Accessibility – Moderate
Height: 50′ (2 drops)
Distance – 1.2 miles (out and back)
Beauty – 7
Photo rating – 7
Solitude – 9
*GPS Info: LAT 35.25993 LONG -84.04886
Last updated – 12-26-2024
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*GPS is for the upper drop
Parking: Parking for Tellico Falls is at the intersection of Davis Creek Road and the gated River Road that is part of the OHV system. The intersection is about a mile from the NC/TN state line. The intersection is at 35.25983, -84.07288. On my visit, the gate was open and I drove most of the way to the falls. I have no idea is the gate is always open or not. The road was in decent shape, but where were some bumps and large rocks. I parked when I got to a crossing of the Tellico River, shaving about 1.2 miles off the hike in each direction.
The hike: The hike continues on river road with a crossing of the Tellico River. The road picks up on the other side and is easily followed to the falls. My hike was 0.6 each way thanks to the open gate. If the gate were closed, it would have brought the total to 3 miles round trip, and after a four hour drive to the TH, the extra miles wouldn’t have been an issue. The road is on river right as it approaches the falls, and you can see both drops clearly from above on the way in. Getting to the base of the respective drops isn’t an issue, and after driving all day to reach the trailhead, I doubt you’re itching to get behind the wheel without taking some time to enjoy the waterfall. FWIW, during my 500 List journey, this was the trailhead furthest from my house. I need a better picture of the lower drop, but I’m not sure I’m going to get out that way anytime soon.
