Posted in North Carolina Nature, Waterfalls April 23, 2021 by

The Deadliest Waterfall In North Carolina Should Be Approached With Caution

Officials in North Carolina began to formally track waterfall deaths in the state in 2015; however, waterfall-related deaths have occurred for much longer than the last six years. It’s estimated that waterfall deaths in the last 25 years exceed 50, as tourists and locals alike fall or tumble to their death at various waterfalls throughout the state.

And although deaths have occurred as several waterfalls, two falls stand out among the rest.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
At 411 feet tall, Whitewater Falls near Cashiers is neck and neck with another waterfall in North Carolina where scores of people die. At Whitewater Falls it's an all too common occurrence, especially when water is running low. People think shallow water across the top of the falls is a safe time to cross on foot. But the rocks beneath the water are slippery and visitors slip and fall to their death.
The other most dangerous waterfall is found at Elk River Falls in Elk Park near Banner Elk.
Google Maps/Brad Thompson
We've rated this as the most dangerous waterfall in the state over Whitewater Falls simply due to the ease of access for Elk River Falls.
The waterfall is reachable via a very easy, 0.3-mile trail from the parking area at the end of Elk River Falls Road.
Google Maps/Josh Rdgz
What's more is that there's an offshoot of the main trail and it leads visitors right to the top of the waterfall.
Google Maps/Mike D
Even though there are warning signs posted everywhere, visitors still venture out onto the rock the water flows over. Some get dangerously close to the edge!
There are several places at Elk River Falls that should be avoided or, at the very least, approached with extra caution.
Google Maps/Lori Matise
And the top of the waterfall is at the top of that list!
alltrails/Robert Swope
Visitors have been known to slip while exploring the top of the falls and they get washed right over the falls and drop 50 feet to their death.
One of the reasons people die here is the water flow roars over this deadpan drop into a virtually bottomless plunge pool.
Google Maps/Joey Ekstrom
Local authorities estimate the plunge pool here is at least 70 feet below the water's surface. And with the heavy water flow, it's easy to get swept under — and kept under water.
Local folklore surrounding Elk River Falls includes a tale of school kids who stole a school bus and they drove the bus to Elk River Falls and sent it over the waterfall's edge.
Google Maps/Michael Powell
As that story goes, that bus was never seen again and still remains at the bottom of the supposedly bottomless plunge pool.
Folklore aside, multiple deaths each year are commonplace at Elk River Falls, and many of the victim's bodies are never recovered.
Google Maps/Stacy Frazier
It also stands to reason that visitors should never, ever attempt to jump from the top of Elk River Falls into the plunge pool below. Multiple warning signs are posted warning against jumping.

People do, however, wade into the more shallow areas found on the waterfall’s long tail at the base of the falls. If you visit, bring a picnic and use extra caution to avoid the top of the waterfall and to avoid swimming or using a flotation device near the plunge pool at the base of the falls.

Have you visited Elk River Falls before? Ever see anyone up on top of the rock at the top of the waterfall? Join the discussion in our comments!

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Address: Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA