NC Waterfalls T through Z

Sam Branch Lower Falls

Trailhead GPS: 35.33962,-82.90110 (Pull-off on NC-215)

Waterfall GPS: 35.34104,-82.89801

Lower Sam Branch Falls is the lowest and most easily accessible waterfall on Sam Branch in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Shining Rock Wilderness. The hike to the waterfall is less than a mile round trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, head north on NC-215 (Logan Lake Road) from the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple miles south of Graveyard Fields. Go four miles on NC-215 to a sharp left-hand turn and park along the side of the road.

Walk back a short ways to the start of the hairpin turn and hike up the path to the top of the bank. The trail is steep here, but levels off. Bear left and hike about 0.3 miles to Lower Sam Branch Falls. It's a series of cascades that stretches as far as the eye can see (and well beyond). There are a lot of boulders and rocks in the creek, providing opportunities to climb out to view and photograph the waterfall from different angles. The cascades and waterfalls continue up the creek for quite a ways. I've never been beyond this point and understand that it is extremely challenging. If you're not up for the strenuous hike to the upper waterfalls, Wash Hollow Falls is right across the creek.

Sandy Dam Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.12912,-78.87005 (Jordan Soccer Complex Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.11864,-78.86134

Sandy Dam Falls is a waterfall on a tributary of Cape Fear River in Cumberland County. The waterfall is along the Cape Fear River Trail in Fayetteville. The hike to the waterfall is about 2.5 miles round trip and easy.

To visit the falls, head north from downtown Fayetteville on Ramsey Street. In about 5 miles, turn right on Treetop Drive. Go 0.6 miles to the Jordan Soccer Complex parking lot at the end. Hike back a short ways and pick up the Cape Fear River Trail. Follow the trail south for about 1.2 miles to the Sandy Dam Bridge, which goes right over the waterfall right before the trail goes under the railroad tracks. Before the bridge is a path leading down to view the falls. The upper part is a dam and manmade, but it's pretty impressive in high water, especially being in Fayetteville.

Sassafras Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.26448,-83.93800 (End of FSR 75)

Waterfall GPS: 35.25575,-83.96821

Sassafras Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on Sassafras Creek, a tributary of Snowbird Creek, in Graham County. The waterfall is located in the Snowbird Backcountry Area in the Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 7-miles round trip and moderately challenging.

To visit the falls, head north from Robbinsville on US-129 for a mile or so and turn left on NC-143 W. Go about 3.5 miles and turn right to stay on NC-143 W. In 2.2 miles, turn left onto Snowbird Road. Go 3.1 miles and turn right to get on Big Snowbird Road. This road changes to gravel and becomes Forest Service Road 75. Drive approximately 6 miles to the end of this road for the trailhead.

Satulah Lower Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.02400,-83.18648 (Overlook on NC-28)

Waterfall GPS: 35.02459,-83.19148

Lower Satulah Falls is waterfall on Clear Creek in Macon County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The only way to see this waterfall, as far as I know, is from a roadside overlook - no hiking involved.

To visit the falls, head south on NC-28 from Highlands. Go 3.6 miles and pull off on the overlook on the right. You can see the waterfall across the gorge from the here. As far as I know, there's no way to get any closer. The waterfall is probably 100 feet high, but it's hard to really tell from such a distance. Although the view of the waterfall isn't that great, the view of Satulah Mountain and Blue Valley from here is fantastic and makes this spot worth a stop even if you can't really see the waterfall.

Schoolhouse Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.15766,-82.99869 (Cold Mountain Gap Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.16308,-83.00665

Schoolhouse Falls is a scenic 20 foot waterfall on Greenland Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 2.5 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, head east on US-64 from Lake Toxaway and turn left to get on NC-281 north. In just under a mile, bear left to get on Cold Mountain Road. Go 5.7 miles to the end of the road and turn left onto the gravel road. Go a short ways and turn right to reach the parking area. This is the Cold Mountain Gap access to Panthertown Valley.

Pick up the Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) at the far end of the parking lot behind the kiosk. It goes a short ways and then turn left on an old road. The road heads down via switchbacks towards Greenland Creek. Right after crossing the bridge over Greenland Creek, turn left on Little Green Trail (#485). Follow this a short ways until you come to boardwalks. Look for a campsite to the left. The beach in front of Schoolhouse Falls is just beyond the campsite.

Scotsman Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.01731,-83.11242 (Pull-off on Forest Road 1178/Bull Pen Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.01656,-83.11211

Scotsman Falls is a beautiful 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest just inside Ellicott Rock Wilderness.

To visit the falls, head south on NC-107 from the intersection of US-64 in Cashiers. In 6.9, turn right on Bull Pen Road. This road starts paved and then turns to gravel and becomes Forest Service Road 1178. The pull-off for the waterfall trailhead is 4.3 miles from the turn off NC-107. When you're approaching the trailhead, the road will turn sharply to the left with a primitive campsite to the right. You will pass gated Forest Road 4564 on the right and Scotsman Creek will be to the left. A few hundred feet past FR 4564, the road curves right. Park along the side of the road in the right-hand curve. There's not much of a pull-off here, so be sure to get your vehicle completely off the road.

The hike to the falls is short but challenging. Right in the right-hand curve where you parked, you should see a faint trail heading down to the creek. There was flagging tape when I was here. It's not much of a trail and very steep, but you should be able to hear the waterfall, so just keep heading to the sound. Scotsman Creek Falls is a really beautiful waterfall. The water splits into two free-falling streams and then cascades down. The two streams flow around a small island and there's a nice big rocky area to relax and enjoy the falls.

Scotsman Upper Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.01826,-83.11275 (Forest Road 4564)

Waterfall GPS: 35.01838,-83.11237

Upper Scotsman Falls is a smaller waterfall just a little ways upstream of the main waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest just inside the Ellicott Rock Wilderness.

To visit the falls, follow the directions for Waterfall on Scotsman Creek above. You can park at the same trailhead or just up the road a short ways at Forest Road 4564. This forest road is gated and very overgrown. The upper waterfall is directly across from this road. There's no trail down to the creek and its extremely steep and overgrown. Fortunately, it's also very short - maybe 100 feet. There was some flagging tape when we visited. We were actually looking for the main waterfall and came across this one by accident.

Sculpted Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.05325,-83.05386 (End of Heady Mountain Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.05070,-83.04780

Sculpted Falls is a gorgeous 15-foot waterfall on Whitewater River in Jackson and Transylvania County (the county line runs down the river). The waterfall is located in Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest (in Jackson and Transylvania counties, respectively). The hike to the waterfall is extremely difficult. This waterfall lies within the Upper Whitewater Slot Canyon.

To visit the falls, head south from Cashiers on NC-107. Drive about 5.5 miles and turn left on Heady Mountain Road. Follow this gravel road for 1 mile to the end at a bridge over Whitewater River. Park on the right immediately before the bridge. This hike is very difficult and a GPS and topo map are needed. You'll need to strike out through the woods and follow the river downstream. There's no trail and just a maze of old logging roads and paths. About a half-mile from the parking, get in the river and creek-walk downstream past Nasty Falls. The river right side is exposed rock to climb down. From here, it's a short ways to Entrance Falls that marks the beginning of the Upper Whitewater Slot Canyon. Climb up to the rocks on the river-right side of Entrance Falls and look for a small overgrown path that leads down the rim of the canyon. There is a small rock perch from which you can see Sculpted Falls. It's very small and slanting down, so use extreme caution as a fall here would be fatal.

Second Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.32043,-82.84692 (MP 418.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway)

Waterfall GPS: 35.32228,-82.84671

Second Falls, also called Lower Falls, on Yellowstone Prong is a 50-foot waterfall in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Graveyard Fields area of Pisgah National Forest.

To visit the, head to Mile Post 418.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From US-276, go south about 8 miles on the parkway. From NC-215, go about 3.5 miles north on the parkway. Either way you come, park at the Graveyard Fields Overlook at Mile Post 418.8. Note that this is an extremely popular stop on the parkway and it can be hard to find parking on a nice weekend day.

