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).
waterfall trail in North Carolina
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.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
Amber Denman/AllTrails
We enjoy the variety of terrain on this beautiful nature walk.
And the mysterious homestead leaves us wondering.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
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.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
Phil Avery/AllTrails

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Keep your eyes open for this little, peaceful waterfall.
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.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
Reid R/AllTrails
For other outstanding views, walk the orange trail to the Rattlesnake overlooks - at least three offer stunning scenery.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
Michelle Fletcher/AllTrails
And don't forget to look down or you'll miss the enchanting, tiny creatures living in these woods.
waterfall trail in North Carolina
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.

 

The Charming City Of Asheville, North Carolina Is Picture-Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

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Featured Addresses
Florence Nature Preserve, 3836 Gerton Hwy, Gerton, NC 28735, USA