Trail Access @ Elk River Falls?

[WMR]

Can someone confirm what the maps appear to tell me: that AT is easily accessible from Elk River Falls parking area? It looks the trail that is marked on the maps of the area actually intersects (or comes close to intersecting) the AT just up from the parking area.

Thanks

[Tennessee Viking]

There is no official trail from/near the AT to Elk River Falls anymore. There is just the short trail from the parking area to the falls.

To reach the falls (going NOBO), you will come out of a hollow to the Elk River after passing Jones Falls blue blaze. There you will see a tree blocking a path to the right. Follow the path and immediately cross Jones Branch, and follow the riverside to a forest road. Walk the road for a mile to the falls and parking. area.

From the town of Elk Park, take Old Mill Road, then Elk River Road all the way to the gravel lot.

[WMR]

Thanks - so, can I get from the parking area to the AT?

[Tennessee Viking]

Just follow the gated forest road from the parking area to where it crosses the river (don't cross). There is a faint path to the left along the river side. You will cross Jones Branch and climb up the hill to the AT.

Just don't park there over night.

[WMR]

Thank you - not parking, not hking from there, just crossing something else off the list