Dick Creek Falls - New Years Day

[Adurbin]

I spoke with tjrockcrawler this evening, and we have agreed that we should do a ride on new years day. I would preferably like to get out early that morning and do a fairly easy, and scenic trail ride. Possibly Dick Creek Falls, but would be up for almost anything.

[rghyland]

I don't know how early I will want to get out on New Years Day, cuz I'll be up late the night before, but I would like to do this trail. Me and Greenrover didn't get to ride this trail last week due to some problems with his rig.

Just by looking at the map it doesn't look like it is a very long trail so I wouldn't expect it to take all day to ride.

What time were you thinking?

[Adurbin]

Im off all day, and wouldnt mind sleeping in a bit. Just let me know whats good for you

[tjrockcrawler]

It would have to be early afternoon for me, since I moved further north into VA.

[Adurbin]

hows 12.00 pm??

[03CactusGreenKJ]

i would like to go on this ride... i need to test out the new lift. keep me posted on this please.... u know my cell adurbin so give me a call the day befor so i can get all the infol.... thanks buddy see u guys then :grin:

[Jeep07]

I will probably do this ride. My bro-in-law will as well.

Do we know anything about this trail?

[Outback]

i am off that day and might be able to go too. where is dick creek falls?

[TiredIronGRB]

I might try the Jeep out on this trail if it's not too over grown :oops:

[Gordon]

i am off that day and might be able to go too. where is dick creek falls?

Here's the thread from the last attempt. It has directions and trail details.

http://www.4x4grace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8545

[Adurbin]

i would like to go on this ride... i need to test out the new lift. keep me posted on this please.... u know my cell adurbin so give me a call the day befor so i can get all the infol.... thanks buddy see u guys then :grin:

Will do Austin. The KJ looks awesome bro!!!! :twisted:

[rghyland]

12:00 sounds great to me. Want to meet at the Maple Grove Restaurant off exit 32?

[tjrockcrawler]

12:00 sounds great to me. Want to meet at the Maple Grove Restaurant off exit 32?

off 81 right?

Sounds good to me

[Gordon]

12:00 sounds great to me. Want to meet at the Maple Grove Restaurant off exit 32?

off 81 right?

Sounds good to me

Nope, it's off I26, east of Johnson City.

[tjrockcrawler]

Nope, it's off I26, east of Johnson City.


:shock: yeah...I knew that 8) :roll:

[Adurbin]

12:00 sounds great to me. Want to meet at the Maple Grove Restaurant off exit 32?

12:00 sounds great to me. Want to meet at the Maple Grove Restaurant off exit 32?

off 81 right?

Sounds good to me

Sounds great, I will do a roll call tommorrow evening.

[dogbluedrummer]

DIRECTIONS (borrowed from the thread above)

The best place to meet would be just off exit 32 (old exit 23) at the Maple Grove Restaurant. It is on the right, just after you exit, going into Unicoi. There's a big chicken sitting on a trailer in front of Maple Grove.

After you leave Maple Grove, go over the railroad bridge, turn right, go thru Unicoi, and make a left at Jones Hdwr onto 173 to Limestone Cove/Buladean.

[Adurbin]

Tony, are you going to be making this run??

[dogbluedrummer]

quite possibly.....I need to get out of the house!!!!!

[Adurbin]

Yes you do!!!, so do I!!.

[Adurbin]

Alright so as it stands right now, we will be meeting at the Maple Grove Resturaunt off of I26 Exit 32 at 12:00 PM New Years Day.

Roll Call as of Saturday night:

tjrockcrawler
03CactusGreenKJ
Jeep07
Jeep07's Bro-in-law
Outback??
rghyland
dogbluedrummer
adurbin
GrapeApe
J-Man(and bro in law)??
Evilbob??
greenrover (riding shotgun)
sharpesjeep(and bro in law

[NC_James]

So what am i too expect if i decide too bring the d/d runner up for alittle fun?

[rghyland]

So what am i too expect if i decide too bring the d/d runner up for alittle fun?

From what I have seen of this trail it is not too difficult. If you enter the trail where I think you do there is a creek crossing (at least thats where I entered the trail). Expect to have fun.

[Adurbin]

So what am i too expect if i decide too bring the d/d runner up for alittle fun?

.....Expect to have fun.

Nothing more, nothing less!!!!

[TiredIronGRB]

I doubt I can make it, I have a bad cold :cry:

[Adurbin]

Sorry to hear that George, hope you get to feeling better.

[dogbluedrummer]

I'm in. Bringing my boy to fetch the tow strap and work the camcorder when adurbin gets stuck. :grin:

Also, Matt aka Grape Ape is coming.

[Adurbin]

:laughing3: Ground Clearance anyone???

[NC_James]

I am putting 4.30 gears in the D/D today. So we will see how it goes. Than I will give a definite answer.

[dogbluedrummer]

It's not that we're broke (although we are :cry: ), we just like the challenge of wheeling with no lift and either bald BFG AT's or SUV Road Terrains!

Bring on the parking lot curbs. :twisted:

[Adurbin]

Hey, I know guys that have spent thousands on low COG rigs.

[EvilBob]

I don't believe I have anything to do that day and would like to get the cruiser out. Put me down for a maybe and I'll see what comes up.

[Adurbin]

will do Evilbob.

[Mud&Rox]

I will go, but will have be ridin with someone

[Adurbin]

I will have an empty seat daniel, and Im sure someone else will too!!!

[tjrockcrawler]

I doubt I can make it, I have a bad cold :cry:

The JK has heat right? :grin:

[Adurbin]

I doubt I can make it, I have a bad cold :cry:

The JK has heat right? :grin:

Thats funny right there.

[Grape Ape]

It's not that we're broke (although we are :cry: ), we just like the challenge of wheeling with no lift and either bald BFG AT's or SUV Road Terrains!

Bring on the parking lot curbs. :twisted:

I am going to leave my spare on so that I have my traction tire pulling me through the bad stuff. Bring on the curbs and the grass on the other side of them, We ain't skeered.

[TiredIronGRB]

I doubt I can make it, I have a bad cold :cry:

The JK has heat right? :grin:

Yea, but I've been bed ridden last two days... if I'm not better tomorrow I guess I'll go to the hospital :cry:

[Gordon]

It's making the rounds. I've been holed up myself all weekend. Bev had it two weeks ago.

[J-Man]

So how difficult is this trail? Would my k-5 do this trail? Also is it a growed over trail. My cousin is in on short leave from military. He leaves back out on the 3rd and he loves wheelin and I thought we might come along if it wasnt to difficult. How is it compared to the old Bays trail? Thanks Here is my k-5
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10032/SD530346.JPG

[SharpesJeep]

Well I should make this one tomorrow, I'll have my Brother-in-law with me.

[Gordon]

I've walked up to the stream crossing, and I believe you'd get trail rash for sure, but I think that the K5 would have no problem with it. It is a FS designated road, so I doubt that it would be hugely difficult.

[NC_James]

Im out :cry: Didn't get the runner finshed.

[Adurbin]

Udated roll call as of Monday Night 6:40 PM:


tjrockcrawler
03CactusGreenKJ
Outback??
rghyland
dogbluedrummer
adurbin
GrapeApe
J-Man(and bro in law)??
Evilbob??
greenrover (riding shotgun)
sharpesjeep(and bro in law

[rghyland]

Hey Gordon! I am confused about where this trail starts. I went in right next to the camp ground and the creek crossing I am talking about is right off 107 down a steep bank an into the creek, Is this what you are talking about?

[Jeep07]

I hate to drop out of this ride (I normally don't commit unless I'm 90% sure) but I'm not feeling up to the drive to unicoi tomorrow for a trail I don't know the conditions of (Bro-In-Laws truck is a DD and he has to drive it back to CO the next day so I don't think its worth the risk).

I think few of us are gonna hit Graceland at 2:00 for a few hours and play around instead.

You all have fun.

[Adurbin]

Richard, as long as you know the area somewhat, we can find the trailhead, im not really concerned about it, just so long as I get to experience some good fellowship, and get out of the house for a bit.

[rghyland]

I know the fun way in. :grin:

[Adurbin]

I know the fun way in. :grin:


:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :lol: :shock:

[Mud&Rox]

Austin and I are gonna be a gonna be a mabe....its gonna depend on how the night goes and how we feel in the mornin

[tjrockcrawler]

I may have to work tommorrow at my second job. I'll find out for sure before the ride though. I'll be in touch with someone if I can't make it. I'm still in as of right now.

[Gordon]

Hey Gordon! I am confused about where this trail starts. I went in right next to the camp ground and the creek crossing I am talking about is right off 107 down a steep bank an into the creek, Is this what you are talking about?

No, where I walked in was past the campground, on towards NC, about 1/4 mile. The roadway bends very slightly to the left. The trailhead goes in almost flat, just tucking through low hanging branches. It does drop slightly to the stream, but not much. As soon as you cross the stream, it cuts left, actually cutting left as you come out of the stream.

