North Harper Creek Falls

In the morning, we woke up, broke camp, and headed to the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest. We parked along a Forest Road 464 at the trailhead for North Harper Creek Falls Trail (239) and Little Lost Cove Cliffs Trail (271A). We first headed down 239 down a gentle slope through the forest for about a mile before turning left and going down a steep section to the top of Chestnut Cove Branch Falls. This waterfall is very rocky with most of the water going down the right side of the rock (looking down the falls).

We climbed down to the bottom for some pictures then headed back up to the trail and continued on along North Harper Creek. Just before the falls, there is an easy stream crossing a backcountry campsite. North Harper Creek Falls is a very beautiful waterfall with some nice pools at the base.

Having worked up a sweat on the hike to the falls, we took a refreshing but very chilly dip in the water.

We then bushwacked up to the middle of the falls and then up to the top where we stopped for lunch.

After lunch, we turned back and hiked back to the forest road and took the other trail - 271A. It was steady uphill for less than a mile before a turn to go out on the cliffs.

Here we saw exceptional views of Grandfather Mountain and spent some time relaxing and enjoying the views.

When we had finished, we headed back to the car and started our drive back home, stopping for Mexican food and beer for dinner on the way.