This Difficult Half-Mile Hike Leads To A Beautiful Peek-A-Boo Waterfall In North Carolina
In the wilds near Tuckasegee, North Carolina, is a 100-foot-tall waterfall where Wolf Creek drops dramatically into a slot canyon in true peek-a-boo fashion. The effect is as mesmerizing as is the emerald green swimming hole just beyond the drop. You’d think this gorgeous spot would be loaded with people, but there’s a catch: getting here is a difficult journey of a little more than a half mile of technically difficult maneuvers. Most people shouldn’t attempt this hike. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to see what we’re missing! Right?!
Welcome to Paradise Falls, a place most people in North Carolina will sadly never see in person.
Aside from the showstopping beauty of the partially hidden waterfall, there is also the stunning emerald green swimming hole. It would be very easy to bring a float and spend the day in this locale!
For that reason alone, AllTrails.com ranks this trail as (downright) HARD, meaning it should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
If you don't mind navigating your way down (and back up) a mountain by way of ropes tied off to trees, then you'll feel right at home making your way to Paradise Falls.
Because of the constant erosion on this trail, it is always changing. Don't be surprised if you have to scramble under or over a downed tree or two. You may want to download a trail map, as well.
Fortunately, the trail is abbreviated at just a little over half a mile, so you'll soon find yourself standing at the base of this stunning peek-a-boo waterfall in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest.
But wait, there's one challenge left on the to-do list before you sample the water temperature...
Make your way to the top of the falls, managing very careful footing so as not to walk on any slippery rocks. Keep in mind that fatalities occur all too often in scenarios like this one!
The trailhead to Paradise Falls is found in a small turnout on NC-281 just outside of Tuckasegee, North Carolina. It's 48 miles west of Hendersonville and 40 miles southeast of Cherokee.
Please remember to pack out what you bring in with the thought of leaving the place nicer than you found it. Learn more about the Paradise Falls Trail from our friends at AllTrails.com.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
