. What a good movie. The tension on the leash propelled me forward and seemed to make the climb easier for me. Take this trail. 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. 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 . We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. How to Get There. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. Get more stories delivered right to your email. He listened intently. The Mixa' hike Waterrock Knob. At the top of Waterrock Knob, you will get a great view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in 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. 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. Perfect for escaping the crowds you sometimes find at other park locations! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. I was getting Uncharted 1 vibes. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. Nature brings out the best in people. I was confused. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. What! It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. Note: When hiking to this area please be respectful of the site. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Thank you for sharing. The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys! It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. After crossing snowbird VOR the aircraft turned south and again there were altitude excursions. Of course, many people come to Waterrock Knob to also hike to a tragic plane crash site. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. The Perfect 4 Day Miami Itinerary for Travelers. from Mike Schoeffel. Thank you! Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. 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. I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. Would you hike to this abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina? As it turned out, the plane could have made it over the mountain if it had been about 150 feet higher! You can un-subscribe at any time. Haha good call. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. Plane Crash Site from 1983, Waterrock Knob, North Carolina, USA. 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. 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: 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. Required fields are marked *. Now it's as worse as it's ever been. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. We all know that North Carolina has much to offer; however, it's home to only one known plane crash site. 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. Are you talking about the plane crash site? I asked. 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. 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). First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! A mountain dog in his element! Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. There are the remnants of an old Cessna plane that crashed there many years ago that you can hike to. And be prepared. The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Youre there, its right up ahead. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. Experience this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Sylva, North Carolina. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Love North Carolina? Much of the eight-seat Cessna 414A is still up there on the mountain. Finding the summit is easy as the trail turns towards . Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. In 1983, this Cessna 414 was traveling from Chicago, IL to a small airport in western North Carolina. Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. This leads down the mountainside for approximately 200 yards to reach the crash site. The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. This spray painted rock points the way. I think about how this section of the mountain range probably wasnt a trail at the time. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. Oh and also, fuck Lauren and Trent . See All . Beautiful sunset, viewed from the Waterrock Knob parking lot upon returning after the hike. Both occupants were killed. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. - 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. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. Your email address will not be published. Two people died in this crash. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. There are also restrooms available and . The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. He was just a little low.. She brushed her hand across the. It was an attempt to keep his bearings, which the FAA referred to as up and down altitude excursions. Graffiti covered the white paint. A highly-rated trail for hikers and explorers alike, the trail is two miles . Your email address will not be published. At one point, I said something funny. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. Its not too far to travel from my home in Toronto. Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. Have you hiked to this plane crash before? 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. Some North Carolina Cherokee have been keeping their history alive for decades with a single play. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. Both people on board died. Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and its always one that I recommend to visitors. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. Sample Page; ; 2023 Atlas Obscura. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! If youve never been to Bryson City you need to visit! Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. 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. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. The airplane never reached its destination and the two people on board were killed in the crash. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. Head down that trail about 100 feet and you should see the plane in the distance down the hill. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. They would never reach their destination, and the aftermath of the crash has lied deep in the mountains of North Carolina ever since. Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. Beware. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. If they had only been flying a little bit higher, they probably would have reached their destination. I was confused. Did you see the plane crash site? You said in your writing of finding plane. To learn more, clickhere. 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. Rethink that selfie. To start the trail, you simply follow the hike to Waterrock Knob. It has a bit of wow factor yet its eerie all at once. The two of them squatted down beside Odin. I found an article in the Mountaineer called. Learn how your comment data is processed. Hike this trail for another .5 mile and you will then reach the top of Browning Knob. He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. . Offer subject to change without notice. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Follow this trail for half of a mile to reach Browning Knob. I found an article in the Mountaineer called How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob from Mike Schoeffel. as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. 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 . 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. About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. . Its about two-hours round trip from here!. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. We took some time along the hike back to really appreciate the beauty of the forest and fall foliage. This popular trail goes to the Waterrock Knob summit. Stay left.. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Youll have to be real careful, He said. She hung on to me for several minutes. The plane slammed into the mountain, killing Martin and his passenger immediately. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. Yes. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. It can be easy to get lost or miss the trail that leads to the crash site.