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NatureWaterfalls

You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking North Carolina Trail

Published May 27, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

This perfect waterfall trail in North Carolina will steal your heart at Florence Nature Preserve near Gerton. The breathtaking 600-acre property offers a network of at least five miles of hiking trails on the lovely Little Pisgah Mountain. Among them, you'll find the ruins of a mysterious homesite and interesting patches of old-growth forest. But this time we're coming for the tiny waterfall with which we're absolutely in love along the Florence Nature Preserve Red to Blue Loop.

The 4.9-mile loop trail begins on the yellow trail at the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge trailhead on Gerton Highway (U.S. Route 74-A).

Stone steps lead to a grassy area with a sign and remnants of a chimney, surrounded by trees.
Stephen Nicholas/AllTrails

You'll find a parking area next to a kiosk and an old stone chimney.

The hike has a challenging start with a pretty steep uphill climb, or take the route counterclockwise, which is uphill on the way in and downhill at the end.

Three carved wooden logs form a bridge over a path surrounded by lush green foliage and trees.
Amber Denman/AllTrails

We enjoy the variety of terrain on this beautiful nature walk.

And the mysterious homestead leaves us wondering.

A dirt path leads through lush greenery to a rustic cabin nestled among trees.
Heather Ott/AllTrails

Who lived here and did they know the folks who had the chimney?

This is also the perfect hike to see the spring and summer growth of the elegant pink and yellow lady's slippers and the ever-enchanting dwarf crested irises.

A close-up of a delicate purple flower with green leaves, surrounded by dry leaves on the forest floor.
Phil Avery/AllTrails

Keep your eyes open for this little, peaceful waterfall.

A serene forest scene with a small waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Whitney Winslow/AllTrails

It's close to where the yellow trail connects to the blue loop.

The sweet grotto brings some serenity to your climb, especially when surrounded by rich, vibrant greenery.

A serene forest scene featuring a small waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.
Reid R/AllTrails

For other outstanding views, walk the orange trail to the Rattlesnake overlooks - at least three offer stunning scenery.

Lush green mountains and valleys under a cloudy sky, framed by tree branches in the foreground.
Michelle Fletcher/AllTrails

And don't forget to look down or you'll miss the enchanting, tiny creatures living in these woods.

A small amphibian peeks out from under a log, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves in shallow water.
Genevieve Dasher/AllTrails

We hope you take this waterfall trail in North Carolina. For some help along your hike, consider signing up for a free trial of AllTrails+.

And since you're only about 20 miles away from Asheville, find out why this picture-perfect town makes for a great weekend getaway.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/asheville-getaway-nc/

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