MERRY FALLS is a beautiful roadside waterfall found along the gravel portion of Cascade Lake Road…read morejust outside the boundaries of the beautiful & rugged Dupont State Recreational Forest of North Carolina. The exact GPS location is 35.200645, -82.643481, but if you are skilled at reading maps, the waterfall is located just north of where the East Fork of Laurel Creek merges with a lesser no-named creek or about 500 feet south of where the East Fork merges with the main Laurel Creek. There is no hiking required to view the falls, but if you wanted a closer, more in-person pic at the base it would require a fairly easy goat scramble down the semi-steep roadside embankment. Different hiking websites claim the falls to be anywhere from 30 to 50 feet. However, using the topography lines on AllTrails I have calculated the height of the waterfall to be approx. 47 feet tall from top to the lower cascade. The main two tiered fall itself is approx. 35 feet tall with another 12 feet of cascades from the base. On the day I visited the falls it had rained 4 of the previous 6 days, so the falls were full and beautiful! FINAL THOUGHTS This is not a typical destination waterfall, but it IS an excellent bonus stop when touring the larger high volume waterfalls in the area such as nearby Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. You could also visit the spill wall of the Cascade Lake Dam approximately 2.25 miles north of Merry Falls on Cascade Lake Road. It is built in such a way that by itself it is a beautiful drive-worthy waterfall. ENJOY!!! 2021 / 42

Beautiful falls but only gave it 4 stars because it's the kind of place that you get to it, take a…read morepicture, and leave. After walking down wooden stairs, you end up on a viewing deck. The waterfall is in the distance. It's a fairly easy hike. Getting there is easy but after you do have to walk back up the stairs but there is a bench at the halfway point to take a rest. We did this along with Silver Run Falls, 9 miles away. Both of these hikes are fairly easy and would be good for small children and/or dogs. I recommend doing both of these falls on same day because you can easily do both within 90 minutes.

The area is a very complicated series of different jurisdictions; this is federal land under the…read moreFish and Wildlife Service. A parking lot has self-pay stations for a small fee (national parks passes can be displayed in your car instead). The walk to a first view is short, but if you can handle a stair workout, the resulting platform is eminently worthwhile. I've done my fair share of waterfall viewings, and you could hardly imagine a better sight than this complex cascade and the fall color show I arrived just in time for. A separate trail ran down into the valley, with signs saying there were no more waterfall views; and thus presumably no way to get to the falls directly.

DANIEL RIDGE FALLS is also known as Tom's Spring Branch Falls and Jackson Falls. It is located in…read morethe Pisgah National Forest along the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail. This magical 150 foot waterfall is an easy family-friendly half mile hike from the parking area. The gravel road leading to the parking area was in very good condition on our April 11th, 2021 visit, but be forewarned this is a popular hiking AND camping destination, so the decent sized parking area fills up quickly on weekends. PRO TIP - The best overall picture of the falls is from the main trail and not from the side trail leading to the base. There is also a secondary trail once at the base of the falls that takes you about 12 feet higher. [ THE HIKE ] Walk toward the gate on the north end of the parking area. The entire trail to the falls is a wonderfully wide and well maintained forest service road. Approximately 325 feet past the gate you will encounter an iron bridge allowing you to cross Davidson River. It is here along the riverbanks we notice a half dozen hikers had set up camp for the night. About 145 feet past the bridge the trail will split. Follow the trail to the right, which is also marked with an arrow pointing towards the falls. Between the split and the falls is where you will have the majority of the elevation gain, but that being said, it is very minimal. Just before you reach the falls, you will see a small trail on the left leading upwards. Take this to reach the base of the falls, but for the best view of the falls, stay on the main trail. I love using ALLTRAILS for the topography maps which show elevation changes using sweeping lines. According to the map, the crest of the fall begins around 2920 feet and reaches the base around 2756 feet, where it still continues to drop an additional 15 feet to the main trail. This would make the Daniel Creek Falls approximately 179 feet tall, but only about 125 feet of it is visible from the trail. A drone video I saw on one website shows it in it's entirety and WOWZA, this is a very tall waterfall! The upper tiers are recessed back out of view, but it doesn't really matter because what IS visible is stunning enough. You can continue to hike the entire loop of this trail which will add 4 miles to your hike or simply walk the way you came back to the parking area making your total roundtrip hike1.1 miles. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Total Hiking Distance: 1.1 miles Difficulty: Easy and family/pet friendly Creek Crossings: YES (1 bridge) Elevation Gain: 135 feet Waterfall Height: 150+ feet WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS - 8 out of 10 TRAIL ATTRACTIVENESS - 6.5 out of 10 Access to top of falls: NO Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: NO Sitting areas @ base: YES (limited) RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (room for about a dozen car + more space along road) [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Easy waterfall hike that could be coupled with several other nearby hikes in the area such as Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Caney Bottom Falls and Cove Creek Falls. This is a BEAUTIFUL section of the Pisgah National Forest where you will be just as pleased with all the trails as you will be with the waterfalls they lead you to find. No matter if you are a beginner or have been hiking for years, the waterfalls I mentioned here are sure to please! Bring your family, friends, pets and favorite snack and enjoy hours of gorgeous nature! 2021 / 48

