Snowbird Waterfalls

Saturday morning, we woke up early and had breakfast and then headed to the Snowbird Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest.  A few of the roadside campgrounds along FSR-75 were occupied and there was one other vehicle at the trailhead, but for the most part, we didn’t see any else in the area.  After getting our stuff together, we began hiking down Big Snowbird Trail (#64).  This trail follows an old road bed and is a very pleasant trail.  In about 2.5 miles, we reached the “gangster” car – an old rusty vehicle with numerous bullet holes.

It’s fun to imagine this was once involved in illicit activity, but more than likely, the bullet holes are from hunters.  From here, we crossed Sassafras Creek and continued for about a quarter-mile to a sharp left turn on Sassafras Trail (#65).  The trail turns back and follows its namesake creek upstream.  In about three-quarters of a mile, we turned and scrambled down to the creek at Sassafras Falls.

At around 60 feet, it’s the highest waterfall in the area.  We had a snack here and enjoyed the view and then continued on.  Shortly beyond the waterfall, Sassafras Trail mostly ends at Burntrock Ridge Trail (#65A).  We turned right and followed this trail as it steeply heads up the ridge – no switchbacks just straight up.  Fortunately, the steep part isn’t too long and soon we got to the top and stopped for a rest.  We ran into two backpackers here – we were all surprised to find anyone else out in this area.  And we also found some cute mushrooms along the ridge up here.

The trail followed the ridge for a ways and then headed down to Snowbird Creek.  We had to wade the creek right by where the backpackers had set up their camp.  It was a great campsite.  Once across, we turned left back on Big Snowbird Trail and followed it about another mile or so up to Upper Falls.  The path comes out at the base of the falls, but I couldn’t really see it well.  I tried to rock hop over for a better view, but finally had to wade into the creek for a good view.

Even in low water, there was no way to get across dry.  We ate lunch here and then started making our way back.

At the intersection of Big Snowbird and Snowbird Alt (#64A) we turned right and went a short ways to Middle Falls.  We’ve visited this waterfall before, but I think it’s my favorite in the area.  Although not particularly high, it’s a river-wide drop of about 20 feet and is very photogenic.

We got a couple pictures and started heading back, taking Snowbird Alt Trail to avoid the water crossings on Big Snowbird Trail.  In about a mile, the two trails converge at a footbridge over Snowbird Creek.  Shortly after the bridge, we came to Big Falls.  A short but steep scramble path led down to the falls.  The water tumbles over a number of short ledges followed by a larger drop.

We came out at the top of the lower drop and I didn’t see a way down.  Back at the trail, I didn’t find another way down for a little ways.  There’s another nice drop here, but it’s far enough away to not be considered part of the same waterfall.

From here, it was a pretty easy hike of about 3 miles back to the start.  We headed into Robbinsville for dinner at Lynn’s Place and then back to our treehouse.