Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee

Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee lies in Tennessee near Knoxville, Maryville, and Chilhowee. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Smoky Mountain South Abrams Creek Campground

1. From Knoxville

2. Take Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee.

   From Chilhowee Continue east on Route 129, then turn northeast (left) onto Happy Valley Road. Follow this road until you see signs for Abrams Creek Campground.

3. Parking

   Park at the campground entrance near the information sign. Note that only campers’ vehicles are allowed past this point.

4. Final Approach

   Walk past the entrance sign along the road. Shortly after, you’ll find a deep, easily accessible . Coordinates Latitude: 35.60957, Longitude: -83.93536 (use Google Maps for precise navigation: http://maps.google.com/maps?&z=10&q=35.60957,-83.93536+\ ()). Little Bottoms Trail From Knoxville Follow Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee. From Chilhowee Continue east on Route 129, then turn northeast (left) onto Happy Valley Road. Follow this road to Abrams Creek Campground. Trail Information The Little Bottoms Trail connects Abrams Falls with Abrams Creek Campground and follows Abrams Creek. The trail is about 5 miles each way. About halfway between Abrams Falls and Abrams Creek Campground, there is a large, primitive backpacker’s camp area beside Abrams Creek. Several good-sized . Coordinates Latitude: 35.6154, Longitude: -83.9115 (use Google Maps for general navigation: http://maps.google.com/maps?&z=10&q=35.6154,-83.9115+\ ()). Important Notes This area is primitive with no facilities or vehicle access. Be prepared for a moderate hike. Wildcat Falls Option 1: Route via Chilhowee From Knoxville

5. Take Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee.

   From Chilhowee Continue east on Route 129 until it makes a sharp left turn near the Cheoah Dam. Trailhead Access Near this sharp turn, locate Forest Trail #42. Follow this trail along the Tennessee River and up Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls. Hiking Details The hike is about 7 miles each way. Be prepared for a strenuous trek. Coordinates Latitude: 35.4274, Longitude: -83.9993 (use Google Maps for approximate navigation: http://maps.google.com/maps?&z=10&q=35.4274,-83.9993+\ ()). Option 2: Route via Tellico Plains From Knoxville

6. Take I-75 south to Route 68. Follow Route 68 south to Tellico Plains (about 35 miles).

   From Tellico Plains

7. Take Route 165 (Indian Boundary Road) east toward Indian Boundary Lake. At the intersection near Indian Boundary Lake, take Forest Road (FR) 35 past the lake and campground.

   Forest Road Navigation Continue on FR 35-1 to Double Camp Campground, then take FR 59. Follow FR 59 until it makes a sharp turn where parking is available near the Big Fat Gap trailhead. Trail Options Option A

8. Take Trail #106 east to Trail #42, which goes south along Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls (about 2 miles). Option B

9. Take Trail #95 southeast, then Trail #139 southeast, and finally Trail #42 north along Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls. Coordinates

   Latitude: 35.4274, Longitude: -83.9993 (use Google Maps for approximate navigation: http://maps.google.com/maps?&z=10&q=35.4274,-83.9993+\ ()). Important Notes This route may involve less hiking but includes steep trails. Be prepared for challenging terrain. Helpful Reminders Safety Always check weather conditions and trail maps before heading out. Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.

10. Parking

    Ensure you park in designated areas to avoid fines or towing. Trail Markers Follow trail signs Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.