Rock Slab Falls

Hike Description: Begin the hike on the far western end of the parking area between the information kiosk and the paved trail leading to the Clingmans Dome tower. You’ll descend on Forney Ridge Trail for 275 yards to a junction with Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail. Turn left at the junction to remain on Forney Ridge Trail and hike the exceedingly rocky 1-mile route to the junction with Forney Creek Trail.
Turn right on Forney Creek Trail and begin the continuous moderate descent to the falls. At about 1.4 miles from Forney Ridge Trail, you’ll reach a side stream. Don’t cross here, even though it may look like you should. Instead, cross the tiny braid onto the little island, walk downstream a few yards, then cross back over the braid and continue the hike on the river-right side of the creek. In another 0.5 mile, you’ll cross Forney Creek just below a scenic cascade. You’ll then make the first brief ascent of the entire hike, then descend via a left-hand switchback to reach the creek near the falls. A short side path leads to the base. Another path leads up to the base of the upper drop.

Overview: Rock Slab Falls is a gentle, calm, peaceful waterfall that slides over smooth rock. Narrow bands of quartz crisscross the rock in a striking pattern. You’ll see evidence that this site was once a logging camp—old relics are scattered about, railroad rails sit at the bottom of the falls, and iron pipes stick out of the rock on the waterfall. There’s even an old axle and wheel from a train car. Since this is one of the few level places around, it makes sense that loggers would utilize it. Today, it’s the site of campsite #68a, one of the more appealing sites in the park. Campsite #68b is less than 0.5 mile farther down Forney Creek Trail.
I have no idea whether Rock Slab Falls or Forney Creek Cascade is the more official name for this waterfall. The former name is used in Hiking Trails of the Smokies, while the latter is used in Waterfalls of the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains Association publishes both books. I’ve gone with the name that sounds best.
Considering the long and difficult hike, Rock Slab Falls might not be high on the list for some, but I recommend it for those who are up to the challenge. The upper section passes through a high-elevation Fraser fir–red spruce forest. Even in the middle of summer, the forest is cool and smells like a Christmas tree. Rugel’s ragwort, a rare wildflower that grows only in the highest elevations of the Smokies, is common along the trail. Look for its inconspicuous, nodding, cream-colored flowers during summer. As the trail loses elevation, you’ll leave the fir and most of the spruce behind. The waterfall is surrounded by a typical Northern hardwood forest.

Directions to Location:

1.  It is 15.3 miles north on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) from Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee to Clingmans Dome Road, on the left at Newfound Gap
2.  If you’re coming from the Tennessee side of the park, it is 12.7 miles south from Sugarlands Visitor Center
3.  Drive 7 miles on Clingmans Dome Road to Forney Ridge Parking Area at the end of the road
4.  Clingmans Dome Road is closed from December 1 to March 31.

Trails and Waterfalls can be dangerous; take no chances, only photos for memories. Read our Safety and Insider tips to have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip to Jackson County.

Leave No Trace — Seven Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more details, visit www.lnt.org
©1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics