Season after season, exploring the wilds in our own backyard in the Tar Heel State always delivers marvelous adventures – especially when it’s a waterfall you’re chasing. If you’re familiar at all with the Yadkin Valley, then you still may never have heard of Carter Falls, a series of upper and lower falls located on the Elkin River. Come with us on this whimsical hike to explore one of the best waterfalls in North Carolina. Be sure to visit the AllTrails+ website to download an offline map for this trek. 

There are two ways to get to Carter Falls.
Carter Falls
Ann Fitzgerald/AllTrails
You can park and take a very short trail (directions to the trailhead are found at this Google Maps) link. Or...
For a more adventurous, yet still easy hike, head out on a slightly longer journey that combines three trails, all clearly marked to the falls.
alltrails/Sarah LaRoche
This trail begins at the parking lot for Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery in State Rd, North Carolina. (Translation: at the end of the hike there's a limitless supply of wine and a tasting room with outdoor seating to enjoy it!)
As if wine and waterfalls aren't enough to make this a must-do hike, the trail itself is enchanting in many ways.
alltrails/Anthony Garner
It winds through some magical scenery on the two-mile trek. This fairy tale forest with a tree-lined path carved through it is a fine example.
You'll want to keep your eyes peeled for some whimsical embellishments, too.
alltrails/Brian Fischer
There's an overall elevation change of 426 feet spread out over the entire trail, and some stairs are involved. Yet, AllTrails (a leading app used by hikers everywhere) still rates the trail as easy.
Along the way, you'll cross footbridges, planked turf, and even a road or two.
alltrails/R84 Whitehead
A short part of the hike also follows a road. Remember, you're piecing together three trails for this adventure.

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A hike in the woods is what we all need sometimes just to decompress and unwind.
alltrails/Wes Watson
And that's precisely what you'll find on the combined Vineyard Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, and Carter Falls Trail.
Well, that and a few smiles!
alltrails/Brian Fischer
Eventually, the trail crosses Pleasant Ridge Road. This is where the other, shorter Carter Falls Trailhead is found. Sure, you could have just started this adventure three-quarters of the way closer to the falls — but look at all you would have missed!
You'll recall that Carter Falls is a series of falls, almost a shoal, really.
alltrails/Wes Watson
So, when you arrive, be sure to explore both the Upper and Lower falls.
A word of caution about the falls. Don't let the lack of height here fuel an overconfidence that makes you wander too close to the water.
alltrails/Alexia Loiacono
The rocks at the Upper and Lower falls are slippery and the water has a very swift current. Slipping and falling here could easily result in a fatality.
For a look at the entire trail, see the AllTrails website.
alltrails.com

Check out this awesome YouTube video by KeithHallPhotography highlighting this fairytale waterfall.

For more information and to download the app that will make this trail combination easier to follow, see our friends at AllTrails.com.

So, have you hiked to Carter Falls yet? For the longest time, this waterfall in North Carolina was basically inaccessible because it was on private land. Would you prefer to hike through the fairytale route or park nearby and take a short walk to the falls? Sound off in our comments and post your photos if you have ’em!

Also, before you hit the trails, check out our ultimate hiking packing list for all your must-have accessories.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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CARTER FALLS IN NORTH CAROLINA & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | July 19, 2023

What are some more waterfall hiking trails in North Carolina?

While Carter Falls is a whimsical trail, there are many other waterfall hiking trails in North Carolina that belong on your list. Here are 10 of the best that we recommend:

  • Linville Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Looking Glass Falls, Brevard
  • Dry Falls, Highlands
  • Upper Whitewater Falls, Sapphire
  • Crabtree Falls, Marion
  • Lower Cascade Falls, Danbury
  • Hickory Nut Falls, Lake Lure
  • Mingo Falls, Cherokee
  • Triple Falls Trail, Hendersonville
  • Skinny Dip Falls, Canton


If you would like to know more about these cascades, read our previous article about these waterfalls in North Carolina.

What are the best beaches in North Carolina?

It’s no secret that there are some beautiful beaches in North Carolina and these are the best that are perfect for summertime fun:

  • Lifeguarded Beach, Ocracoke
  • Emerald Isle Beach, Bogue Banks Island
  • Bald Head Island, Brunswick County
  • Carova Beach, Currituck County
  • Onslow County Beach, North Topsail Beach
  • Kure Beach, New Hanover County
  • Caswell Beach, Brunswick County
  • Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington
  • Cape Hatteras, Nags Head
  • Topsail Island, North Topsail Beach


Read more about these pretty oases in our article about the best beaches in North Carolina.

What are the best hiking trails in North Carolina? 

If you’re searching for the best hiking trails in North Carolina, then you’re in luck. These are the best trails in the Ol’ North State that belong on your bucket list:


Be sure to read our incredible article about the best hiking trails in North Carolina.

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