Hike and Traverse the Cables to Dennis Cove Falls
Hampton, Tennessee
Details
Distance
3.2 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Merritt McKinney
The cable crossings at Dennis Cove Falls add a unique challenge in hiking to this secluded waterfall. Once at the falls, relax on the rocks, wade in the swimming hole, or jump from the top of the cascade! Don't forget to bring your fishing equipment either!
The Hike to Dennis Cove Falls includes three water crossings and passes several small waterfalls. Sturdy cables spanning the width of the water crossings provide a fun way of traversing the creek without wading. It is completely possible to wade through the creek while holding onto the cables for support if you are uncomfortable climbing across the cables. The hike is relatively flat but does cross several large rocky areas. Water-resistant shoes or hiking sandals are recommended for stability on these rocks. The trail follows the creek and passes several small waterfalls along the way.
Coming from US 321 from Hampton, park in the dirt circle to the left of the road. You will cross the street and begin on the blue-blazed trail behind the red gate. Follow the slightly overgrown trail across three water crossings. After the third crossing, you will encounter a fork. Hang right to visit a small waterfall, or continue left for Dennis Cove Falls. You will meet a second fork where you will bear right and soon arrive at the falls.
The waterfall features a large basin to swim and a small ledge to jump off. Jump off the center rock from the lowest cascade. The swimming hole is not shallow nor is there an undercurrent in front of this area. This creek is also a popular area to fish.
* Dennis Cove Falls is NOT located on Dennis Cove Trail. The trailhead to Dennis Cove Falls is located on the other side of the creek from Dennis Cove Campground.
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Hike and Traverse the Cables to Dennis Cove Falls Reviews
I haven't come across something like this before. Its a great area to horse around (safely, of course), fish, and take photos. There are special trout regulations but nothing most fisherman aren't used to. Make sure your license is up to date!
5.0
I've spent a lot of time in the Dennis Cove Recreation Area. And Hiking the Trail to Dennis Cove Falls isn't the only Hidden Treasure along the Trail. If you have the time and want to keep going along the Trail further into the mountain. You will enjoy pristine wooden Forest with Beautiful Open Meadows. Many Great Places to Fish and Camp. After you pass Dennis Cove Falls about 2 or 3 miles up the Trail you will come up on 2 open Meadows the Second one will have a pond in the back right corner. If you turn back and follow the service road back about a half mile you will come to a parking area. And the creek right off Parking Area there is a small Hidden trail to the left. Follow the Trail through the Laurels and you will find perhaps the best keep secret of the mountain and the tallest falls on the mountain. Called Firescald Falls. If you Hike the trail up the falls about half way up you can walk out and you will discover a natural Bath Tub that you can actually sit in and enjoy the beauty and cooling Waters of the falls. There are a few places along the parking area that you can also camp and the camp sites are quite big. And back at the Meadow with the pond you can hike further up Laurel Fork Trail which is marked by blue blaze markers on the trees and you will find many more places to fish,camp,and cross the creek with cable crossings. If you decide to do this hike you will find 2 more waterfalls on the left of the trail. There's also a Hugh Beaver Dam that you will find just off the trail. Dennis Cove Recreation Area is absolutely filled with many Beautiful places to explore and find. I can say without a shodow of doubt Dennis Cove is one of my favorite places to be.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to Watauga Lake
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Appalachian Trail: Dennis Cove to US 19E
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