This Fall Creek Falls trail is a new favorite hike of mine. I can’t wait to go again and again in all the different seasons. Here’s why this hiking trail has topped my list.
Wheeler Farm Loop Trail
The hike in question is the Wheeler Farm Loop Trail. This trail is not heavily trafficked making for a peaceful hike, especially when there’s more people are getting out to hike these days. This trail is a 1.9 mile loop with so many unique and beautiful sights to see. It starts off the edge of TN-HWY 30 and goes downhill to an overgrown pasture, then back up the hill from the other side. Most of the trail is either part of an old, washed-out service road or old creek-beds.
Even though the trail is not often traveled, it’s still clear and decently marked. You’ll see why I say “decently” in the “Tips” section of this post. Overall, I was impressed with how well maintained the trail was and how quiet it was. We never saw anyone the entire time we were hiking. And we went on a Sunday afternoon!
Fall Creek Falls State Park
The Wheeler Farm Loop Trail is part of the Fall Creek Falls State Park. For more about Fall Creek Falls State Park, click HERE. My friend and I went camping in the park for a few days and this is one of the hikes we did during our stay. I’ll share more about the camping experience in a later post so be on the lookout for that.
What’s most interesting is that Fall Creek Falls State Park is regularly a busy park. Tourists travel far and wide to this well-known Tennessee park. Because it’s so busy, it’s nearly impossible to find a trail in the park that’s not crowded. That’s why it’s amazing how secluded this Fall Creek Falls trail is and why it’s one of my new favorites.
Tips for this Fall Creek Falls Trail
One reason why this trail is not as popular as other in the park is probably because it’s in the northern section of the park. And by that I mean, you have to drive about 10 miles to get to the trailhead. In fact, with the way the roads are laid out, you have to exit the north end of the park, drive past some farmhouses, and then you will reach your destination as the road cuts back into the north end of the park. The trailhead can be found HERE.
Since the trail is comprised of old creek-beds as you descend and ascend the ridge, it would be wise to avoid this trail in the rain. We went right before it started raining and I’m glad we did. When I realized the trail basically follows the water’s trail downhill, I knew this hike would be rather dangerous in the rain. However, if it has recently rained, like a day or two before, you will see more waterfalls. Below is a photo of the one trickling waterfall we saw. I know, it’s barely visible. There are more throughout this hike but it was too dry to see them.
Lastly, since the trail is a loops, you can start on either side. I had read beforehand that it’s better to start to the left and go counter-clockwise. This means starting on the old service road that’s blocked by a gate. In hindsight, I would actually suggest starting the trail to the right. The trail markers are clearly set for this direction and not the other way. We lost the trail a few times because of this. Plus, the trailblazers (photo below) are more numerous in this direction than the direction we went.
A Special Surprise
If you follow the trail off the loop at the base of the ridge, you can find this creek bed. At the time we went, it was dry (see photo below) but I believe that sometimes it has water running through. I must say, it feels like being on another planet when it’s dry! If you’re going clockwise around the trail, this jut off will be near the bottom of the ridge. It’s at an intersection where you can make a sharp, right-hand turn or go straight. Go straight to see the creek-bed or right to stay on the loop. If you’re hiking this trail counterclockwise, the intersection comes up shortly after the hike through the farmland. Turn right to visit the creek bed or left to stay on the loop trail.
I hope you are able to visit this secluded gem of a hike. I know that my time here was limited (we had to hurry back to camp before the rain hit), but there’s still so much more to see. Next time, I can’t wait to visit in a different season. This is definitely one of those hikes you’ll want to experience in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Also, it seems there’s some hidden caves and underground pools of water as well. I can’t wait to come back after a rainy week and explore the rest of this place.
Until then, my video experience and visual tips of the hike can be found HERE. I’ll see you next time, Exploring Chatt!
~Amanda