Setrock Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.75128,-82.21988 (South Toe Trailhead Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.74981,-82.22815

Setrock Creek Falls is tiered waterfall along its namesake creek in Yancey County. The waterfall is located in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Mount Mitchell.

To visit the falls, head east out of Burnsville on US-19 east for about 4 miles and turn right on NC-80 south. Go about 11.5 miles and turn right on South Toe River Road. Follow this road for just under 3 miles (it will become Forest Service Road 472 and change to gravel along the way). Park just outside the entrance to Black Mountain Campground. Unless you're a registered camper at the campground, you must park outside.

From the trailhead, head into the campground and across the bridge and bear left once across the river to access Setrock Creek Falls Trail (#197). The trail crosses Briar Bottom Camp Road and leads to the waterfall in about a quarter-mile.

Shacktown Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.12492,-80.59226 (Pull-off on Styers Mill Road)

Waterfall GPS: 36.12423,-80.59317

Shacktown Falls is a 10-foot waterfall on North Deep Creek in Yadkin County. The waterfall is located in Shore-Styers Mill Park. The hike to the waterfall is very short and easy.

To visit the falls, head west from Winston-Salem on US-421 north for about 16 miles to exit 253. Turn right on Old Stage Road and go 0.2 miles to Shacktown Road. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to Styers Mill Road. Turn right and go about 0.5 miles to a pull-off on the left just before a bridge over North Deep Creek. From the parking area, walk past the gate and you can see the waterfall. Several paths lead down to the base.

She Falls Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.20423,-81.87635 (Lake Coffey Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 36.20845,-81.87574

She Falls Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on Pond Creek in Watauga County. The waterfall is located in the town of Beech Mountain and accessible via the network of trails. The hike to the falls is about a mile round trip and moderately difficult.

To visit the falls, head south from Boone on NC-105 for about 13 miles and turn right on NC-184 north. Go just over 4 miles and turn left and then right to stay on NC-184, which becomes Beech Mountain Parkway. In 5.3 miles, turn right on Lake Road and then left on Lakeridge Road in 0.4 miles. The parking area for Lake Coffey will be on the right in a quarter mile.

Hike past the lake and pick up Lower Pond Trail, which goes right and follows Pond Creek downstream. It's high up, so sometimes there won't be much water, but we visited in high water and the creek is almost non-stop cascades and drops. The trail is rocky and steep in places and there's a spot with a rope to get past a slippery rock face. In under a half-mile, a short spur to the left goes out to the base of She Falls Falls. I understand a woman fell off the waterfall and broke her leg, thus the name. I think she's lucky she survived!

Shower Bath Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.15951,-82.97356 (Cold Mountain Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.15960,-82.97362

Shower Bath Falls is a seasonal roadside waterfall on a tributary of Toxaway River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is on private property, but you can easily see it from the road.

To visit the falls, head east on US-64 from Lake Toxaway and turn left to get on NC-281 north. In just under a mile, bear left to get on Cold Mountain Road. Go 3.8 miles and the waterfall will be on the right. It looks best after a heavy rain.

Shuck Ridge Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.28462,-82.82874 (Parking area off FSR 475)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29555,-82.86156

Shuck Ridge Creek Falls is a secluded waterfall on its namesake creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

There are two ways to visit the falls. The first is via the the Art Loeb Trail and the second is via the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail. The trailhead for the Art Loeb Trail is at Gloucester Gap. To reach Gloucester Gap, go north on US-276 from US-64 near Brevard for 5.2 miles and turn left on Forest Road 475. Go about 6 miles to a four-way intersection at Gloucester Gap and park here. Forest Road 471 (Catheys Creek Road) goes left and the closed Forest Road 229 goes to the right. When FR229 was open, you could drive most of the way, but now you'll have to hike. The trailhead for Daniel Ridge Loop Trail is also along Forest Road 475, 3.9 miles past the turn from US-276. There is a good sized parking lot here, on the right. If you want to combine both trails, shuttle a car to both trailheads.

From Gloucester Gap, hike up either the FR229 or the Art Loeb Trail. The Art Lobe trail is very steep and quite overgrown, so it almost feels like bushwhacking despite being on an official trail. In about 2.5 miles, you'll reach the summit of Pilot Mountain. Fortunately, it's all downhill from here. From Pilot Mountain, continue on Art Loeb Trail for about 1.5 miles to Farlow Gap and get on the Farlow Gap Trail (#106). This trail is much better maintained and a lot easier to follow, though its quite steep going down towards the beginning (if you don't shuttle, you'll have to go back up this part on the way back). In about a mile, the trail will cross over Shuck Ridge Creek and the waterfall is just below. It's a steep scramble down to the base for a good view of the falls. If you didn't shuttle head back the way you came.

From Daniel Ridge Loop trailhead, cross the bridge over Davidson River and go straight on Daniel Ridge Loop Trail (#105). In about 1.5 miles, you'll come to an intersection with Farlow Gap Trail (#106). Turn left to get on this trail and go about 2 miles to the Shuck Ridge Creek.

Shunkawauken Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.27142,-82.21430 (Pull-off on White Oak Mountain Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.27213,-82.21471

Shunkawauken Falls is a 150-foot waterfall on Horse Creek in Polk County. The waterfall is located on private property, but you can view it from the road.

To visit the falls, head east on I-26 from Hendersonville. Take exit 67 in Columbus; go right at the fork for US-74 E and then take the exit for NC-108 to Columbus. Go about a half-mile on NC-108 (W Mills St) and turn left on Houston Road. You'll have to go right to stay on Houston Road. In about a mile, turn left on White Oak Mountain Road. This road is very steep and windy - if you get car sick, you won't enjoy this drive. It's about 1.8 miles to a small gravel pull-off on the left, right before the falls. If you reach the falls, you've gone too far and it's tricky to turn around on this road. From the pull-off, walk up the road a short ways to see the waterfall.

Sidepocket Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.08947,-82.95181 (Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.08069,-82.95892

Sidepocket Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Horsepasture River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The only access to the waterfall is through Gorges State Park. The hike to the waterfall is about 3 miles round trip and difficult.

Silver Run Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.06692,-83.06698 (Pull-off on NC-107)

Waterfall GPS: 35.06617,-83.06542

Silver Run Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on Silver Run Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest outside of Cashiers.

To visit the waterfall, head south on NC-107 from Cashiers for four miles from the intersection of NC-107 and US-64. There is a pull-off on the side of the road here and a Forest Service Sign for access to the waterfall. From the pull-off, hike the short and easy Silver Run Falls Trail (#435) to the waterfall. This scenic waterfall is easy to access and relatively close to Cashiers so expect a crowd when you visit.

Silver Run Upper Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.06692,-83.06698 (Pull-off on NC-107)

Waterfall GPS: 35.06714,-83.06430

Upper Silver Run Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on Silver Run Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest outside of Cashiers.

To visit the falls, follow the directions for Silver Run Falls above. When you reach Silver Run Falls, notice the cliff face near the falls with a bunch of roots on it. Climb up here and once at the top, follow the faint path through the rhododendron along the creek heading upstream. Shortly, you'll come out at the base of the upper waterfall. It's not quite as scenic as the main waterfall, but you're much more likely to have the waterfall to yourself.

Silvervale Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.04834,-81.59481 (Pull-off on Waterfalls Road)

Waterfall GPS: 36.04844,-81.59462

Silvervale Falls is an 80-foot cascading waterfall on Greenfield Branch, a tributary of Puncheon Camp Creek, in Caldwell County. The waterfall is on private property, but can be viewed roadside.

To visit the falls, head south on US-321 from Blowing Rock for about 6 miles and turn right on Waterfalls Road. Drive 1.8 miles to the waterfall. There's a small pull-off on the side of the road before and right after the waterfall. It's a scenic waterfall, but unfortunately seems to attract vandals and graffiti.

Simon Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.07795,-82.99367 (Pull off on Brewer Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.06344,-82.98760

Simon Falls is a 20-foot sliding waterfall on Thompson River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is about 3.5 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty, including a river wade.

