Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee

Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes Directions – Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee, TN

Abrams Creek Campground Swimming Hole

1. From Knoxville: Take Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee.
2. 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 swimming hole in Abrams Creek.
5. 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+\(swimming hole)).

Little Bottoms Trail Swimming Holes

1. From Knoxville: Follow Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee.
2. From Chilhowee: Continue east on Route 129, then turn northeast (left) onto Happy Valley Road. Follow this road to Abrams Creek Campground.
3. Trail Information: The Little Bottoms Trail connects Abrams Falls with Abrams Creek Campground and follows Abrams Creek. The trail is approximately 5 miles each way.
4. Swimming Hole Location: About halfway between Abrams Falls and Abrams Creek Campground, there is a large, primitive backpacker’s camp area beside Abrams Creek. Several good-sized swimming holes can be found in this area.
5. 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+\(swimming hole)).
6. Important Notes: This area is primitive with no facilities or vehicle access. Be prepared for a moderate hike.

Wildcat Falls Swimming Hole

Option 1: Route via Chilhowee

1. From Knoxville: Take Route 129 south through Maryville and Tallassee to Chilhowee.
2. From Chilhowee: Continue east on Route 129 until it makes a sharp left turn near the Cheoah Dam.
3. Trailhead Access: Near this sharp turn, locate Forest Trail #42. Follow this trail along the Tennessee River and up Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls.
4. Hiking Details: The hike is approximately 7 miles each way. Be prepared for a strenuous trek.
5. 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+\(swimming hole)).

Option 2: Route via Tellico Plains

1. From Knoxville: Take I-75 south to Route 68. Follow Route 68 south to Tellico Plains (approximately 35 miles).
2. From Tellico Plains: 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.
3. 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.
4. Trail Options: - Option A: Take Trail #106 east to Trail #42, which goes south along Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls (approximately 2 miles). - Option B: Take Trail #95 southeast, then Trail #139 southeast, and finally Trail #42 north along Slickrock Creek to Wildcat Falls.
5. 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+\(swimming hole)).
6. 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. - Parking: Ensure you park in designated areas to avoid fines or towing. - Trail Markers: Follow trail signs