elrod falls

Heard so many jokes by locals about Elrod Falls but I loved being able to get out of the car and be right there. Took lots of photos and plan to visit in summer when I could enjoy a dip in the cool water.

My family and I have visited the falls many times over the years and have always enjoyed them. If you are not familiar with the area they can definitely be a little difficult to find, and a lack of signs does not make things any easier. It is a very primitive park. There are a few trash barrels and some older picnic tables, but that's about all you get. I have visited on days when the area is very clean, and days when trash abounds. Its hit or miss. The only time I have ever seen other people is during the summer. In the fall when the ground is littered with leaves it can be very slick. I'm embarrassed to admit that on my last visit I slipped and feel while carrying a very expensive camera (which was not damaged thankfully.) So be careful and wear appropriate shoes. The climb up the hill and the far side of the falls to see the upper tier is worth it, but not easy, and potentially dangerous.

April 8 2104: on a suggestion from my friends, I took the short hike to Elrod Falls, which is a three tier waterfall tucked away in a secluded valley in Hancock County, TN, near Sneedville. The first waterfall, visible at a distance from the parking area, is a treat ... but then, I saw the ropes up the side of the falls, scrambled to the top and viewed falls 2.0 and 2.5 ... and, lo and behold, more rope and very steep but made my way to the top of 2.5 and there was a third beautiful waterfall ... each has it's own character and unique appearance and that's part of why this place is so special ... Note, though, the jaunts to the second and especially the third waterfall are not for the faint of hearts, and only recommended for experienced scramblers ... I was a happy but muddy mess when I tore myself away from this gem and made my way back to my vehicle ... This is a 'not to miss' natural wonder even if one only visits the easily accessible first waterfall ...

I didn't have any problems with cell service like mentioned in the previous posts, but that depends on your carrier. We actually used our cell gps to help find it! We loved this waterfall, less touristy than any in the smokies and local to where we usually stay in Tennessee. We went 2 days in a row, day 1 to check it out on a Saturday and it was reasonably busy. Appeared to be all locals enjoying the waters on a hot day, friendly people. Also: This is a THREE stage waterfall! You can see the 1st two from the bottom but the third will require some work, its a dangerous climb! I took the climb with our 8 year old daughter and I wasn't sure we were going to make it back down in one piece but it was well worth it. Gorgeous.

The water fall is kind of hard to find, but once you get there it is worth it. Most of the time there is not to many people there. There are picnic tables there and pathway to the falls. I would recommend going!

Elrond Falls is a very nice waterfall in East Tennessee between Rogersville and Morristown. There are picnic tables nearby, and there is never a crowd. This is a great place to relax and splash around. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes- preferably water shoes. The easiest way to get close to the falls is to cross the creek below the smaller lower falls. You will have to walk in shallow water, but it is much safer than trying to cross the big muddy rocks near the top. This place is definitely worth the visit!

The sounds and colors and plays of light are very heart felt, it is something that goes into your soul. I was lucky enough to have friends in the area that took me to see these falls and the greatest thing about them is that you know they are ancient and off the beaten path. If you've seen one state park, you've seen them all, so the true treasures are those back in and without flashing neon lights. It's all natural, no human intervention with stairs or raked paths. We were careful how we walked on wet leaves with slick mud under them. If you fear nature and must see it contained then this isn't the sight experience you'll want. If your like me and want to see the beauty of diamonds in the rough then please try to go and see these falls before sold to the highest bidder.

First of all, good luck finding this place. It's very simple if you know exactly where you are going. For most of us we need a sign. There are no, I repeat NO signs. The streets are not even labeled. Okay, once you are lucky enough to find the place, there is a a very small gravel parking area big enough for about 6 cars. There is a small trail that leads to the falls. It's not steep and is accessible. It's maybe about 100 yards from the parking area. The waterfall is beautifully stunning. There is a couple of swimming holes that form from the falls. The depth ranges from ankle deep to very deep. You can see fish right under the surface of the water. The water is very COLD. All this is the highlight of the trip. Now the bad stuff... There were numerous trash items; beer bottles, lids, wrappers and old clothing items. If you are unable to climb around on VERY slick rocks and need a place to sit, the space is very limited for that. Be prepared for very slick rocks. Also, be very cautious because the area is very remote, no cell phone service and signs of heavy drinking were there. In fact, I stopped on a side road (after being lost for a couple of hours) and got directions from a local. He said to be careful because it's a local spot for drunks. There are no bathrooms for at least 3-5 miles.