To visit the falls, head west on US-64 from Brevard towards Lake Toxaway. In Lake Toxaway, go left to stay on US-64/NC-281 and go about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto NC-281 south. Drive 3.7 miles, passing Gorges State Park on the left, and turn left onto Brewer Road and park along the side of the road.

Right at the turn for Brewer Road, start hiking up the gated logging road. In about a mile from the start, you will see a path that splits to the right. This trail leads to High Falls. Continue on the main trail, which begins to descend via a couple switchbacks and leads to a ford across Thompson River. You'll need to cross the river here. Unless the water level is way down, you'll need to wade. If the water level is high, this could be a dangerous crossing, so avoid this area in times of high water. Once across the river, continue following the logging road for about another half-mile. On the left, you should see a path that leads down to the river below the waterfall and you may be able to see the waterfall through the foliage.

Skinny Dip Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.32218,-82.82801 (MP 417 on Blue Ridge Parkway)

Waterfall GPS: 35.32236,-82.83391

Skinny Dip Falls is a 30-foot waterfall in three sections along Yellowstone Prong in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

To visit the falls, head to Mile Post 417 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From US-276, go south about 6 miles on the parkway. From NC-215, go north about 5.3 miles on the parkway. Either way you come, park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook at Mile Post 417. The views of Looking Glass Rock are fantastic here and it's worth a stop even if you're not heading to the waterfall.

From the parkway overlook, cross the parkway and take the short spur trail that leads to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). You'll pass the "dragon" tree on the way. At the MST, turn left to head down some stairs and follow the trail for less than a half-mile to a bridge over Yellowstone Prong with views of the waterfall. It's difficult to see the entire waterfall from one point. This waterfall is a popular swim hole in warmer months. Popular enough that few people ever skinny dip here anymore.

Slick Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.68909,-82.19758 (Parking at Curtis Creek Campground on FSR-482)

Waterfall GPS: 35.69107,-82.20559

Slick Falls is a tall waterfall on Slick Falls Branch in McDowell County. The waterfall is located in the Curtis Creek area of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles round trip and very difficult. There's no good view and it's really not worth it.

To visit the falls, head east from Old Fort on US-70 for about 2 miles and turn left on Curtis Creek Road. Drive 4.9 miles, entering the national forest and park at a pull-off on the left just before the campground. The road changes to gravel and becomes FSR-482.

Pick up Snooks Nose Trail (#211) across the road from the parking area. The trail crosses a small tributary and then Slick Falls Branch after about a half-mile. After this point, it gets very steep. In the second left-hand switchback, an obvious path heads towards the creek near the bottom of the waterfall. The creek banks are super steep and overgrown with rhododendron so it's really hard to see the waterfall.

Slick Rock Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.29332,-82.79794 (Parking on FR-475B)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29320,-82.79729

Slick Rock Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Slick Rock Creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is very short and easy.

To visit the falls, head east from Brevard on US-64/US-276 to where they split in Pisgah Forest. Turn left to stay on US-276 and enter Pisgah National Forest. In 5.3 miles, turn left on FR-475, signed for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. In 1.5 miles, just after the center, bear right on gravel FR-475B (Headwaters Road). Drive 1.1 to a small parking on the right.

From the parking, Slick Rock Falls Trail (#117) starts at the kiosk. Almost immediately, bear right and go a short ways to the waterfall. You can hear it from the parking area and probably see it in winter. Slick Rock Creek is a pretty small creek, so this one looks best after a good rain.

Slick Rock Lower Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.29332,-82.79794 (Parking on FR-475B)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29269,-82.80009

Lower Slick Rock Falls is a waterfall on Slick Rock Creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about a half-mile round trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, follow the directions to Slick Rock Falls above. From the parking area, follow a path leading down to the roadside campgrounds and follow the creek downstream. After the last campsite, cross the creek to river right side and pass a large rock wall. The waterfall is just past the rock wall. It's covered in dead trees and the best spot I could view was from the middle.

Sliding Rock:

Trailhead GPS: 35.31156,-82.78718 (Sliding Rock Recreation Area Parking Lot)

Waterfall GPS: 35.31105,-82.78661

Sliding Rock is a 20-foot water slide on Looking Glass Creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Sliding Rock Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is very short and easy. There is a $2 per person fee to enter the Recreation Area.

To visit the falls, head east from Brevard on US-64/US-276 to where they split in Pisgah Forest. Turn left to stay on US-276 and enter Pisgah National Forest. In 7.8 miles, turn left to enter Sliding Rock Recreation Area. A paved path leads to bathrooms and then the waterfall. This natural water slide is more for sliding and swimming than as a photo subject.

Soco Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.49286,-83.16969 (Pull-off on US-19)

Waterfall GPS: 35.49246,-83.16953

Soco Falls is a scenic double waterfall on Soco Creek and a tributary in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Qualla Indian Reservation. The hike to the falls is very short, but getting down to the base is a little tricky.

To visit the falls, head south on US-19 from Maggie Valley for about 6 miles to a pull-off on the left side of the road, about 1.5 miles past the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a small sign about a half-mile before the turn. Alternately, if coming from Cherokee, go north on US-19 for about 10 miles and the pull-off will be on the right.

The trail begins at the break in the guard rail and leads down to a wooden overlook with views of the falls, as seen in the first picture below. You can't really see both waterfalls from here. To get to the base, climb down the steep path before the overlook. The last time I was here, there were ropes to assist with the descent. It's a tricky scramble down, but you'll have good views of both the falls.

Sols Creek Upper Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.26427,-83.02070 (Pull off on Charley's Creek Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.26348,-83.01920

Upper Sols Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the falls is less than a mile round-trip, but it's a difficult and steep bushwhack. There's another way to get here by creek-walking up Sols Creek from NC-281, but I've never gone that way.

To visit the falls, go north on NC-281 from US-64 in Lake Toxaway for 16.7 miles. Right after crossing Sols Creek, turn right on Charleys Creek Road. Drive 0.4 miles and pull off on the right side of the road just before a left-hand turn. It's not real obvious, but it's a grassy area just wide enough for a vehicle to get completely off the road.

A narrow stretch of National Forest property extends from here down to Sols Creek. There's no trail so bushwhack into the woods towards the creek. It starts out relatively flat, then gets quite steep as you descend to Sols Creek. There are some ropes tied to trees to help with the climb and also to reassure that you're going the right way. When you get down to creek level, follow a faint path leading upstream a short ways to the base of the waterfall.

South Harper Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.98851,-81.82485 (Pull-off on FSR 58)

Waterfall GPS: 35.98062,-81.81048

South Harper Creek Falls is a large waterfall in two sections on Harper Creek in Avery County. The hike to the falls is about 4 miles round-trip, depending on whether you go to the base and/or the overlook. It is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Split Rock Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.08947,-82.95181 (Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.08841,-82.93933

Split Rock Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on Bearwallow Creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in Gorges State Park. The hike to the waterfall is about 4 miles round trip and very difficult, including bushwhacking.

Stairway Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.08947,-82.95181 (Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.08556,-82.95654

Stairway Falls is a tiered waterfall on Horsepasture River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. However, the only legal access to the waterfall is through Gorges State Park.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 18 miles, passing Lake Toxaway, and turn left on NC-281. In just under a mile, turn left into Grassy Ridge section of Gorges State Park and drive through to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking at the end. Follow the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail for about three-quarters of a mile to cross out of Gorges State Park into Pisgah National Forest. Right after the boundary, the main trail bears to the right. An unofficial path goes left/straight and follows a ridge down to Horsepasture River near the top of the falls. Go left and follow the path down to the base of the waterfall. In high water, the waterfall looks like stairs.

Steels Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.91264,-81.83909 (end of Forest Service Road 228)

Waterfall GPS: 35.91898,-81.84737

Steels Creek Falls is a really cool waterfall on its namesake creek in Burke County. There are a number of potholes in the rock, giving this waterfall a very unique look. The hike to the falls is less than 2 miles round-trip, but it's a challenging hike, particularly to get out on the rocks for a good view. The waterfall is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest. See my Wilson Creek page for directions and more description.

Steels Creek Upper Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.94555,-81.85700 (Pull-off on FR-496)

Waterfall GPS: 35.94551,-81.85790

Upper Steels Creek Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Burke County. The waterfall is located in Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is very short but there's not much of a trail.

To visit the falls, head north on NC-181 from Morganton for about 21 miles to FR-496 on the left. Alternately, if coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC-181 south for 6.2 miles to FR-496 on the right. Follow this gravel road for 1 mile to where it crosses Steels Creek. A pull-off is just past the crossing. The waterfall is immediately upstream. A faint path on river left provides access to the base of the falls. Unfortunately, it's covered in dead trees and downfall.

Still Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.82001,-81.95909 (End of FSR-106)

Waterfall GPS: 35.81663,-81.97302

Still Falls is a waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Black Fork Paddy Creek in McDowell County. The waterfall is located in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Linville Gorge. The hike to the waterfall is about 2 miles round trip and moderate.

To visit the falls, head east from Marion on US-70 for 3 miles. Turn left on NC-126 east and drive 7.6 miles. Turn left on Old NC Hwy 105, which turns to gravel as it heads towards Linville Gorge. Drive about 6 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 106, which is gated in the winter. Drive 2.6 miles on this road, passing some radio towers towards the end and park where you can before the gate.

The hike begins along the forest road past the gate, which is also part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Hike just over half a mile and turn left on a path at a tree with blue paint. This turn is shortly after the road forks and comes back together. Follow this path as it switchbacks down to cliffs above Black Fork Paddy Creek. Turn right and follow the cliffs for a way. The trail will descend for a bit and then level off as you approach the cliffs and the waterfall. It was dry when I visited and the waterfall wasn't much more than a wet rock.

Still House Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.16535,-82.95544 (Pull-off on McIntosh Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.16896,-82.95668

Still House Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Fork Creek in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is only about 1 mile round trip, but it's all bushwhacking and extremely challenging.

To visit the falls, head west on US-64 from Brevard. Just before Lake Toxaway, bear right on NC-281 north for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto Slick Fisher Road and drive 2.1 miles. Turn left on McIntosh Road and go 0.6 miles to a grassy pull-off on the right side of the road.

From the pull-off, cross McIntosh Road and head into the forest. In order to stay on National Forest land and avoid trespassing, you will need a topo map and compass and/or a GPS. There's nothing close to a trail to follow and the way is extremely overgrown. Although it's not steep, this is one of the worst bushwhacking treks we've done - it took us an hour to go 0.4 miles. Eventually, you should come to a small creek. Cross the creek and head up the ridgeline. There should be a trail up here. Go right and follow the trail to the base of Still House Falls. The final descent is quite steep, but there's a rope to assist. After the bushwhacking, this part will seem easy. Still House Falls is a really cool waterfall - it's a shame it's so hard to get to. The water is funneled through a narrow opening at the top and shoots out a couple feet, hits a rock ledge and then falls the rest of the way down. There is a huge grotto behind the waterfall, once the location of an illicit still (hence the name). Although the distillation equipment is gone, someone had a built a makeshift oven here.

Stone Mountain Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.38376,-81.02645 (Upper Trailhead Parking at Stone Mountain State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 36.38098,-81.03507

Stone Mountain Falls, also called Little Falls, is a tall sliding waterfall on Big Sandy Creek in Wilkes County. The waterfall is located in Stone Mountain State Park. The hike to the waterfall is less than a mile round trip and moderate in difficulty, including a large number of stairs. See my Stone Mountain State Park page for directions and more description.

Sumney Cove Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.26321,-82.88933 (Pull-off on FR-140)

Waterfall GPS: 35.26308,-82.89018

Sumney Cove Falls is a tall waterfall on an unnamed tributary of North Fork French Broad River flowing out of Sumney Cove in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. No hike to this one as you can see it from the road.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 8.5 miles and turn right on NC-215 north. Drive 10.5 miles on NC-215 and turn right on Courthouse Creek Road (Forest Road 140). Go 1.4 miles on this gravel road to a pull off on the right. If the water level is up, you can easily see it from the road. Summer foliage obscured the view, but it was during a period of high water, so it was quite impressive. Too high to cross the river for a better view.

Sunburst Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.33857,-82.90377 (Pull-off on NC-215)

Waterfall GPS: 35.33794,-82.90354

Sunburst Falls is a roadside waterfall along NC-215 on West Fork Pigeon River in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pigsah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas.

To visit the falls, head north on NC-215 (Logan Lake Road) from the Blue Ridge Parkway a couple miles south of Graveyard Fields. Go just over four miles to a sharp left-hand turn followed by a bridge over West Fork Pigeon River and park along the side of the road just past the bridge. The waterfall can be seen upstream from the bridge or you can climb out onto the rocks for a better view. If you cross to the other side of the bridge, there is a steep scramble path down to the base. The historic High Arch Bridge with the waterfall flowing underneath makes for a lovely scene.

Tanasee Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.25800,-82.94275 (Parking area on Charleys Creek Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.25525,-82.94065

Tanasee Creek Falls is a waterfall in two sections on Tanasee Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about a mile round trip and difficult, including a creek wade.

To visit the falls, head west on US-64 from Brevard for about 8 miles and turn right on NC-215 north just before Rosman. Drive just under 14 miles and turn left on Charleys Creek Road. Go 1.9 miles to a small parking lot with a picnic area on the left.

From the parking area, follow Tanasee Creek downstream. There is some semblance of a path for most of the ways on river-left side, but it may be easiest to creek walk as well. When you reach the confluence of Pinhook Creek, cross Tanasee Creek and you're at the top of Tanasee Creek Falls. Go downstream a short ways on river-right side and find the easiest path to get down to creek level at the base of the waterfall.

Teacups Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.91264,-81.83909 (end of Forest Service Road 228)

Waterfall GPS: 35.92468,-81.84713

Teacups Falls is a series of cascades and sliding waterfall on Steels Creek in Burke County. The hike to the falls is little around 3 miles round-trip and moderately challenging. The waterfall is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Thorps Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.99522,-81.76087 (Mortimer Campground)

Waterfall GPS: 35.99733,-81.75896

Thorps Creek Falls is a small 15-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Caldwell County. It's an easy quarter-mile hike to the waterfall, conveniently located by the Mortimer campground. The waterfall is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Thunderhole Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.11433,-81.69803 (Pull-off on FSR-4071)

Waterfall GPS: 36.11031,-81.70012

Thunderhole Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Caldwell County. The waterfall is located in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about a mile round-trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, head south on Main Street/US-321 business from US-221 for 0.4 miles and turn right on Globe Road, which becomes gravel. Drive about 3.5 miles turn Forest Road 4071, a sharp right turn. Note that this road is not marked on most maps, so don't rely on navigation software. FSR-4071 is gated during the winter. I think it used to be a 4WD road, but the Forest Service has improved it and we had no trouble in a RAV4. Drive about 2.5 miles on FSR-4071 to the permanent gate and park without blocking the gate.

Hike beyond the gate to a concrete ford over China Creek. Just after the ford, look for a trail on the left following China Creek downstream. This is China Creek Trail (#250) but there are no signs or blazes. In about a half-mile the trail comes to a crossing of China Creek just upstream of the confluence with Thunderhole Creek. Do not cross, but continue to Thunderhole Creek and cross here. Turn right to follow Thunderhole Falls Trail (#253) a short distance to the waterfall. You can see the waterfall from the trail, but it's a very steep climb down to view it from the base. A rope was tied to a tree to assist in the descent.

Thunderhole Lower Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.11433,-81.69803 (Pull-off on FSR-4071)

Waterfall GPS: 36.10345,-81.69616

Lower Thunderhole Falls is a small waterfall on its namesake creek in Caldwell County. The waterfall is located in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about a mile round-trip and moderate in difficulty with several creek crossings.

To visit the falls, follow the directions to Thunderhole Falls above. Where you reach the crossing of China Creek, cross here and continue following the trail downstream. There are two additional creek crossings (it's Thunderhole Creek now). After the second, the trail heads up a ridge above the creek. Look for a steep path leading down to exposed rocks at the waterfall. Although the waterfall is not big, the swim hole at the base is great.

Tise Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.39393,-80.26679 (Hanging Rock Visitor Center Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 36.39676,-80.26973

Tise Falls is a waterfall on Cascade Creek in Stokes County. The waterfall is located in Hanging Rock State Park. The hike to the falls is short, but there's no trail and its very steep.

To visit the falls, head west from Danbury on NC-89/NC-8 N for about 2 miles and turn left on Hanging Rock Park Road. In under 2 miles, the road bears left to enter the park. Continue for another 1.5 miles and turn left into the Hanging Rock State Park Visitor Center.

Pick up the Upper Cascade Falls Trail that is initially paved and crosses the park entrance road. After crossing, the trail follows a gravel road. Where the gravel road makes a sharp left turn at a stone bench, get off the trail and bushwhack down towards the creek. The waterfall is where the two forks of Cascade Creek come together a short ways downstream of Upper Cascade Falls.

Tom Branch Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.46445,-83.43410 (Deep Creek Trailhead Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.46665,-83.42989

Toms Branch Falls is an 60-foot waterfall on a tributary of Deep Creek in Swain County. The waterfall is located in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. The hike to the waterfall is less than a half-mile round trip and easy.

Toms Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.77452,-82.05678 (Parking area on Huskins Branch Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.77757,-82.06220

Toms Creek Falls is a 60-foot tiered waterfall on its namesake creek in McDowell County. The waterfall is located in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is less than a mile round trip and easy.

To visit the falls, take exit 86 from I-40 in Marion and get on NC-226 north, which will become US-221 north. Drive a total of 12 miles from the interstate and turn left on Huskins Branch Road. This road is initially paved, turns to gravel and then back to paved. Drive 1.2 miles on Huskins Branch Road and stop at a parking area on the right, just before a bridge over Toms Creek.

From the parking area, hike the short Falls Branch Trail (#214) to the base of the waterfall. There's a wooden overlook or you can climb up to the creek at the base of the waterfall. There was an old mica mine here, but the Forest Service sealed it up and now there's just Do Not Enter signs.

Toms Spring Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.28462,-82.82874 (Parking area off FSR 475)

Waterfall GPS: 35.28873,-82.82688

Toms Spring Falls, also called Daniel Ridge Falls or Jackson Falls, is a waterfall on Toms Spring Branch in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The hike to the falls is an easy 1-mile round trip.

To visit the falls, head north on US-276 from the intersection of US-64 in Pisgah Forest for a little over 5 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 475 at the sign for Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Drive just under 4 miles to the parking area on the right. The forest road is initially paved, but changes to gravel before you reach the parking area.

From the parking area, hike past the gate along FR-5046 crossing Davidson River on a big bridge. Shortly after the bridge, Daniel Ridge Loop Trail (#105) will split to the left. Stay right and continue on the gravel road for less than a half-mile. Right before you reach the falls, the other end of Daniel Ridge Loop Trail ends at the road from the left. Continue on the road a short ways and the waterfall will be on your left. You can see the waterfall from the road or follow a short side trail to view the falls up close.

Toms Spring Upper Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.28462,-82.82874 (Parking area off FR-475)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29536,-82.83460

Upper Toms Spring Falls is a 50-foot waterfall on Toms Spring Branch in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is an moderate 4-mile round loop that also includes Toms Spring Falls.

To visit the falls, follow the directions to Toms Spring Falls above. Continue on FR-5046 for about 1.5 miles and the road will cross Toms Spring Branch again. Upper Toms Spring Falls is just upstream from the road. It's a nice sliding waterfall over black rocks. To make a loop, continue on FR-5046 for less than a quarter mile and turn left on Daniel Ridge Loop Trail (#105). The trail basically follows Toms Spring Branch downstream to the waterfall. When you get back to FR-5046, turn right to head back to the parking area.

Tory's Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.40173,-80.29929 (Tory's Den Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 36.40247,-80.29991

Tory's Falls is a 50 to 100 foot waterfall in Stokes County on a tributary of Vade Mecum Creek. Although it's the highest waterfall in Hanging Rock, the creek is small and this waterfall dries up to a trickle if there hasn't been much rain. The hike to the falls is about 0.4 miles round trip and easy.

Toxaway Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.12433,-82.93101 (Pull off on US-64)

Waterfall GPS: 35.12367,-82.93096

Toxaway Falls is a tall waterall in multiple sections on Toxaway River below Lake Toxaway in Transylvania County. The eastern half of the waterfall is located in Gorges State Park and the other side is on private property (the property line runs down the middle of the falls). The waterfall is visible from the road, but the view is not great. It's very challenging to get down to the base.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 15 miles to Lake Toxaway. Immediately before the bridge over Toxaway Falls, pull over on the right. There's room for maybe one or two cars here.

Use extreme caution and cross US-64 and get over the guardrail. You can see the waterfall from here and the condos across the gorge. Head east along US-64 a short ways and there is a steep path leading down. I followed this down to the base of the upper drop. The view wasn't very good and it was really steep getting any further down so I didn't go.

Trillium Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.99676,-82.62763 (Pull off on Sugar Loaf Mountain Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.99657,-82.62752

Trillium Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on a tributary of Mill Creek in Madison County. The waterfall is on private property but can be viewed roadside.

To visit the waterfall, head northeast from Hot Springs on US-25/US-70 for about 5 miles and turn left on NC-208 north. Go 3.5 miles and turn right on NC-218 north. In 12.7 miles, turn right on Sugar Loaf Mountain Road, which is gravel. Drive just under 1 mile and the waterfall is on the left.

Triple Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.20319,-82.61900 (Hooker Falls Parking Area in DuPont State Forest)

Waterfall GPS: 35.19897,-82.61705

Triple Falls is a 100-foot waterfall in three sections on Little River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in DuPont State Forest. The hike to the falls is about a mile round trip and moderate with some stairs to reach the base.

Turtleback Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.08947,-82.95181 (Grassy Ridge Parking Area in Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.09256,-82.96620

Turtleback Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on Horsepasture River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. However, the only legal access to the waterfall is through Gorges State Park. When water levels are right and the weather is nice, this is an ideal waterfall for sliding and swimming.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 18 miles, passing Lake Toxaway, and turn left on NC-281. In just under a mile, turn left into Grassy Ridge section of Gorges State Park and drive through to the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking at the end. The orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Trail leads to the waterfall in about 1.5 miles, leaving the state park and entering the national forest in about three-quarters of a mile. Turtleback Falls is just a quarter-mile further past Rainbow Falls.

Twin Falls (Henry Branch):

Trailhead GPS: 35.31616,-82.75234 (Pull-off on FSR 477)

Waterfall GPS: 35.33644,-82.76015

Twin Falls is a double waterfall on Henry Branch and an unnamed tributary in Transylvania County. The waterfalls are located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. It's a moderate 4 to 5 mile round-trip hike to the waterfalls.

To visit the falls, head north on US-276 from the intersection of US-64 in Pisgah Forest for 2.2 miles miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 477 (Avery Creek Road). Drive 2.6 miles on this gravel road to a small parking area on the right side of the road that can fit five or six cars.

The hike to the falls is along the orange-blazed Buckhorn Gap Trail (#103). The trail initially descends down to Avery Creek and joins up with the blue-blazed Avery Creek Trail (#327). Buckhorn Gap Trail then splits off and crosses the creek and begins following Henry Branch upstream. The trail is both a hiking and equestrian trail. There are several spots where the trail fords the creek for horses and there is a small footbridge for hikers. In about two miles, turn left on Twin Falls Trail (#604) and take the short spur to the falls. Although there are two falls, it's not really possible to see both at once. The waterfall on the left is the one on Henry Branch and is the more impressive of the two. The other waterfall is on an unnamed tributary of Henry Branch.

Twin Falls (Toxaway River):

Trailhead GPS: 35.12433,-82.93101 (Pull off on US-64)

Waterfall GPS: 35.11939,-82.92661

Twin Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on Toxaway River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in Gorges State Park. The hike to the waterfall is about 1.5 miles round trip and difficult as its not an official trail and requires a rope to get to the base.

