JeepGirl Travels - Hiking

This trail was recently reopened after the bear involved in a fatal attack was captured and identified by the forest service.  We decided to hike it this week.  We took along our dog Smash who is doing some leash training.  He loves water so this gave him a chance to have some fun while training.  The trail begins at the parking lot for McKamey lake in the Chilhowee campground.  You hike across the levy to get to the trail.  There is a $3 fee to park unless you have a use pass like we do.  We did not have pina coladas but we got caught in a rain shower on the way back from the falls. We all had a great time hiking in the woods.  Look at the smile on Smash's face!

The walk along this trail to Benton Falls is well worth the effort. This trail also serves as a bicycle trail that joins the Clemmer Mountain Bike Trail. Benton Falls is 65 feet tall and is a wonderful sight to see.

Length or Size: 1.5 miles (1.0 bicycle)

Directions: From the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger Station take Forest Service Road 77 for about 7 miles to the top of Chilhowee Mountain. Turn right into the Chilhowee Recreation, day use area is 0.4 miles.

Site Information: Trail Number 131. Benton Falls Trail is blazed in blue.

Site Amenities: Parking available. This trail starts at Chilhowee Recreation Area. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available.

Difficulty: Moderate  (easy walk to the top of the falls, lots of steps and narrow trail to the bottom.)

Safety: Watch out for poison ivy and snakes and bears.  This area was the site of a fatal bear attack in 2006..

The forest service says "Do not climb on the falls!!"   Glad I did not know that several years ago.

Requirements: Hiking and Bicycling only.

Recommended Season: Spring, summer, and fall.

Hiking

Home