On Monday, I had a late afternoon appointment in Greeneville, so what better way to spend time beforehand than a hike, this time to Pete Branch Falls.
Once again I hiked out of Horse Creek Recreation Area, the third time in the last month (one & two) that I had left from this trailhead. The difference this time I didn't go left across the bridge, but straight up the jeep road. One thing that was different today was the bring I wasn't taken was covered in snow.
There was a good amount of snow starting at the trailhead and only got heavier as I went up the jeep road. From the trailhead up the to the first junction, it is around a mile-and-half. The are four creek forces here, which can still be rock-hopped. There might be a fifth during periods of high water. It also passes a parking area on the way.
At the junction, the jeep road goes left up toward Coldsprings Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. Right heads up the Poplar Cove Trail, and you will know as there is a big red sign that has seen better days. The trail is still on an old road but it is a little more narrow. The road comes to a dead end with a parking and camping area. Here, there is a creek crossing right up to the trail another junction.
The Poplar Cove Trail goes straight while the Pete Branch Trail went left. This just over half-mile section is a traditional trail that heads up and includes four small creek crossings and two small cascades.
Finally the trail deadends at a nice 45-foot segmented waterfall. The water flow was good, but what made it special was the snow surrounding it with icicles hang it off of it. After enjoying the falls I headed back the way I came.
The only difference the snow had melted...slightly. This hike is slightly over four-miles and can be a quick day hike or teamed with Squibb Creek Falls for a waterfall ramble.
After getting back to Greeneville I had a little time and did a quick half-mile on the Tacoma Nature Trail.
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