Use extreme caution and cross US-64 and get over the guardrail. Head east on US-64 for about 0.2 miles to the end of the guardrail and there is an old road with a wooden gate. Follow the old road behind the gate down to Toxaway River. The old road peters out quickly, but it's pretty easy to follow and there was flagging tape when we visited. Go left and follow Toxaway River downstream a short ways to come out at the top of the falls. Cross the river and climb down to the base. The climb down is very steep and requires a rope.

Twin Boulder Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.28462,-82.82874 (Parking area off FSR 475)

Waterfall GPS: 35.30898,-82.85081

Twin Boulder Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on Right Fork of Davidson River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The hike to the falls is 5.5 miles round trip and difficult.

From the parking area, hike past the gate along FR-5046 crossing Davidson River on a big bridge. Shortly after the bridge, turn left on Daniel Ridge Loop Trail (#105) and follow Davidson River upstream. At about 1.9 miles, go left on Farlow Gap Trail (#106). The trail crosses Right Fork and then heads up via switchbacks. After the third left-hand switchback, leave the trail and follow a path to continue heading upstream along Right Fork. Right after a small waterfall, the path crosses the creek to river left side. After crossing Lanning Branch, the trail heads up a bit a follows Right Fork upstream. At a drainage, the path goes up and to the right. About 0.5 miles past Lanning Branch, the path drops down to the creek at the Twin Boulders. The view of the falls here is poor. Climb up the river right side to find a good view of the waterfall.

Upper Creek Falls:

Upper Creek Falls is a beautiful 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Burke County. It's located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest, but the trailhead is conveniently located right of NC-181 near Jonas Ridge.

Upper Falls (Snowbird Creek):

Trailhead GPS: 35.26448,-83.93800 (End of FSR 75)

Waterfall GPS: 35.27109,-83.99305

Upper Falls on Snowbird Creek is a waterfall in Graham County. The waterfall is located in the Snowbird Backcountry Area in the Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 12-miles round trip and challenging.

From the trailhead, begin hiking down Big Snowbird Trail (#64) as it follows Snowbird Creek upstream. In about 2.5 miles from the trailhead, you'll see the remains of an old car with bullet holes and will have to cross Sassafras Creek. There's no bridge, but we made it across dry. Go right to stay on Big Snowbird Trail and you'll pass Big Falls on Snowbird Creek and then come to a footbridge over the creek. Across the bridge, the trail splits. Either way will go to Middle Falls, but we went right to take Middle Falls Trail (#64A). Big Snowbird Trail has a number of wet creek crossings and we opted to stay dry. The trail steeply climbs up the ridgeline above Snowbird Creek then is more or less level for another mile, where it back down to creek level. At the split go right to stay on Big Snowbird Trail. The trail is steep and narrow for a short ways, then levels out and follows the creek upstream. In a mile or so, the creek turns to the right and the trail gets more difficult again. At a point where part of the creek is flowing under the trail, get out into the creek. Even in low water, you'll have to wade to get a decent view of the falls. This is the least impressive and most difficult waterfall to visit in the area and probably isn't worth it for most people.

Upper Falls (Yellowstone Prong):

Trailhead GPS: 35.32043,-82.84692 (MP 418.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway)

Waterfall GPS: 35.31821, -82.86683

Upper Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on Yellowstone Prong in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Graveyard Fields area of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is about 3 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty.

From the Graveyard Fields Overlook, get on the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (#358). The trail is a loop so you can go either way. Going clockwise through the loop, get on the trail as the west end of the parking lot and follow the trail to a bridge across Yellowstone Prong. Shortly after crossing, Upper Falls Trail (#358A) splits to the left. If coming from Second Falls, follow Graveyard Fields Loop Trail as it follows the creek upstream to Upper Falls Trail. Upper Falls Trail is about three-quarters of a mile. As you approach the waterfall, it becomes more difficult and the trail splits. Go right and scramble over the rocks to the base of the waterfall.

Uwharrie Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.40891,-80.08979 (Pull off on FR-576)

Waterfall GPS: 35.40961,-80.09008

Uwharrie Falls is a small waterfall in two sections on a tributary of Yadkin River in Montgomery County. The waterfall is located the Badin Lake Recreation Area in Uwharrie National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is very short and moderately difficult. I think the best way to see it would be boat.

To visit the falls, head north from Troy on NC-109 for about 8.5 miles and turn left onto Reservation Road at the Forest Service sign for Badin Lake Recreation Area. Drive 0.5 miles and turn right on the gravel Moccasin Creek Road (FR-576). Go a total of 6.9 miles on FR-576 and pull off on the right just after crossing a creek.

From the parking area, follow a path down to the campsites and then to an overlook of the Yadkin River. From here, scramble down to a spot at the top of the lower main section of the waterfall. The upper section, a 10-foot drop is just upstream of this point. The lower section is about 20 feet and drops right into the river here. I scrambled down as far as I could make it for a profile view. I think you'd need to paddle up to the falls to get a good view.

Violet Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.34841,-83.99731 (Pull-off on FSR-81F)

Waterfall GPS: 35.34908,-83.99993

Violet Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on Cold Branch in Graham County. The waterfall is located in the Cheoah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is less than a mile round trip, but quite difficult as it involves creek walking.

To visit the falls, head west from Robbinsville on Snowbird Road for just under 5 miles to NC-143. Continue straight on NC-143 for about 4.5 miles to Santeetlah Gap. Bear right on Santeetlah Road towards Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and make an immediate left on Old Santeetlah Road. The road changes to gravel and becomes FSR-81. Drive about 6.5 miles to Wolf Laurel Road (FSR-81F) and bear right. There was no sign when we visited indicating the road number, but there was a sign for snow cabin. Go just over a half-mile to a sharp right hand curve. There is one spot to park in the outside of the curve.

Hike down the old road past the parking spot. The road ends at Cold Branch in about 0.1 miles. Get in the creek and follow it upstream to the falls. It's less than a quarter-mile to the waterfall. I visited in very low water conditions, so the waterfall was not looking its best, but the creek walk was pretty easy.

Wardens Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.15766,-82.99869 (Cold Mountain Gap Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.17179,-83.00628

Wardens Falls is a 30 foot waterfall on Tuckasegee River in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 3 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty.

Pick up the Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) at the far end of the parking lot behind the kiosk. It goes a short ways and then turns left on an old road. The road heads down via switchbacks towards Greenland Creek. In one mile, right before the bridge over Greenland Creek, turn right on Devils Elbow Trail (#448). Follow this for about a half-mile. You'll pass under powerlines and reach a clearing with a fire ring. Look for a path to the left that leads down towards Tuckasegee River. The path comes out at the top of Wardens Falls. Look for a scramble path to the right that leads down to the base. It's real steep at the end. You have to cross the river to view the falls well. The water level was too high to cross when I visited, so I just waded as far as I could go.

Wash Hollow Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.33962,-82.90110 (Pull-off on NC-215)

Waterfall GPS: 35.34180,-82.89762

Wash Hollow Falls is a 50-foot sliding waterfall on a tributary of Sam Branch in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Shining Rock Wilderness. The hike to the waterfall is less than a mile round trip and moderate in difficulty.

Walk back a short ways to the start of the hairpin turn and hike up the path to the top of the bank. The trail is steep here, but levels off. Bear left and hike about 0.3 miles to Lower Sam Branch Falls. Cross the creek near the big boulders at the base of the waterfall and continue less than a tenth of a mile to where the trail ends at Wash Hollow Falls.

Watauga Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.25365,-81.856840 (Pull-off on US-321)

Waterfall GPS: 36.25441,-81.85659

Watauga Falls is a small waterfall, more of a rapid really, on Watauga River in Watauga County. It's marked on the USGS Topo map so I stopped to visit. It's just a short ways from the road, but it's a steep scramble to get down.

To visit the falls, head west of Boone on US-421. At the junction, go west on US-321 for 5.7 miles to a pull-off on the right. It's about a half-mile past the bridge over Watauga River just past the guardrail. From here, the waterfall is directly below. It's a steep scramble down to river level. The waterfall is really just a rapid. It would be exciting to paddle it, but not too exciting for waterfall hunting.

