Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. 10 Picturesque Trails In North Carolina That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking, Everyone In North Carolina Should See Whats Inside The Gates Of This Abandoned Theme Park, Most People Dont Know North Carolina Has A Fairy Trail And Its Positively Magical, The Occoneechee Mountain Loop Trail In North Carolina Takes You From Water To The Mountaintop And Back, The North Carolina State Park Where You Can Hike Across A Stone Bridge, A Metal Bridge, And A Wooden Bridge Is A Grand Adventure, It Doesnt Get Much Creepier Than This Abandoned School Hidden In North Carolina, Theres A Covered Bridge Trail In North Carolina And Its Everything Youve Ever Dreamed Of, This Abandoned Speedway In North Carolina Once Hosted The Best Races In NASCAR History. Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. And it appears to have had some holes kicked into it as well. ???? fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. I alway come prepared, he said. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.2: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and Park Store. Can You Do Dollywood in One Day? Learn how your comment data is processed. There were some trail markers tied to trees, but they werent as reliable because some had been blown away in storms. CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. The Mixa' hike Waterrock Knob. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The hike to the plane crash is about a 2.5 mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. I usually describe this kind of place as Narnia: Its not the easiest hike, but very doable if you can climb over fallen trees and jump across some small mud pits: The canopy is pretty thick so the vegetation is mostly ferns, fungi and mosswhich I love: Theres a lot of photograph if you take your time: This looked like a waterfall of roots to me.a rootfall? Drew had said it was a short hike from Waterrock to Browning Knob, and that the plane crash was just off to the left. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. General questions and FAM tours:
[email protected]. Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. Just before reaching the top of the Knob, there is a trail to your left. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. If youre planning to make this a weekend trip, I recommend searching on Booking.com to choose a place. To get here first drive to the visitor center at Waterrock Knob, (one of our favorite places to bring visitors too. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. Spinosaurus might still be there close somewhere. The visitor center building with restrooms in the building on the left, This sign points out the start of the trail. This spray painted rock points the way. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. Start at the Waterrock Visitor Center at Milepost 451.2 off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The path is moderately difficult with roots and downed trees and muddy patches to negotiate. Debris is scattered everywhere in about a 20 to 30 foot radius. Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. Both occupants lost their lives in the crash, so it is important to be respectful of the crash site when visiting. How to Get There. It begins as a paved trail, then moves to a dirt and rocky trail, and there are a few small sections with stairs. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. Tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains, Waterrock Knob Trail is your literal road to ruin. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. See. However, by eight-years-old he wasnt getting free ride. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Once at Browning Knob (big obvious clearing on the top of a mountain), there's another trail off to the left, which leads down to the crashed Cessna 414. The possibility the pilots decision making ability on a cloudy night could have also been impaired by alcohol and other factors we just dont know. In November of 1983, a combination of poor weather and alcohol led to the crash of a small Cessna 414A plane, killing all on board. Once you are off the main paved trail, it turns into more of an intermediate hike. Here are some of the prettiest trails in North Carolina: The state of North Carolina is known for its expansive beauty, but there are a few hikes across the Tar Heel State that really take the cake. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. There's a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so it's worth checking out. The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. The trail starts at the last path on the left before the summit. I listened intently to his point by point directions. The views are epic and sweeping: Its definitely sad but interesting to see! Your email address will not be published. They also found the frozen bodies of the two victims who had sadly died on impact. Overall, this is one of the interesting and rewarding hikes that I have been on in North Carolina.My thoughts are with the families of the two lives that were lost in the crash. That was my co-worker who cleaned it up! Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. But the hike is definitley one of my favorites. Heres my full guide on how to hike to the Waterrock Knob plane crash with everything you need to know to plan your outing. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. True! Odins ears perked up. After you take in the scenery at the top, go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. Rethink that selfie. It is definitely a unique hike, Although this is a site created by a tragic event, I really like sites like these abandoned buildings, vehicles, planes, etc., purely for the artistic side of them. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. She was a quick talker. The trail is obviously used often based on the wear but we didnt see anyone while we were hiking: Spraypainted yellow dots help to mark the trail. It is the highest peak in the Plott Balsams and is the 16th-highest mountain in the Eastern United States. