Setrock Creek Falls and Roaring Fork Creek Falls are waterfalls along the Mount Mitchell Scenic Drive in Pisgah National Forest.
These are two of several waterfalls located near Mount Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out some other Mount Mitchell area waterfalls.
Follow NC Highway 80 toward Black Mountain Campground. NC-80 is incredibly winding so take care and go slow around sharp curves. Turn on South Toe River Road.
Roaring Fork Creek Falls
After you go over a narrow bridge, turn left on Busick Work Center. Follow the road until it ends at a tall gate for the Center. There is a small gravel area to the left of the gate where you can park – it can fit up to about 5 cars.
There is a sign for the falls and a gated forest service road to the right. The half-mile trail to the waterfall is marked with blue blazes. Take the path down the road. It is basically flat and an easy walk.
The trail follows Roaring Fork Creek which feeds into nearby Toe River. You will pass two concrete bunkers on your right.
After the bunkers, the road crosses over the creek. Just before it crosses, turn right on a small, wooden foot bridge. Shortly after crossing the bridge, you will see the falls from the path.
Though it is around 50 feet high, Roaring Fork Creek Falls is a 100-foot cascade. There are boulders at the base to sit on and enjoy the view. It is especially beautiful after a rain, when the creek is flowing at its strongest.
Setrock Creek Falls
Return to South Toe River Road and continue toward Black Mountain Campground. Halfway to the campground, the road turns to gravel. When you reach an open, turnaround section – take the sharp right.
If you are not camping, there is a large parking lot across from the campground entrance. From the parking lot, cross the concrete bridge into the campground. From the bridge you can see Toe River.
The half-mile trail starts on the first road to your left, following signs for the Mount Mitchell Trail. This road is slightly uphill but not difficult. Next, take the second trail to your right, up the stairs, at the “Setrock Creek Falls” trail post.
There are some tree roots and rocks to maneuver around. White blazes mark the path.
Setrock Creek Falls is a 75-foot multi-cascade waterfall. It looks almost like water flowing over stair steps.
If flow is down, you can go out on rocks at the bottom of the falls.
These are two great, lesser-known waterfalls. I had Setrock Creek to myself for over half an hour on an early fall weekday. Only one other person was at Roaring Fork Creek when I visited.
You always seem to take the best shots! So lucky to hit the falls you hike on high water flow days. North Carolina must have a lot of rain in spring and summer months.
Thanks! Yes, after a decent rain is the best time for smaller waterfalls 🙂 really showcases them at their best!
We’ve read other blogs that never help us out as much as your blogs do! You are very thorough and it helps. We started to follow directions on another state website and almost got turned around. Decided to pull out yours and voila! We are there! Thank you.
Thanks Charlotte! I’m so glad you found this helpful! Some waterfall trails are in the middle of nowhere and not well blazed. I know how detailed directions can really make a difference 🙂
I”m not much of a hiker usually. Following your blogs during this covid-19 has made me think more about it. Your hikes show a lack of crowds which at this point are an incentive. The photos are beautiful and the hints and cautions would come in handy to a novice as well as a seasoned hiker. I’m not traveling right now but when I do choosing one of your journeys will be first on my bucket list. Thanks Steph.
Thank you Liz! It has been nice to have several trails and waterfalls to myself recently. Sometimes just getting out of the house and in nature makes me feel better 🙂