Here's a pic of the entrance behind my rig.

Sorry I'll miss it guys, my junk is not fixed, and I have to work.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Dick%20Creek%20Falls/00-01-07DickCreekFalls.jpg

[Adurbin]

Its ok Gordon, we will think about you!!.

[Mud&Rox]

dont feel too bad.....im in, so where we meeting?

[Adurbin]

Maple Grove Resturant Exit 32 in unicoi.

[Mud&Rox]

see ya'll there

[SamuraiGuyTN]

I think I have been there before. is the trail head at a campground. where you cross a nicely flowing creek, but instead of just crossing the creek you actually drive up another creek to get onto the trail. I wanna say the campground had a name or a sign with a Cardnal on it.

If that is the trail, there is alot of mountain Loral on it. I busted my pax side mirror there while backing up.

Someone needs to take a picture of the entrance so I can tell if its the place..... :roll:

[Adurbin]

Will do Nick!!

[J-Man]

Sorry I couldnt make it. :oops: My wifes car started acting up last night and if flashed code of Camshaft Postition Sensor, I had to work on it today. I have to give God all the Glory and Praise for allowing me to get this fixed today. Everyone have fun.

[rghyland]

Well, it was a good day on the trail. Glad I could ride with all you guys.

For anyone interested in riding this trail here is some updated information on the trail. The trail head is just past Pitman Road on 107 If you are coming from 173. There is a camp ground right next to the trail head. I have included some pictures below of the trail head. No tsure if I should post this information here so if it needs to be mooved please let me know and I can update this post.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00374.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00376.jpg

This is an easy trail and makes for a fun day on the trail.

We found several trees down on the trail and removed them with ease. Took probably 30 minutes at the most. The wood was so rotted, which made for easy removal. Tony, I have your saw. Send me a private message and we can meet some where this weekend so I can get it back to you.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00359.jpg

There is a clearing close to the end of the trail where we stoped to take a group picture. We had an all Jeep crew today. I took several pictures. Choose your favorite.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00363.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00362.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00360.jpg

At the end of the trail where the falls are the trail dead ends and there is limited space for everone to turn around so be careful if you are traveling with a large group. Below is a picture of the dead end where we turned around. I was the first vehicle in so I pulled in and backed up out of the way so everyone else could get in.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00368.jpg

Don't go looking for a huge waterfall.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc104/rghyland/Dick%20Creek%20Falls%20Jan%201%202008/DSC00369.jpg

Here is a link to the rest of the pictures I took.

Dick Creek Falls Jan 1 2008 pictures by rghyland - Photobucket

[SamuraiGuyTN]

yeah, thats the trail I was talking about. When you guys went into the creek did you have to follow up stream about 20 feet and then follow a branch off to the right? I wanna think there is a fork in the trail one that goes up mountain and one that stays down. Or it may have just been one trail andit eventually headed up the mountain. I never went to the top because It was getting late and I didn't wanna get stuck.

[rghyland]

Yea, thats the trail. There are several places where the trail forks. We didn't take any of the forks today.

[Adurbin]

Great day on the trail. There is A LOT of exploring left to do here. Gordon, we attempted to find the trailhead which you were talking about, but the only entrance we found like that off of 107 went across the creek and then to a dead end. I will post up my pics here in a bit. Glad everyone who came out got to make it today.

[Adurbin]

here are my pics from todays ride:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics036.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics038.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics007.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics037.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics017.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics016.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics015.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics014.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics013.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics012.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics011.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics010.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics009.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics008.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics006.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics005.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics004.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics003.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics002.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x296/aaronsjeep/DCFpics001.jpg

[Gordon]

Way cool guys! Many thanks for getting me straight on the trailhead. Don't know where that other crossing goes - will have to check it out one day.

I updated the Trails info. Glad all went well.

[Adurbin]

Anyone else notice that the "N" is backwards on the "No Parking In Driveway" sign??

[rghyland]

Yea, I noticed the "N".

[Hokie_YJ]

I thought something looked weird at first glance, but never realized what it was. :lol:

[Gordon]

Might be thinkin' that you guys didn't quite get to the real Dick Creek Falls???

Definitely a re-explore

http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/landforms/m.php?wpt=UCF008

[rghyland]

There were a lot of trails that forked off. I'd love to find those falls. Whenever you are ready. Looks like it may require some hiking.