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There are also restrooms available and . Press J to jump to the feed. The plane could have made it over the mountain if it had just been about 150 feet higher. He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. Well now I want to go back and rewatch that. Sylva, North Carolina. The two men onboard didn't survive the crash. Read more in my about section. Pilot error, poor weather conditions, and other fatal mistakes all played a role in the crash that claimed both lives on board. All Rights Reserved, Marcus and Jill Thompson. Waterrock Knob is best known for the hiking trail to its summit. Fewer hikers decide to venture this far out. Fort Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Sylva, North Carolina. She brushed her hand across the. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches some of its highest points in the Waterrock Knob area, including Richland Balsam (highest point on the Parkway) and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (highest visitor center on the Parkway). Harold Blackwood photo. Glad we saw the same thing. Waterrock Knob: Hike to plane crash site - See 321 traveler reviews, 262 candid photos, and great deals for Maggie Valley, NC, at Tripadvisor. If youre not a confident hiker but still want to explore the area, maybe just do this trail to the summit. After hiking up to Waterrock Knob, I overheard a Ranger standing in front of a narrow path to the left. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. Earlier this month, Robert Hawkins, 66, discovered what he believes to be what remains of a 1979 plane crash in the Bald Knob area of the trail, near the three-county border of Amherst, Nelson and . They would never reach their destination, and the aftermath of the crash has lied deep in the mountains of North Carolina ever since. The first half of the hike is straight down the ridge and then you have to hike back up the spine of the connecting knobs. In my blog I never try and say whether you should or shouldnt do a hike. . The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. Thank you! I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. Did you know that there are several airplane crashes that have happened in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. You said in your writing of finding plane. People have absolutely no respect. PLANE DOWN A plane crash that occurred in November 1983 is now the end-point for an off-beat hike that starts at Waterrock Knob, one of WNC's most popular outdoor destinations. To find the plane crash, you hike to a clearing called Waterrock Knob, and take the trail to the left that leads to Browning Knob. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. This shed some light on the mystery. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Here's the general gist of how to get to the crash site: Hike the 0.5 mile path to Waterrock Knob, almost to the top. Areas; NC West and Mountains . We took some time along the hike back to really appreciate the beauty of the forest and fall foliage. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. Mitchell State Park will take you along a rocky, windy path to the top of the mountain, and a hike to Paradise Falls will reward you with stunning, watery views of the hidden waterfall. Ask me how someday? Located in the Smokey Mountains just outside of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, this hike is challenging due to its steep ascents and occasional scrambling over fallen trees and thick roots. We were nervous we were not going to get a good view of sunset due to the haze and overcast skies, but by the time we arrived back to the parking lot the haze had cleared and we were able to view one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. He was right on course, the Civil Air Patrol Major explained to a Chicago newspaper in the winter of 1983. When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. I found the spray paint trail markings most helpful since some of the ties had been blown away in storms, When you come to this clearing, take the path left (this spray painted rock points the way) and you are very close to the crash. It crashed a little before 6pm at about 6,000 feet. The planes tail completely detached; laying against a tree trunk about 15 feet away. Keep these hiking tips in mind: It is important to remember that the two men on the airplane died in the crash. I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. The vision of the plane crash is now fixed as part of my memory. The white aluminum caught my attention; nestled in a downward section of the mountain in a quiet place among trees and other plant life. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. Beware. The rest of the debris is slowly being reclaimed by the forest or has been carried off by visitors over the years. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. Its not something you would climb in or on, but it is interesting to see and take some photos of. The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by: After departure at 1417 cst, radar track showed the aircraft climbing to and maintaining 7,600 feet until about 1733 est and 28-30 miles north of the Knoxville VOR. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. But please, be careful! After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. Thank you! His pack animal instinct was causing him to be on alert. Knowing that two lives were lost at the site, the vibe was pretty heavy. Since it is unmaintained, it might be worth asking at the visitor center for any current updates or safety tips for the time you are visiting. - pay close attention to the ground about 50' from the top of Waterrock Knob and you'll see a faded blue arrow spray painted on a large, flat rock. Browning Knob and Waterrock Knob. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! Maggie Valley, about 5 hours from Fayetteville. And, in the solitude of the trail embarrassed us once again. