Waterfall Hero Hikes: Big Falls (Snowbird Creek)

Big Falls is a sectioned waterfall on Snowbird Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Snowbird Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 7.4 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Snowbird Backcountry Area (Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.26448,-83.93800
Waterfall GPS: 35.26561,-83.96581

Directions:

From Robbinsville, head west on US-143 Bus for about 2.5 miles then continue on US-143 W for another 2.2 miles. Turn left on Snowbird Road and go 2.1 miles to a sharp left to stay on Snowbird Road. In another mile, turn right on Big Snowbird Road and go 6 miles to the end. It changes to gravel after about 2 miles.

Map:

Hike Description:

Pick up Big Snowbird Trail (#64) from the far end of the parking area and follow Snowbird Creek upstream. The trail follows an old logging road and is easy to follow. In about 2.5 miles, the trail passes an old, shot-up car.

Shortly after, the trail crosses Sassafras Creek on a footbridge. At 3.7 miles, the trail passes the lower section of Big Falls. A steep scramble path leads down to a view.