Waterfalls
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WARNING!!! Wet rocks are very slippery and people fall to their deaths from waterfalls every year! If you visit them, please be careful and use common sense! Do not climb rocks around the waterfalls and do not ever cross a stream or swim at the top of a waterfall. There are also many species of rare plants near some of these waterfalls, living in and near the spray areas of the falls. Please be very careful not to trample vegetation while exploring any falls!

Catawba Falls A 340-foot cascade, upper falls is a 70-foot plunge. The trail is OPEN during daylight hours, the trailhead is walking distance from Catawba Falls Campground.  Distance: 3 miles round-trip, moderate. Strenuous climb to upper falls!


Crabtree Falls A 60-foot plunge down a wide and even rock face. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 339.5, turn into Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area. If campground is closed, walk is an additional 0.3 miles. Distance: 2.5 mile loop, moderate.

Hickory Branch Trail Falls View of 20-foot falls can be seen from scenic Hickory Branch Trail at US Forest Service's Curtis Creek primitive campground near Old Fort. Approximately 2 miles east of Old Fort on US 70, turn onto Curtis Creek Road, go 4 miles to campground. Trail head is on edge of field to right of campground at N-35.41.451 / W-082.11.752 . Distance: 4 miles round-trip, moderate.

Linville Falls Most popular waterfall in Blue Ridge. A spectacular three-tiered waterfall plunging into Linville Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians." Exit Blue Ridge Parkway spur at milepost 316.3. Falls Trail distance: 1.6 miles round-trip, easy; Gorge Trail: 1.4 miles round-trip, strenuous; Plunge Basin Trail: 1 mile round-trip, moderate.

Roaring Fork Falls Located in Toecane District of Pisgah National Forest. A 30-foot rush down a narrow, zigzag slide. At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 344.1, exit north onto NC 80. Drive north 2.3 miles, turn left onto FS 472 (South Toe River Road), just before Mt. Mitchell Golf Course. Take first left (after 0.1 miles) at sign indicating Roaring Fork Falls and Busick Work Center. Road dead-ends at work center. Park near gate on right. Distance: 1 mile round-trip, easy.

Setrock Creek Falls Four distinct levels, totaling 50 feet of falling water. See directions under Roaring Fork Falls to FS 472. FS 472 becomes gravel after 0.8 miles. There are picnic tables on South Toe River at 1.5 miles. Neal's Junction (take right fork) is at 2 miles. Turn right into Black Mountain Campground - over stream on concrete bridge - go left toward Briar Bottom (group campsite). Park in small area on right before gate and begin hiking up gravel road. Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip, easy.

Tom's Creek Falls One of the county’s best kept secrets is this waterfall. A beautiful 100 foot waterfall in a picturesque area. A short two mile loop will take you to this quiet, serene sanctuary. 7 miles north of Marion on US 221. Turn left at Huskins Branch Road, just before Woodlawn Motel. Parking coordinates are N 35° 46.475' W 082° 03.405'. Go approximately 1.5 miles and park on right hand side of the road at gravel lot before small bridge. Trail head begins at gravel lot. When trail forks, follow left along creek. Gentle falls in picturesque area, drop in elevation over 600 feet. Approximate height of falls: 100 feet. Distance: 1 mile round-trip, easy.

Grassy Creek Falls. private gravel road. Hikers are welcome, parking at N-35.51.229 / W-082.05.381 follow the sign from here. Do not go through gate at bottom of hill, road to falls will be on your right. Be sure to take a walk around the back side of the falling water. There are additional falls downstream so be sure to explore the area. Use caution as the rocks are very slick and there are stinging nettles along the creek bank.