In my opinion the trail is intermediate because its unmaintained so you are hiking over a lot of tree roots and it requires more awareness to keep on track. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information. 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. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Here are some of the best state parks in North Carolina: The real question iswhat state park shouldnt you visit in North Carolina? Certainly, it is a stark reminder of how powerless we really are in the face of nature. 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. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 451.2 into the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center located inSylva, NC to begin the hike to the crash site. It rises a total of 2,000 feet in just about three . 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. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. Recommendations: We highly recommend a hike to Waterrock Knob to visitors in the Maggie Valley/Waynesville area. 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. For us, this happens on most weekends. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. The moderately difficult two-mile hike begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina. 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. Hiked 10/30 2nd time doing this trail and 2nd time doing the entire thing in the clouds!! Both occupants were killed. 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 of the valley below. 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. The hike is about 2 miles long. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. It was time to head back. Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. There are some days when you really get the itch to go on a hike. Didn't spend to much time up at Waterrock because of the wind. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. At one point, I said something funny. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. Press J to jump to the feed. As interesting as the crash site can be, it was important for us to remember the two pilots who lost their lives in this very spot and treat the area with respect. Earlier this month, Robert Hawkins, 66, discovered what he believes to be what remains of a 1979 plane crash in the Bald Knob area of the trail, near the three-county border of Amherst, Nelson and . 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. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Shuckstack Fire Tower is an old fire observatory tower in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! Waterrock Knob is best known for the hiking trail to its summit. GPS coordinates: 3527'37.2N 8308'27.0W. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its not very far: I wouldnt ever go alone to the crash, or too close to dusk. Completely agree! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I smiled and turned in the other direction. Hiking to such a place really gives one time to think and realize how fragile and fleeting life truly is. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA 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!) This popular trail goes to the Waterrock Knob summit. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina . Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. He went on to explain its an unofficial trail, and the navigation can be treacherous. Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. 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. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! 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. First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. 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. Its definitely sad but interesting to see! 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. Graffiti covered the white paint. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Hiked to this wreck back in the 90s when I went to school at Western Carolina University. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. 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]. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. . Its a sudden break from solitude to a social experience. He listened intently. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. I took some photos of the wreckage, and I have even more mental photos to share through written words. After crossing snowbird VOR the aircraft turned south and again there were altitude excursions. Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. 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. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the position of the plane on the ground seemed to reveal clues about the crash. Hiking down the mountainside to the crash was surreal. 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. ???? There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. 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. Pedestrian killed by car on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. A museum celebrating rare American motorcycles where everything runsand none of it quietly. It is equal parts morbid and fascinating. Shame how some ruin it for everyone. fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. She hung on to me for several minutes. This half mile trail climbs all the way to the peak. I found an article in the Mountaineer called. And you just stay left. After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. 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. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. This hike is definitely worth it! I was the first person to arrive at this Crash Site in 1983. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Fort Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sylva, North Carolina. Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. Of course, many people come to Waterrock Knob to also hike to a tragic plane crash site. It's far worse now than it ever was. A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a FREE PRINTABLE TRAVEL PLANNER! There are affiliate links included in this post. It was an attempt to keep his bearings, which the FAA referred to as up and down altitude excursions. You can use Waterrock Knob Visitor Center in Google Maps to get to the parking area. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Look at a map before you go as it's a little tricky. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. Thats what I usually use to book accommodation when I travel and I can always find a good deal there. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Or have you already been out to see it before? Waterrock Knob is a hidden gem on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Id like to know why the plane was left there. This spray painted rock points the way. True! Haha good call. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. Thank you for sharing. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. Jun 25, 2018. Youll have to be real careful, He said. Ask me how someday? 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. go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. The beginning portion of the trail, although still steep, is paved in between stair sections. 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. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. Stay left.. Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. Yes. Odins ears perked up. If you decide to go on this hike, you be challenged, rewarded and you will find a group of trail buddies along the way. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. If you are facing the visitor center, the trail follows an incline on the right. Or perhaps in this case, maybe not quite close enough. I love to hike! Sadly, it is true. How are you!, She responded, I never run into you outside of work., We asked about the crash. Read Also: 5 abandoned places in the Smokies you didnt know existed. And, a Hawaiian woman who I will most likely never see again, held my hand, as if she were one of my closest friends. Thankfully, though, there are only a few places where you'll stumble upon airplane crash ruins in North Carolina. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. Offer subject to change without notice. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. I asked the family if theyd been to the plane crash. Stay at our historic Sixty-One Park Farmhouse located right in downtown! What are the most beautiful hikes in North Carolina? You also could like hiking at Deep Creek. 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. 10/10 recommend it as a place to stay, and, wherever you choose, Maggie Valley is a great base for your adventures. Keep these hiking tips in mind: It is important to remember that the two men on the airplane died in the crash. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. "I think I'm going to throw another key on the fire!". An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. The last recorded elevation of the airplane was about 6,000 ft. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Hike the relatively easy Waterrock Knob Trail for 0.9 miles: mostly uphill and paved, with impressive views. Its not something you would climb in or on, but it is interesting to see and take some photos of. His pack animal instinct was causing him to be on alert. 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. The plane slammed into the mountain, killing Martin and his passenger immediately. 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. I was ahead of Marcus with Odin on his leash in the lead. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys! 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. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. Sample Page; ; A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . 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. The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. Once at Browning Knob (big obvious clearing on the top of a mountain), there's another trail off to the left, which leads down to the crashed Cessna 414. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. I found an article in the Mountaineer called How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob from Mike Schoeffel. This is very interesting and eerie at the same time. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. Debris is scattered everywhere in about a 20 to 30 foot radius. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Read more . The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. Beware. 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 . Her voice had an upward inflection. No purchase necessary. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. 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. We started early, only 3 other cars in lot. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! Wed love to hear about them! North Carolina Hiking: Cessna 414 Plane Crash & Sunset at Waterrock Knob. After reaching the Waterrock Knob lookout, you will see a trail to the left. Photos (3,774) Directions. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! The two of them squatted down beside Odin. To get here first drive to the visitor center at Waterrock Knob, (one of our favorite places to bring visitors too.
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