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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail Piney River is part of the Bowater Pocket Wilderness located just west of Spring City. This 10 mile hike is best known for it's wild flowers. Our pace was rather slow which was ideal for wildflower viewing, naming and photographing as we counted 39 flowers(to many to name I stopped writing them down by name after 26) in bloom not including the dogwoods, red buds and buckeyes. The trail follows Piney River as well as in and out of several branches connecting to it. Our lunch spot was at Pine Branch which was enjoyed in the sun next to a small cascade. The trail was in pretty good shape except for some slime covered rocks scattered throughout. The one adventurous part was crossing McDonalds Branch which was tricky due to some rock climbing as others chose rock cropping as a means to make it safely to the other side. Near the end, the trail has a connector to Twin Rocks Overlook, were a geological which you can climb stairs to achieve the view. Trailhead: Directions via I-75: Exit 60 Sweetwater. Take Highway 68 north out of Spring City. One mile from Spring City turn left on Sut-in Gap Road. For car shuttle, park one car at the East Piney River Picnic Area, then to the top of the road and follow signs to Newby Branch Forest Camp. park second car here. We chose to park further down the trail which took off about a mile and a half. If you pass the road to Newby Branch Forest Camp you can drive to the bottom of the hill as the trail crosses the road park here. (Lat:35.71981 Lon:-84.08616) Trail Guides for Piney River and Twin Rocks Nature Trails: 40 Hikes in the South Cumberland by Russ Manning () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Bowater Pocket Wilderness Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chuck on 3/18/2007 A fun little trail. The falls were about 80 - 100 feet. At a more treacherous part of the trail there are ropes to guide you down. Here are some of my photos. While you're there don't forget to climb the nearby fire-tower, but do be careful, some of the wood looked like it was rotting. The tower overlooks Spring City and the gorge that the falls are in, to the east you can see the cooling towers for the nearby nuclear reactor. 
Reviewed by Valerie on 12/24/2006 Absolutely beautiful! I lived in Spring City for many years as a young girl and the Piney River was my playground. I didn't realize how lucky I really was until we moved away. I have missed it terribly and even to this day dream about playing in the river, crawling over the rocks and listening to the peace water trickle. We would go there in the morning and stay till almost dark! Catching fireflies was great fun after the water turned dark. This area is great for family as well as honeymooning! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Rhea County Hiking, Rhea County Trails, Rhea County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||