[Adurbin]

Seems like, about where the trail crosses the creek is where you would start the hike. Looks like quite the piece of walkin too!!!

[Gordon]

I'll bring my GPS when we hit it. Maybe in a few weeks - snow!!!!!!!!

If I am over this stupid cold by the weekend, I'll try to at least pull my fuel rail, which I can then rebuild inside my garage - No room to get my Junk inside, tho.

[rghyland]

I plugged in the coordinates on goolgemaps.com and it appears we were about a half mile from the falls. We may have been closer, but googlemaps shows the falls south of where Camp Ground Road ends. Camground Road is the name my GPS was showing today.

[Adurbin]

Richard, did you route our trip with the GPS once we hit the trail today?? just curious as to how long that trail was.

[Gordon]

When you guys got to the creek crossing and stopped, did it look like the trail went further ahead after the creek, even if overgrown? The FS map seems to show it going further, then dog-legging to the north and back towards the falls.

[Adurbin]

It did look as if the trail USED to be there but had grown over quite a bit. Man, this has me chompin at the bit to get out there and do some more exploring.

[rghyland]

No, I didn't pay any attention to the mileage today, but I figured 4 miles roughly (up and back). This GPS is new and I don't think it has a way to mark my route. I have plugged in the waypoints now and I am ready to go. :grin:

Thats a cool website Gordon. Thanks for the link. :)

[Dino1967]

looks like a kool ride
gotta hike to them fall
way kool

[BroncoMike]

I went on this trail several years ago in a 79 F150 no lift. Man it was tight. Nothing but constant limbs rubbing from front to back the whole time.

[Adurbin]

Its actually not grown over at all now, your FS Bronco would have no problems.

[tjrockcrawler]

Yeah this was a fun trail, we'll definately have to make it a regular.

[Marty G]

sounds like a good place to go camp out then wheel the next day :idea:

[Gordon]

Rock Creek Park in Erwin is just over the hill, too. You can't drive from Rock Creek Park up and over to the falls, but for all the hikers, it is a beautiful area. There is really a lot to do like this in Unicoi County.

[dogbluedrummer]

Just wanted to say Jack (son) and I had a great time! Boy am I glad I grabbed that bow saw at that last minute. Maybe one day I'll get to use the shovel mounted under my hood.

Somehow I missed the group prayer. Jack and I were talking about how mad mom would be if we got stuck in the big mud hole/pond, looked up and saw everyone was praying. Don't worry, we said our own little prayer in the Jeep.

That was probably the prettiest trail I've been on around here. It was not very hard, but the trail was beautiful and not overgrown. When the clearing dries out, it would make a great place for camping. Anyone up for some roughin' it?

[EvilBob]

Sorry I missed you guys, I got there a little late and everyone had already headed out. I tried to catch up, but I wasn't sure where I was going so it didn't work out. I drove down 107 for a ways, but somehow completely missed the place you guys went. I did, however find the place Gordon is talking about. I crossed the creek, and while it looks like you could continue on a ways, I didn't see a definitive trail. Maybe some more exploring or hiking is in order. I have a few pictures that I can post once I get them off my camera.

[03CactusGreenKJ]

yeah this was a fun ride. great trail to hit and know u wont mess anything up. Evilbob i hate u missed this ride my friend i still would like to wheel with u sometime maybe we can go out in the next week or so. greenrover my cousin just got a new rover ( very nice too) and im sure he would be up to try that thing out.. im glad everyone had a good time out on this ride i know i sure did... always a good time and great fellowship with Grace though..

[rghyland]

Sorry I missed you guys, I got there a little late and everyone had already headed out. I tried to catch up, but I wasn't sure where I was going so it didn't work out. I drove down 107 for a ways, but somehow completely missed the place you guys went. I did, however find the place Gordon is talking about. I crossed the creek, and while it looks like you could continue on a ways, I didn't see a definitive trail. Maybe some more exploring or hiking is in order. I have a few pictures that I can post once I get them off my camera.

Sorry we missed you EvilBob. What time did you get there?

[tjrockcrawler]

make your own caption

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/0101081125a.jpg

[Gordon]

Stand back Thermodyne Bulldog, stand back Dodge Ram, here comes Chikken Heep! :twisted:

And, for you unlucky folks who have never had the great pleasure of meeting the chicken, it comes complete, on its own little trailer, ready to support any mission, as needed. :lol:

And, inspite of the landmark chicken on wheels, the country vittles at Maple Grove are very good, and inexpensive.