Wanna know a secret???…read more There are waterfalls all over this region of the South just waiting to be discovered. Many are known and many more are unknown. While I've been hiking this area for nearly a decade, I only recently heard about this waterfall for the first time last year (2019). A well kept local secret indeed... but y'all dun let the wrong yelper discover this waterfall and the secret is about to be let out! [ THE DRIVE ] There are a shocking amount of natural waterfalls located on private property throughout this area. Thankfully this is not one of them and it can be enjoyed by all. The gravel road to the trailhead is known as Big Creek Road. Since we were coming from the King Creek Waterfall area near Tamassee SC, GPS lead us to the eastern end of Horse Cove Road, which is also known as Bull Pen Road closer to the Chattooga River (where you pass over a cool old iron bridge). I tell you these details because if you happen to follow our driving route on a week after heavy rainfalls, you are likely to see a great number of unnamed waterfalls off in the woods. We counted 5, and only one of them was a named waterfall on Google maps (Scotsman Falls). [ THE EXPERIENCE ] We traveled along Walking Stick Road until it took a sharp right turn towards Big Creek Road. On the day we visited, there was a locked gate blocking the drive onto Big Creek Road, so we parked in a small little niche near the gate and walked about 200 yards to the Secret Falls trailhead (which is marked with a narrow sign). The trail was very muddy, but the descent was slow and steady for the majority of the half mile hike. However, it gets considerably steeper as you approach the portion of the trail leading to the base of the falls. Here you will see poorly maintained wooden timbers actings as steps.They were so poor in fact, that we opted not to use them and walked alongside them. The waterfall was raging from all the recent rain, which limited some of our photo opportunities. It is a gorgeous waterfall with picturesque cascades both above and below it. The cascades below comes as the river takes a sharp left turn just past the pool of water at the base of the falls. Accessing the upper waterfall area is easily done by using a small obvious trail off to the left just before the wooden steps. A downed tree forces you to scramble over it and around large rhododendrons that are bent over from the weight of the fallen tree. Once through the brush, you will be directly on top of the falls, so be careful and exercise good judgement. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Hiking Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty: Easy and family friendly (but can be muddy) Creek Crossings: YES (3) Elevation Gain: 255 feet Waterfall Height: Approx 45 feet Access to top of falls: YES Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES if gate is open. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] THE SECRET IS OUT!!! This is a great waterfall for an easy family adventure. We came in the winter, but seems this would be a great picnic spot where kids could play in the water for hours in the summer. The drive to nearby Highlands, NC is only about 6.5 miles away for plenty of food options and even more waterfall adventures. Near Highlands are a number of GREAT waterfalls with very short hiking distances including Ranger Falls, Bust Yer Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja River Falls and our personal favorites: Glen Falls, Dry Falls, Mud Falls and Estatoah Falls (which is hidden just next to the Sky Valley Scenic Overlook). ENJOY!!! 2020 / 4

I was somewhat surprised that there are not more reviews of this trail/waterfall. I believe that…read morethe real name of this falls is Big Shoals Falls. In his book on NC waterfalls, Kevin Adams referred to it as Secret Falls and the name seems to have stuck. For years, there was no official trail to this waterfall and the one unofficial trail which existed traversed private property. I've been visiting the area for thirty years and this (October 2021) was my first visit to this waterfall. Bottom line: It is awesome. Truly one of the more beautiful waterfalls that I've been to. I have to disagree with the previous reviewer: IMO, this trail is in horrible shape. Granted, reviews like these are entirely subjective. But I would definitely not bring young children or dogs here. When I visited, the trail was really in bad shape. The first part of the hike was fairly easy. But the farther you go, the worse the trail becomes. Erosion had taken a terrible toll. There are many rutted and washed-out areas. Some were so bad that hikers have bypassed the trail completely. The final descent to the base of the falls was the worst. Wooden steps had been constructed. But the erosion was so bad that much of the soil behind the steps had washed out making the steps all but unusable. There are two water crossings on the trail. One was a couple of planks stretched across a small branch. The other was on a split log over a somewhat larger stream. Neither was too difficult. Then again, the faint-of-heart would probably not care for either one. Trekking poles helped me on both. I was not able to find a path to the brink of the falls. I tried one crude path which seemed to be incredibly choked with rhododenron. So I gave up on getting to the top of the falls. There is a much smaller cascade downstream of the main falls. As with the brink, I could not figure out how to get to it. I visited early in the morning and had the place all to myself. The lighting wasn't terrific. I'm not sure what time or sky conditions are ideal for photography. I drove in on Rich Gap and Big Creek Roads off of Hwy 28 south of Highlands. It wasn't too bad of a drive in my 2WD F-150. But I believe that the drive out on Walking Stick Rd to Horse Cove Rd east of town was easier. If you love waterfalls, definitely put this one on your must-see list. But be aware of the fact that the hike is a challenge. Not so much due to elevation change (which is moderate) but, rather, due to the overall condition of the trail.

