New Dry Creek Trail Opens In White County

Dry Creek, White County’s newest trail, is strenuous and rewarding.

That according to Park Manager Stuart Carroll. The state unveiled the new trail this week located within the Bridgestone Natural Area.

Carroll said the Dry Creek Trail starts at Lost Creek Natural Area with waterfalls right by the parking lot. He said you’ll experience some nice karst features and smaller cascades. Carroll said at the other end you’ll encounter Dog Cove with a cove reminiscent of Cades Cove with a historic homestead.

“There’s also some real pretty places to take your lunch or take breaks along the trail,” Carool said. “But the highlight of the trail is Dry Creek Falls itself which is actually a double fall. There’s a higher portion and a lower portion.”

Carroll said the waterfalls are flowing well now, but in the dry part of the summer they can dry up to a trickle. He said even in the heat of summer you can enjoy the diverse trail.

Caroll said the trail is five miles with elevation changes and passage through boulder fields, so it is a strenuous trail.

“You could hike that into three hours without too much problem,” Carroll said. “Or you can take four or five hours if you stop for several breaks for lunch and to take photographs of the waterfalls, bluffs or boulder fields and things of that nature.”

Carroll said a hiker needs boots with traction and ankle coverage for the boulder fields. He said you will need to pick your legs up a foot or so as you maneuver the boulders.

Carroll said State Parks worked with Tennessee Nature Conservancy to get public access to the trail. He said the trail itself was built by park staff and will be maintained by park staff.

“It was a lot of fun and a lot of work,” Carroll said. “Laying these trails out and then getting them cut in and getting signage and maps up. We put in three kiosks. It takes a lot of work to get a trail open.”

Carroll said one thing the park system is currently working on is developing spaces where everyone can access scenic views. He said there are locations with spectacular views within 100 yards of a trail head and they plan to continue adding more areas with access for people of all abilities.