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. Before hiking to the airplane crash, it is important to prepare. If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. Which state parks should I visit in North Carolina? Follow the yellow markers painted on the trees. The trail begins as a paved path then turns into a rocky dirt trail. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. Read more . We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. In 1983, this Cessna 414 was traveling from Chicago, IL to a small airport in western North Carolina. Theres more details below so please read the full guide to see if its a good option for you. As sad as it is it would be interesting to see this in person especially a plane from the 80s! Hope you prayed for the departed. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. Thats so crazy! At one point, I said something funny. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. Its about two-hours round trip from here!. In order to reach the site of the airplane crash, you will need to start off on the Waterrock Knob trail located off of mile marker 451 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Both occupants were killed. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. At least, this was his recollection. Fair weather clouds against a pale blue sky and the Great Smoky Mountains waiting for me. Oh and also, fuck Lauren and Trent . Some North Carolina Cherokee have been keeping their history alive for decades with a single play. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Its a very good idea to tell multiple people where you are heading, and its probably not a trail you should tackle alone. Read Also: 5 abandoned places in the Smokies you didnt know existed. We found out how you can hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina, and have all the necessary details below. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. The path is clear and paved for the first bit before turning to dirt and leading up several stone staircases. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. THIS NEARLY 40-YEAR-OLD PLANE WRECKAGE is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage.. We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. The Browning Knob lookout is beautiful and you will be able to see the parking lot where you started. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. If you decide to go on this hike, you be challenged, rewarded and you will find a group of trail buddies along the way. Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes near Asheville (Craggy Gardens to Waterrock Knob) . Seemed really disrespectful in such a somber place. In my opinion the trail is intermediate because its unmaintained so you are hiking over a lot of tree roots and it requires more awareness to keep on track. Theres a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so its worth checking out. You take the Waterrock Knob Trail, he said. The mountain is a popular destination with tourists and amateur hikers, as it is easily accessible from the parkway. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. I used to hike to this as a teenager once every few months and the vandalism and theft has only really started in the past 3 years. It's far worse now than it ever was. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. Its a good idea to have someone with you. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . The Ranger continued on up Waterrock and out of site. A visitors' center is located near its summit and a . However, on that fateful day, he was apparently unaware or unconcerned by the weather awaiting him. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a super neat place to explore and . And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. Just keep an eye out for the small path. An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. There are very few small plane crash sites in North Carolina, and you can find one of them hidden deep in the woods on a trail that runs along a ridge. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina . Down that trail about 100 feet, youll be able to see the plane in the distance down the hill. This one is a fairly easy trail in terms of skill. Tammy arrived after Patrick; she was standing behind the plane on the slope. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This nearly 40-year-old plane wreckage is located near the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. His sweat covered hair was tied back in a ponytail. Please feel free to subscribe below fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. Not only are the views spectacular but the flowers and wildlife are too: The sides of the trail were covered with butterflies when we went, so many it looked like the mountains were moving: Just as you get to the top of Waterrock Knob you will notice a small unmarked trail to the leftyou might even miss it if you werent looking for it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After a few hours of homework, I glanced out the window. Take this trail. Where to park for the Waterrock Knob Plane Crash hike. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. As interesting as the crash site can be, it was important for us to remember the two pilots who lost their lives in this very spot and treat the area with respect. It was an attempt to keep his bearings, which the FAA referred to as up and down altitude excursions. When I can make the trip Ill definitely consider doing this hike, it seems like an interesting one I had no idea how dangerous the Smoky Mountains were for planes. Completely agree! Later we learn there is a hike to a plane crash that can be reach from Waterrock Knob Trail. How to Get to Heaven from Waterrock Knob. It rises a total of 2,000 feet in just about three . Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check this box to receive emails from Journey to the Destination. