Waterfall Hero Hikes: Basin Creek Waterfalls (Doughton Park)

There are two waterfalls that can be accessed from Basin Creek Trail in Doughton Park, an upper and lower falls on Basin Creek in Wilkes County.

Hike Length: 8 miles (out and back)
Estimated Time: 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Doughton Park (Highlands District of Blue Ridge Parkway)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: There are more than 10 crossings of Basin Creek and its tributaries on the hike without bridges. Water shoes are recommended.
Trailhead GPS: 36.37522,-81.14474
Waterfall GPS: 36.40714,-81.16216 (Lower Falls); 36.41897,-81.16609 (Upper Falls)

Directions:

To visit the falls, head north on I-77 towards Elkin. Take left exit 83 for US-21 bypass and go about 10.5 miles, then turn left on Traphill Road. In 5.2 miles, turn right on Long Bottom Road and its about 8 miles to the parking on the left, immediately before the bridge over Basin Creek.

Map:

Hike Description:

The hike starts across Longbottom Road, following the gated Grassy Gap Fire Road, following Basin Creek upstream. At 1.6 miles, there is a primitive campground. Basin Creek Trail splits to the right immediately after the campground. Basin Creek Trail follows its namesake upstream passing some scenic cascades.

The first creek crossing is in about a half-mile and the trail crosses the creek frequently from this point on. Most crossings will require getting wet. At the fourth crossing of Basin Creek, there is a nice cascade just upstream.

Do not cross here; instead head up the right-left side of the creek to a cliff wall and an opening. Bushwhack through the clearing and get back to the creek near the base of Lower Basin Creek Falls. For a good view, climb up the big boulder in front of the waterfall.