Grab Your REI Beanie for this Hike in North Carolina that’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

I once thought you lose 40% of your body heat through your head. I was so convinced of this that I used it as an argument for keeping my hat on in school, which was against the rules. I was a mouthy kid and told my teacher that when he told me to take off my hat, but he sadly didn’t care. He just told me to grow out my hair…which I did. Turns out we only lose up to 10% of our body heat from the top of our head but the truth remains: covering your noggin will significantly help in the cold. I now always wear a hat -- there are no more teachers around to tell me otherwise -- and I would like to encourage you to do the same. So grab your REI beanie and let me show you a pretty amazing frozen waterfall in North Carolina.

Through the windy mountains of North Carolina is a little area filled with tiny towns and big charm. The Highlands is a beloved part of the rugged landscape and has amazing small towns like Cashiers dotting the mountainous terrain. Just on the other side of the main street is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Silver Run Falls is a loved waterfall to visit in the summer months as a swimming hole, but it takes on a whole different look in the winter. 

The hike to the waterfall is a piece of cake. It is a short and simple flat walk less than a quarter of a mile in. What the trail lacks in an adventurous hike more than makes up for in a beautiful waterfall! 

The water flows down into a glistening pool and here is the local secret you will only know if you go there yourself. The sand under the clear water is covered in shiny particles that make the rippling water shimmer like diamonds in the sunlight. It is breathtakingly beautiful and almost steals the show from the waterfall itself.  

If you time your trip just right then you can see the waterfall flowing over a snow-laden cascade with icicles hanging from the cliffside. This transformation is nothing short of amazing when you witness this frozen wonderland. Hop along the rocks and make sure to bring your camera because you will want to capture this rare moment when you get it. 

I should also note that the parking area for this trail is very small and on a hilly busy road. Guests should be very cautious while in this area especially if you are going after a recent snowstorm. 

Bundle up with your REI beanie and get ready for an amazing sight in a part of the country that is filled with amazing views. This frozen waterfall in North Carolina is rare so it will take a bit of planning to make sure you time it just right but one tool that can help with that is AllTrails. This app can keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions which can be imperative while seeking to catch the falls in a state of freeze.