Waterfall Hero Hikes: Bard Falls (Wilson Creek)

Bard Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on North Harper Creek in Avery County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 3.4 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Wilson Creek (Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. The hike involves crossing North Harper Creek, which requires wading in most conditions.
Trailhead GPS: 36.00577,-81.80853
Waterfall GPS: 36.00059,-81.80598

Directions:

From Boone, head south on NC-105 for about 17 miles to Linville. Turn right on US-221 south and then left to stay on the highway in 0.6 miles. Go 2.9 miles and turn left on NC-181 south. In 2.6 miles, turn left on Pittman Gap Road then turn left on Mortimer Road in 0.8 miles. Go half a mile and bear right onto gravel FR-464 and follow for 5.8 miles to a small parking area on the right at the trailhead for North Harper Creek Shortcut.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the trailhead, hike North Harper Creek Shortcut (#266A) as it descends towards the creek. The trail ends at North Harper Creek in 1 mile at a campsite. Turn right on North Harper Creek Trail (#266) to follow the creek downstream. At 1.3 miles, the trail crosses North Harper Creek, which will require wading unless the water level is way down.

Continue for another 0.4 miles and pass by the top of Bard Falls. Continue another couple hundred feet and an obvious path descends to the creek at the base of the falls.