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. The aircraft then descended and crossed the snowbird VOR at about 6,700 feet. Maybe the Ranger was trying to discourage us from going on the unofficial hike. The trail begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and continues for a quarter mile up a well-marked, paved path to an observation point . For mountain views wed recommend Mount Mitchell, standing a whopping 6,684 feet above sea level that allows hikers to see up to 100 miles past the point. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. After crossing snowbird VOR the aircraft turned south and again there were altitude excursions. On November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was en route to the Jackson County Airport from Chicago when it crashed into the mountainside just before 6:00 pm. The aircraft had impacted mountainous terrain at about 6,000 feet msl and 11 miles from the destination. I was confused. It was quite a trek! People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. The grandmother laughed and grabbed my arm. Headed over to the browning knob/plane crash site, this part of the trail wasn't to hard to follow with AllTrails map downloaded. You probably dont need to reminder, but keep in mind it is a site where people died so keep it respectful when you visit. Two people died in this crash. Graffiti covered the white paint. Its perfect for a one-and-done day out in the wilderness. While we were gathered at the crash site more people started to come. The latest music videos, short movies, tv shows, funny and extreme videos. Once we arrived to the parking lot, we spent some time at the visitor center, were met with beautiful fall foliage, and eventually began our trek towards Waterrock Knob and the Cessna 414 crash. On November 24, 1983, two pilots began their flight from DuPage Airport in West Chicago headed to Jackson County Airport, North Carolina. Seriously makes me hope there's truth in the super natural. If you are interested in hiking to this airplane crash, you also will probably enjoy hiking to Shuckstack Fire Tower. Thank you for reading! If you follow that trail for a little bit you will see a tree with the following signs on it: Yes, there are warningsmake sure you tell someone where you are hiking just in case! GPS coordinates:352737.2N 830827.0W. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The thing about getting to any summit is that you gotta go uphill. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This portion of the trail is also fairly difficult and is not recommended for novice hikers or lone hikers. Making a Composition Book Art Journal. How to Make a DIY Printing Press from a Panini Press. There are the remnants of an old Cessna plane that crashed there many years ago that you can hike to. In addition to that, hed been drinking a little the FAA reported a blood-alcohol level of .04 percent. January 11, 2022 | Julie Roland Realty | Route 64 Blog, Route 64 Journal. As Im getting older I dont do it as much as I should and your pictures helped me see things I dont see much of anymore. The outdoor adventures found along the parkway include a multitude of trails, visitor centers, and stunning overlooks. as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. Thank god someone cleaned up the graffiti. . Hiking to the airplane crash on Waterrock Knob will remind you that life is precious. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. Be sure to wear hiking boots because the trail is rocky, dont forget your reusable water bottle, and bring a map and compass in case you get lost. 20 reviews of Waterrock Knob "Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsalms range. I just give you as much information as possible to make that decision for yourself and I hope that helps. The visitor center is located at 5,820 feet and the summit itself . If you are walking uphill as opposed to returning from the summit, it will be on the left. Or have you already been out to see it before? Plane crash PARKING LOT Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Waterrock Knob Browning Knob 5719 ft 6292 ft 6240 ft Elevations: Waterrock knob parking lot to peak waterrock peak to Browning Knob Browning knob to plane crash .5 miles .7 miles .05 miles distances: People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. Deep & Dark Mammoth Cave: Like Navigating Another World, Woodfin Cascades: Best Kept Secret Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, Finding My Life Purpose and Passion in Happy Trails, Success Isnt About Money When Your Heart is in the Game. It is the modern-day retelling of the Icarus story of flying too close to the sun. I recommend bringing lunch with you to enjoy at the top of Browning Knob. Another blond haired woman with a baseball cap and a group of grade school aged kids were heading towards us. It clearly says its on the right if you are returning down the trail after the lookout. While theres the obviously sad nature of why the plane is there to begin with, Im always interested in hikes that have some site, historical or otherwise, to see. 0. Today the wreckage is still on Browning Knob and is a reminder of the many dangers that are present in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Hey, I said. My legs and arms were feeling slightly fatigued, but I was still looking forward to the climb. Both passengers aboard died as a result. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. Book your tickets online for Waterrock Knob, Maggie Valley: See 321 reviews, articles, and 262 photos of Waterrock Knob, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Maggie Valley. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, The Frozen Banana Stands of Balboa Island, The Paratethys Sea Was the Largest Lake in Earths History, How Communities Are Uncovering Untold Black Histories, The Medieval Thieves Who Used Cats, Apes, and Turtles as Accomplices, https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/waterrock-knob-trail. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. There is a steep ascent and some of the trails are not well marked. Print/PDF map. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to . Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin.