Waterfall Hero Hikes: Burnthouse Branch Falls (Wilson Creek)

Burnthouse Branch Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on its namesake upstream of the confluence with Upper Creek in Burke County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Wilson Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 4.2 miles
Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Wilson Creek (Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes, but the trail is not dog friendly
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.93194,-81.80659
Waterfall GPS: 35.95110,-81.82245

Directions:

From Morganton, head north on NC-181 for 17 miles and turn right on FR-982, which is gravel and steep in places. Drive 1.3 miles and turn left on FR-197 (Raven Cliff Road) right after the bridge over Upper Creek. Follow FR-197 for 1.4 miles and park at the end near the campsites.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike down the road past the jeep mounds, which is now Greentown Shortcut Trail (#268A). The first three-quarters of a mile is moderate along an old road bed. After this, the trail gets very steep and narrow. In about 1.5 miles, the trail heads up and over Raven Cliff then descends back down and crosses Burnthouse Branch at 2 miles. After crossing, turn right on an obvious path that leads to the base of the waterfall.

The water tumbles over a bunch of mossy rocks and is very scenic in high water.

There is also an upper section of the waterfall. There is no path and its very steep, but you can climb up the river right side to the top of the lower drop.