Waterfalls Park Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.10052,-81.92988 (Waterfalls Park Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 36.10045,-81.92937

Waterfalls Park Falls is roadside waterfall in three sections on Blood Camp Branch in Avery County. The waterfall is located in Bobby McLean Memorial Park, also called Waterfalls Park, in Newland.

To visit the falls, head south on NC-105 from Boone for about 17 miles and turn right on US-221 south. In 0.6 miles, go straight on NC-181 north, where US-221 turns left. Go 3.4 miles and turn right on NC-194 north. Waterfalls Park is on the right in just over a mile. It's immediately across from Dollar General. The lowest section of the waterfall is visible from the road. A short trail leads up to the upper sections.

West Prong Hickey Fork Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.99447,-82.70454 (Parking on FR-465)

Waterfall GPS: 35.99547,-82.71756

West Prong Hickey Fork Falls is a 25-foot waterfall in Madison County. The waterfall is located in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is about 3 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, head northeast from Hot Springs on US-25/US-70 for about 5 miles and turn left on NC-208 north. Go 3.5 miles and turn right on NC-218 north. In 6.9 miles, turn left on Hickey Ford Road, which becomes Forest Road 465. The trailhead is on the right after 1.2 miles, right before the gate.

Continue up the forest road past the gate and turn left to get on Hickey Fork Trail (#292). The trail immediately crosses East Prong Hickey Fork on a footbridge. The trail then swings around to the West Prong Hickey Fork drainage, crossing the creek and following it upstream. At about 1.2 miles, the trail passes by a long slide on the creek, but there's nowhere for a good view except at the top. West Prong Hickey Fork Falls is just a short ways past this. A steep path leads to the creek at the base of the waterfall.

White Owl Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.07760,-82.99781 (Pull-off on NC-281)

Waterfall GPS: 35.07649,-82.99714

White Owl Falls is 15-foot waterfall on Thompson River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

To visit the falls, head west on US-64 from Brevard towards Lake Toxaway. In Lake Toxaway, go left to stay on US-64/NC-281 and go about 2.5 miles, then turn left onto NC-281 south. Drive 3.9 miles, passing Gorges State Park on the left, and pull into a gated road on the right. Do not block the gate and be sure your car is completely off the road.

Begin hiking back up NC-281 (towards Gorges State Park) along the guard rail on the opposite side of the road as you parked. At the end of the guard rail, there is a faint path that leads down through the rocks supporting the road bed. Continue following the short, but steep path to Thompson River at the base of White Owl Falls. Although it's a small waterfall, it is quite scenic.

Whiteoak Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.82680,-82.21979 (End of White Oak Creek Road)

Waterfall GPS: 35.82665,-82.22063

Whiteoak Creek Falls is a waterfall in three sections on a tributary of South Toe River in Yancey County. The waterfall is located in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is very short and easy.

To visit the falls, head east from Burnsville on US-19E north for about five miles and turn right onto NC-80 south. Drive 6.4 miles and turn right onto Whiteoak Creek Road. In 0.6 miles, turn left to stay on Whiteoak Creek Road. Drive 1.5 miles and park at the end of the road.

The waterfall is visible from the parking area, but there's nowhere to see the entire thing. A path from the parking area leads to the base of the lowest section. An old road heads upstream from the parking area. In a couple hundred feet, a side path leads down to the middle section. Just beyond the side path to the middle section is another that leads to the base of the upper section.

Whiteoak Flats Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.02362,-82.65290 (Jerry Miller Trailhead on FR-111)

Waterfall GPS: 36.02009,-82.66073

Whiteoak Flats Falls is a sliding waterfall on Whiteoak Flats Branch in Madison County. The waterfall is located in the Shelton Laurel Backcountry Area of Pisgah National Forest.

To visit the falls, head northeast from Hot Springs on US-25/US-70 for about 5 miles and turn left on NC-208 north. Go 3.5 miles and turn right on NC-218 north. In 11 miles, turn left on Big Creek Road. In 1.3 miles, bear left and ford Dry Creek. Big Creek Road becomes Forest Road 111 entering the national forest. Go 0.3 miles from the ford to the trailhead parking on the left.

From the parking area, pick up Jerry Mill Trail (#286), which immediately crosses Big Creek on a footbridge. The trail circles the ridge to enter the Whiteoak Flats Branch drainage and follows the creek upstream. At about 1 mile from the trailhead, the trail passes by Whiteoak Flats Falls but the views is obscured by foliage. Climb down the steep slope to the base for a better view. The Forest Service claims this waterfall is 100 feet high, but I think it's closer to 40 feet.

Widows Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.39656, -81.06705 (Parking at Widows Creek Bridge)

Waterfall GPS: 36.39750, -81.06829

Widows Creek Falls is a scenic waterfall on its namesake creek in Wilkes County. The waterfall is located in Stone Mountain State Park. The hike to the waterfall is only about a quarter-mile round trip and easy. See my Stone Mountain State Park page for directions and more description.

Wildcat Falls (Slickrock Creek):

Trailhead GPS: 35.41727,-83.97255 (Big Fat Gap Trailhead Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.42762,-83.99977

Wildcat Falls is a scenic waterfall on Slickrock Creek in Graham County. The waterfall is located within the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in the Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 5.5 miles round trip and strenuous.

To visit the falls, head north on US-129 from Robbinsville for about 13 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 62, which immediately crosses Cheoah River. After the bridge, you'll need to make a sharp right turn to stay on FSR-62. It's a total of about 7 miles on this gravel road to the end at Big Fat Gap Trailhead parking.

From the parking area, pick up Big Fat Trail (#41) that begins behind the information kiosk. This trail is very steep as it heads down following Big Fat Branch. You'll be going down but will have to come back up on the way out. In about 1.5 miles, the trail levels out and reaches an intersection with Slickrock Trail (#42). Turn right and cross the creek almost immediately. We visited in low water and it was an easy rock hop, but will be more difficult in higher water. The trail follows the river left side for about half a mile before crossing again. It's another half mile or so to some campsites at the top of Wildcat Falls. You'll need to cross the creek one more time and follow the creek downstream to a spot where you can get out to the creek near the base.

Wildcat Falls (West Fork Pigeon River Tributary):

Trailhead GPS: 35.30808,-82.90904 (Pull-off on NC-215)

Waterfall GPS: 35.31401,-82.90435

Wildcat Falls is a tall waterfall on a tributary of West Fork Pigeon River in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is about 1.5 miles round trip and easy.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about nine miles and turn right on NC-215 north. Drive about 17.9 miles on NC-215 N to a pull-off on the right side of the road. There is a primitive campsite here. The pull-off is about three quarters of a mile north of the parkway. If coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC-215 N and go 0.8 miles to the pull-off on the rightl.

From the pull-off, continue on the old road to a crossing of Bubbling Spring Branch. This is usually an easy rock hop. Continue on the old road, which is Flat Laurel Creek Trail (#346) for just under three-quarters of a mile to the waterfall at a concrete bridge over the tributary.

Wildcat Lower Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.31511,-82.90854 (Pull-off on NC-215)

Waterfall GPS: 35.31536,-82.90744

Lower Wildcat Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on a tributary of West Fork Pigeon River in Haywood County. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the waterfall is very short, but difficult with a steep climb and creek wade.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about nine miles and turn right on NC-215 north. Drive about 19.1 miles on NC-215 N to a pull-off on the right side of the road. There is a primitive campsite here. The pull-off is about three quarters of a mile north of the parkway. If coming from the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC-215 N and go 2 miles to the pull-off on the right.

From the pull-off, walk north on the side of the road and look for a spot to go down very steeply to West Fork Pigeon River. There was some flagging tape when I visited, but the route is steep and with lots of downfall. At the river you want to go upstream a short ways to where the tributary enters the river. I think its easiest to cross and then go upstream. The waterfall is right here at the confluence. The more well known Wildcat Falls is upstream quite a ways.

