Mount Mitchell’s summit (elevation 6,684 feet) is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The area boasts several waterfalls nearby including Catawba Falls, Crabtree Falls, Roaring Fork Creek Falls, Setrock Creek Falls, and Tom’s Creek Falls. I was able to hike four waterfalls in one day, but you could easily break them up into a multi-day trip.
Catawba Falls
Catawba Falls is a 100-foot waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort. This gorgeous waterfall splits into channels and tumbles over a moss- and vegetation-covered rockface. The moderate out-and-back hike to the main waterfall is around 3 miles roundtrip.
Take Catawba River Road which dead ends into the gravel parking lot for the waterfall. On my hike, there was one definite creek crossing (Clover Patch Branch) which required rock hopping; however, there are several other tributaries over the path which could flood after heavy rains. Just under a quarter mile into the hike, the trail crosses a metal bridge over the Catawba River.
After the dam and the rock hop at Clover Patch, there is another new bridge which spans Chestnut Branch. Then it is just a scramble up some boulders before you reach the waterfall. See more photos of Catawba Falls and learn about the trail.
Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls is a 70-foot waterfall found along the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 339.5). This is a very popular waterfall, even when nearby waterfall trails are empty, so be prepared for crowds.
You have two options: a 3-mile hike down and back on the same path or a 3.5-mile loop trail that climbs the ridge above the falls.
Take the trail down until you hit a T-intersection with a bench. This is where the trail will loop back if you hike the longer 3.5-mile loop. To reach the waterfall, follow the trail to the right.
A large, wooden bridge spans Big Crabtree Creek near the base of the falls. See more photos of Crabtree Falls and learn about the trail.
Roaring Fork Creek Falls
Follow NC Highway 80 toward Black Mountain Campground. Turn on South Toe River Road. 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.
The half-mile trail to the waterfall is marked with blue blazes. The path is basically flat and an easy walk. After you pass two concrete bunkers, take the small, wooden foot bridge to your right.
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. See more photos of Roaring Fork Creek Falls and learn about the trail.
Setrock Creek Falls
Setrock Creek Falls is a 75-foot waterfall located a couple miles down South Toe River Road from Roaring Fork Creek Road. Head toward the Black Mountain Campground.
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.
The half-mile trail starts on the first road to your left, following signs for the Mount Mitchell Trail. Take the second trail to your right, up the stairs, at the “Setrock Creek Falls” trail post.
If flow is down, you can go out on rocks at the bottom of the falls. See more photos of Setrock Creek Falls and learn about the trail.
Tom's Creek Falls
From U.S. 221, turn on Huskins Branch Road. It is just over a mile to the trailhead on your right. The trail is a 1-mile roundtrip hike. The path is slightly uphill on the way to the falls and is a relatively easy walk.
There are two viewing options: a metal observation deck or a short spur trail to the base of the waterfall.
For a closer view of the falls, take the spur trail up the stairs just before the observation deck. It is a short path and requires little effort. See more photos of Tom’s Creek Falls and learn about the trail.