The trail to the Upper Polly Branch Falls runs through the Bridgestone/Firestone
Centennial Wilderness. This is an area of 10,000 acres that was donated to the
State of Tennessee by Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., on condition that it remain a
low-impact area and no structures be built in the gorge.
Mid-May is a great time to take this hike. It’s
not hot yet, there aren’t too many bugs, and
the trees have started to leaf-out, so things
are getting pretty. Also, you are most likely to
have a decent amount of water in the creek that
feeds the falls.
You start at the Polly Branch Falls Trailhead on
Scotts Gulf Road, where there is a nice parking
area.
As soon as you start down the trail, the way is
clearly indicated on the trailhead signboard. You
couldn’t ask for clearer directions than this.
The hike to the falls takes approximately 40 minutes. The first section of
trail is on a well-trodden path through the woods over easy rolling terrain
that all looks about like this – a nice woodland jaunt.
In about 25 minutes, you come to the junction of 3 trails, the Polly Branch, the Yellow Bluff, and,
although this sign doesn’t show it, the Bee Branch trails. You need to turn left to continue on the Polly
Branch Falls trail. The next half-mile leading to the Polly Branch takes you on a very steep downhill
section that brings you to the stream. It’s a bear coming up that slope on the way back.
Where the trail meets the Polly Branch, there are rocks [not shown] to help you cross over to the other
bank where the path continues. Hopefully you'll
arrive when the water level is not swelled by heavy
rains, or you might have to get your feet wet. Just
above that crossing is this gentle little cascade.
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