Waterfall Hero Hikes: Chasteen Creek Falls (GSMNP)

Chasteen Creek Falls, also called Chasteen Creek Cascades, is a 15-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Swain County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Oconaluftee.

Hike Length: 3.8 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Oconaluftee (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: No
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery.

Trailhead GPS: 35.56282,-83.31059
Waterfall GPS: 35.58749,-83.31081

Directions:

From Cherokee, head north on US-441 for about 6.5 miles, passing Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and turn right at the sign for Smokemont Campground. Make an immediate left and follow the road into the campground, heading towards loop D at the back of the campground. There is a parking lot here for Bradley Fork Trailhead.

Map:

Hike Description:

Begin hiking the Bradley Fork Trail for 1.2 miles to Chasteen Creek Trail. Turn right, passing a backcountry campsite and go about three-quarters of a mile to a fork. Right stays on Chasteen Creek Trail and starts heading up, while left goes to a hitching post for horses. Past the post, a path leads a short ways upstream to the waterfall.