This was a surprise for me that there was a sweet little waterfall so close to my sister's new…read morehometown. It's located in a park, yet there's no where to picnic. It's just the falls, unless I missed some hidden walking trails. Nonetheless, the falls are calming, and not at all congested like Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Park.

Undoubtedly a beautiful & scenic location as two creeks (Carson Creek and Batson Creek) separately…read morefall into one of North Carolina's mini-gorges to form a third waterfall known as "the silver slip". The formation of the falls collectively is a "Y-shape" as Connestee Falls meets Batson Creek Falls to form Silver Slip Falls. It is one of the most unique waterfalls I've ever come across and would be much better photographed with a drone. There is an overlook on the Batson Creek side that faces Carson Creek, however, it is only accessible from a private trail in nearby Connestee Falls Subdivision. Thusly, the best view you will get as a non-resident will be from this nicely constructed boardwalk. The boardwalk hangs over Connestee Falls, so your view is very limited. Batson Creek Falls is visible, but not in its entirety as trees block most of the upper half of this nearly 100 foot tall sliding beauty. Topography maps show the elevation around Connestee Falls dropping roughly 65 feet before merging with Batson Creek Falls. Sliver Slip Falls is nearly impossible to see with the exception of the crest. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] A staff member from our hotel told me about this waterfall and I'm so happy he did. It was our very last stop on a waterfall chasing weekend that included Upper White Water Falls, Toxaway Falls, Gorges State Park, Looking Glass Falls & Skinny Dip Falls. While it isn't a destination waterfall and rather difficult to properly view, it most certainly is a nice add-on when touring the area. 2021 / 67

Love this hike so much. I do have to say it was quite shocking To go back after not visiting for h…read moreyears- there has been a lot of maintenance since the storms washed the bridge out last year (!?). Still a beauty though. The parking lot has space for about 15 but you can park on the side of the road if you need. It's pretty safe and spacious. This hike is great for everyone- small incline and easy 1 mile ish to a fall. Where you can swim if you wish (maybe not skinny dip though- it's pretty popular). Dog friendly. Some rocks at the end but there are alternative ways and it's not unsafe or unstable. Lots of roots but overall the pathways are lovely and wide. . You can also see the semi famous wnc dragon tree :)

It's not a business but it was a great trail hike with lots of ups downs little bridges and stairs…read more Beautiful reward awaits at the end.

During busy times you may have problems finding parking (paid area) The trail starts off with a…read morecouple of flights of stairs. When you reach the top the left side is the "easier" side up to the top and the right side is more stone stairs that is a shorter distance, but tougher climb. We took the left side going up and down. There are large rock areas along the way, which might make it difficult if you have mobility problems. Otherwise, it was a bit wet on the path in places, but it had rained a good bit of the day before. The whole path is a light incline the entire way up, but an easy decline on the way down. There are no sitting areas along the path when you reached the top there are two overlooked areas. The better view is the one all the way to the right there is a sign, noting the continental divide on either side of White side Mountain very cool. It was definitely worth the hike. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the top. I saw people with dogs and children a lot. It is a very family friendly activity.

This might be my new favorite trail! The parking lot was very busy but we did not see many people…read moreon the trail. There are lots of look outs and the views are amazing! Bathrooms are pretty gross.

Came on a weekday morning, not many cars parked, only went to Rainbow Falls. Pretty short hike to…read moreit, although downhill there so uphill on the way back, not too steep. Slightly slippery from rain, lots of dead trees and leaves on the ground. Not a bad hike, would recommend if you're in the area!

What a fun hike! You hike down to the falls and the hike back up to your car. The falls are…read moreamazing. And there are many spots to get off the trail and climb around on the boulders.