Spend any amount of quality time in Western North Carolina and you’ll begin to obsess on the natural beauty found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In any season, a hike through the forest delivers much in the way of mindfulness, relaxation, and escape. Some hikes, more than others, also require a bit of a workout; but not this one. This short and sweet hike is rated as ‘easy’ and rightfully so. Not only is it relatively flat (there are some very slight elevation gains), it also leads to a waterfall that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves.
If you haven't discovered Roaring Fork Falls yet, then keep reading for a little preview of the trail and the falls.
The trailhead is conveniently located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and also not far from Interstate 40. On a map, it's between Marion and Burnsville. Hit this trail in the summer and you're bound to be surrounded by mountain laurels and wildflowers; take this trail in the fall and marvel at the vibrant colors in the changing leaves of the Pisgah National Forest.
No matter the time of year you hike this sweet path, you'll be in awe of the payoff at the end of the trail.
Roaring Fork Falls doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. This hidden treasure drops 45 feet in a cascading roar that goes on for approximately 100 feet until it ends in a lagoon at the bottom of the waterfall.
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The trail is a mere 1.4 miles each way for a total of 2.8 miles. Easy-peasy, right?
Most people should be able to make the total hike at a leisurely pace in about 90 minutes for the round trip. How long you linger at the waterfall is another story, altogether.
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Along the way, expect the trail itself to impress you nearly as much as the waterfall at the end of the trail.
The surround is covered in wildflowers (in season) and, for some reason, everything seems to be covered in moss. (That's very common in the Blue Ridge Mountains.)
These fascinating relics are leftovers from WWII. They were used to store explosives. Today, the doors have been removed for safety reasons and hikers enjoy exploring them on the way to and from the waterfall.
Speaking of that waterfall — before you know it, you'll be there...
And likely posing for a photo like this one so you'll have a forever keepsake of this awesome hidden waterfall you "discovered" in Western North Carolina. (Just beware of slippery footing if you're climbing the edges or wading in the plunge pool at the bottom.)
When you're ready to make the hike, getting to the trailhead is easy.
The start of the trail has a bit of an incline and includes this "road closed" gate and sign. It's there to prohibit vehicles from using the trail, which is nice and wide for much of the hike. You can feel free to wander past this barricade as long as you're on foot.
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Here's a map link into which you can simply insert your starting point and you'll be guided right to the trailhead.
As the crow flies, this waterfall is surprisingly very near to Mount Mitchell. Roaring Fork Falls trail is accessible year-round. Dogs are permitted as long as they are leashed. A small parking area is located next to the trailhead.
Address: 208 Busick Work Center Road, Burnsville, NC, 28714
Consider pairing this short waterfall hike in North Carolina with a visit to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Learn more about Mount Mitchell State Park in this previous article.
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