[Marty G]

did you see the size ove that chicken

[Adurbin]

If you look closely at the pic, that chicken is about to lay down one massive beak attack on a hispanic brick mason.

[rghyland]

I thought it meant you were to chicken to go through the mud hole. :lol:

[tjrockcrawler]

I thought it meant you were to chicken to go through the mud hole. :lol:


:grin: listen, some of us don't have lockers or 33's :grin:

[dogbluedrummer]

Yeah, but his rig is too pretty to get in the mud. :wink:

[tjrockcrawler]

just because a feller has a tan jeep doesn't mean he wants it covered in mud

[dogbluedrummer]

WAIT!

Were you....



























CHICKEN?

[Adurbin]

Hey I have to agree, I dont mind mud that much, but man that was one abysmal pit.

[4Xthelord]

shoot i may have to bring out the BMX for tha mud...atleast it is knobby-tired. Son got a new one for Christmas, now he wants to up grade to a XJ...and he loves Sunay School - must be doing something right? :wav:

[rghyland]

:grin: listen, some of us don't have lockers or 33's :grin:

I don't think lockers would have helped in that hole.

[Adurbin]

Actually Richard, I think you are right, seems like as soft as that was,...to have all 4 tires spinning with torque behind them would have dug you in and made you sink faster.

[Bluegill]

make your own caption

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/rlrhino/0101081125a.jpg

The return of Foghorn Jeephorn.......

[Adurbin]

Oh man, Raines, we just found the new nickname for your jeep. Foghorn Jeephorn.

[Gordon]

Foghorn Jeephorn.

:twisted:

:smokin:

[tjrockcrawler]

:grin: :grin:

[Mud&Rox]

went back and did a little exploring today with 03cactus to find we had missed the best trails when we went as a group! there is soooooo many trails up there. we need to go back as a group! we ran up there for several hours tryin to find out all the trails but it started to get dark so we called it a day! great hill climbs and the view was superb!

[Gordon]

This will be a good run for during the winter, as that trail does not officially close. Maybe in a couple or three weeks we can hit it.

Daniel, can you describe kinda where you went today, based upon the maps in the trail section?

I am hoping to get my replacement injectors this week - I can't stand not having a trail-ready rig. :P

[Mud&Rox]

We just went in thru the creek as before I had my gps with me, but the battery died and I lost it. we took all right turns exploring all the little side trails.. the first right is a camp site. and im pretty sure its the second right thats the good one that runs for a few miles of easy to mild trails. Today it was hailing at about 2880 feet. there are several pretty interesting other side trails and more to explore. Just let me know when you want to run it and ill run up there with ya.

[rghyland]

I'd like to go back and hike to the falls. Got the GPS coordinates plugged in on my gps. :grin:

[Mud&Rox]

we did find the hiking trailhead for Rattlesnake trail #26 usnf cherokee NF is that where you start hiking to the falls?

[rghyland]

Based on the map I have of the area, I think that is past where the falls should be. Where is that (Rattlesnake trail #26) in realtion to where we ended our ride?

[03CactusGreenKJ]

where we took a left and went down the rock/bumpy trail that ends in the big mud feild u take a riight thats where u end up at the hiking trail.. that trail forks and right will take u to the hiking trail and the great view(up hill) and left at the fork i think might take u to the falls.. thats where we stoped there was a small tree down... go figure :lol: .. we both forgot the cameras today (again) but i took a cell pic of me possing on that rock others did the other day( the libby can do it too :lol: :lol: )

here are a few with my new shocks on that make a BIG diff. and sorry for the quality its a cell pic..

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/dloc420ho/03cactusgreenKJ048.jpg

befor my new RSX Rancho shocks my tire would have been in the air but not any more and i still have more flex left befor it does :grin:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/dloc420ho/03cactusgreenKJ047.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s23/dloc420ho/03cactusgreenKJ050.jpg

[tjrockcrawler]

Looks good Austin

[03CactusGreenKJ]

thanks buddy.. im getting there.. i need me some tires now.. then ill go for some more lift

[Jeep07]

i need me some tires now.

Yup tires should be your next purchase. :) I was behind you in Allendale 1 day last week and noticed that you got your lift on. What size tires you going to put on?

[rghyland]

Lookin good.

[03CactusGreenKJ]

245/75/16s... i should have some this week.. im getting the tires off Mud&Rox's (cousin) green rover. and i also got a surco roof rack from him as well that i really like.. it adds alot to the looks of the KJ

[03CactusGreenKJ]

Lookin good.

Thank You!! is that a Jeep bike in ur sig?