Wilderness Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.16793,-83.03980 (Salt Rock Gap parking)

Waterfall GPS: 35.16384,-83.04229

Wilderness Falls is a tall sliding waterfall on Double Knob Gap Branch in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles round trip and moderate in difficulty.

To visit the falls, head east on US-64 from Cashiers for about 2 miles and turn left on Cedar Creek Road. Drive 2.3 miles and turn right on Breedlove Road. Drive 3.5 miles to the end at the Salt Rock Gap parking area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike down the old road behind the gate, which is Panthertown Valley Trail (#474). Turn right at the first inersection onto Wilderness Falls Trail (#490). It's just over a half a mile to Wilderness Falls on the right.

Window Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 36.39393,-80.26679 (Hanging Rock Visitor Center Parking)

Waterfall GPS: 36.40107,-80.25947

Window Falls in Stokes County is a waterfall along Indian Creek in Hanging Rock State Park. The waterfall is a 20 or so foot plunge followed by small cascades over the rock face. The waterfall is named for a four-foot aperture in the cliff face nearby that resembles a window.

Wintergreen Falls (Grassy Creek):

Trailhead GPS: 35.21187,-82.58787 (Guion Farm Parking Area of DuPont State Forest)

Waterfall GPS: 35.19785,-82.58374

Wintergreen Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on Grassy Creek in Henderson County. The waterfall is located in DuPont State Forest. The hike to the falls is just over three miles round trip and moderate.

Wintergreen Falls (Toxaway River):

Trailhead GPS: 35.10853,-82.88361 (Frozen Creek Access of Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.09785,-82.92488

Wintergreen Falls is a beautiful waterfall on Toxaway River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located deep in the heart of Gorges State Park. The hike to the falls is challenging ten-mile round trip hike, including a stretch off trail.

Wintergreen Upper Falls (Toxaway River):

Trailhead GPS: 35.10853,-82.88361 (Frozen Creek Access of Gorges State Park)

Waterfall GPS: 35.09828,-82.92736

Upper Wintergreen Falls is a waterfall in three sections on Toxaway River in Transylvania County. The waterfall is located deep in the heart of Gorges State Park near Lake Toxaway. The hike to the falls is a very difficult hike of more than 12 miles round trip.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 9 miles and turn left on Frozen Creek Road. Go 3 miles and the parking for the Frozen Creek access of Gorges State Park will be on the right.

From the Frozen Creek Access parking, take the Augur Hole Trail. In about 3 miles from the parking, Wintergreen Trail will split to the right, shortly before Augur Hole Trail fords Toxaway River. The trail runs for about a mile following Toxaway River upstream, heading uphill then downhill to near the river and ending at a campsite. The trail ends here, but there is some semblance of path to continue following the river upstream. Make sure to have a GPS or topo map and compass as the path is very difficult to follow. In about 0.2 miles, there is a nice 10-foot waterfall on the river. In about a half-mile from where Wintergreen Trail ends, the path crosses Panther Branch. Right after crossing, look for an old overgrown road heading up the ridge to the right. Follow this up for a ways and then it levels out, following the river high above. The path is overgrown and difficult to follow in places but stays around the 1840' contour line. The path will cross over two drainages and then heads steeply up. It is particularly hard to follow in this section but head straight up. Eventually it levels off as it reaches the top of the ridge at an opening in the woods. From here, look for an obvious path to the left that heads south-southwest down a ridge towards Toxaway River. This path becomes steeper and more narrow but is easy to follow. Towards the end, it crosses several knife ridges that require scrambling and becomes extremely steep dropping down to Toxaway River. The upper portion of Wintergreen Falls is immediately downstream. Upper Wintergreen Falls is immediately upstream.

Wolf Mountain Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.29087,-82.95802 (End of FR-4663)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29430,-82.96319

Wolf Mountain Falls is a 60-foot waterfall on Wolf Creek in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the falls is less than 2 miles round trip, but extremely difficult.

To visit the falls, head west from Brevard on US-64 for about 8 miles and turn right on NC-215. Go 14.4 miles and turn left on FR-4663. This is about 2.5 miles south of Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive a total of about 6 miles to the end of FR-4663. In about 2 miles, FR-4663B is on the right (this goes to the more popular Dill Falls). At about 4.5 miles, there is a sharp right turn where FR-4663C goes straight left. They were doing logging when we visited in spring 2018. At the end of the road is a wide turn around to park before the gate.

From the parking area, continue past the gate and go left on FR-4665. In a little over a quarter-mile, the road crosses Yellow Patch Branch. In about 0.1 miles past the creek, the trail cuts right around a ridge. After going around the ridge, get off the trail and bushwhack down towards Wolf Creek. It's real steep, dropping about 250 vertical feet down to creek level, but the forest is relatively open and you can hear the waterfall. It's s really scenic waterfall and you're likely to have it all to yourself.

Yellow Creek Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.41945,-83.88937 (Pull-off on US-129)

Waterfall GPS: 35.41930,-83.88608

Yellow Creek Falls is a scenic waterfall on Yellow Creek, a tributary of Cheoah River, in Graham County. The waterfall is located on private property, but public access is allowed. The hike to the waterfall is a little over a mile round trip and easy.

To visit the falls, head north on US-129 from Robbinsville for about 11 miles to a small pull-off on the right side of the road. The waterfall is located on property owned by Brookfield Smoky Mountains Hydropower and the National Wild Turkey Foundation. From the trailhead, follow the easy path it heads upstream along Yellow Creek, passing some scenic cascades along the way. You'll cross a tributary on a wooden bridge before reaching the base of this scenic waterfall.

Yellow Fork Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.81039,-81.93884 (Pull-off on Old NC Hwy 105)

Waterfall GPS: 35.80987,-81.95236

Yellow Fork Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on Yellow Fork Paddy Creek in Burke County. The waterfall is located in the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest near Linville Gorge. The hike to the waterfall is about 2 miles round trip and strenuous.

Cross the road and head into the woods and look for a path to the left. It runs about a half mile around a summit and then turns to the right. There was a cairn at the turn when I was here. The path then leads into an open area and heads down a ridge. Ending at the cliffs above Yellow Fork, turn left and go a short ways to a rickety ladder. Carefully climb down the ladder and scramble down to creek level at the base of the waterfall.

Yellow Patch Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.29087,-82.95802 (End of FR-4663)

Waterfall GPS: 35.29329,-82.96017

Yellow Patch Falls is a waterfall in three sections on Yellow Patch Branch in Jackson County. The waterfall is located in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest. The hike to the falls is only about a mile round trip but but extremely difficult.

From the parking area, continue past the gate and go left on FR-4665. In a little over a quarter-mile, the road crosses Yellow Patch Branch near the top of the waterfall. Continue on the road a short ways and then bushwhack down towards the creek. There's cliffs around so you need to come out right at the top. We came from the bottom after getting Wolf Mountain Falls. When you get to the top, you'll need to climb down a rocky section at the top. If the water level is up, this will be wet and slippery.

There are two more sections immediately downstream. The middle section (right) is about a 15-foot drop and the lower section (left) is about 25-feet.

Yellowstone Falls:

Trailhead GPS: 35.32043,-82.84692 (MP 418.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway)

Waterfall GPS: 35.32382,-82.84068

Yellowstone Falls is an 80-foot waterfall on Yellowstone Prong in Haywood County. The waterfall is in the Graveyard Fields area in Pisgah National Forest. The hike to the falls is just over 1.5 miles round trip and difficult.

From the Graveyard Fields Overlook, get on the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (#358) at the north end of the parking lot near the restrooms and hike down to the footbridge over Yellowstone Prong. After crossing the bridge, turn right on the Mountains-to-Sea Access Trail (#358B) and follow to the MST. Go right on MST at the fork (eastbound) and go about 0.3 miles to an open area with a campsite. Get off the trail to the right (south) through the campsite and down to Yellowstone Prong at the top of the falls. Cross the creek and pick up a faint path through the dense rhododendron and follow down to the base of the waterfall. It's really steep and a mess of rhododendron, so its not easy getting down.

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