Waterfall Hero Hikes: Elk River Falls (Pisgah)

Elk River Falls, also called Big Falls or Elk Falls, is a 50-foot waterfall on Elk River in Avery County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 0.2
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest
Trail Users: Hiking
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around the waterfalls are very slippery. There is fencing and other underwater hazards in the pool below the falls. Do not jump from or swim at the waterfall at any time. Many people have died here.
Trailhead GPS: 36.19737,-81.97002
Waterfall GPS: 36.19879,-81.96910

Directions:

From Boone, head south on NC-105 for about 13 miles and turn right on NC-184 north. Drive 4.3 miles and turn left on NC-194 south. Drive 6.9 miles and right on US-19E north. Go 1 mile to Elk Park and turn right on Little Elk Road and then left on Old Mill Road. Turn right on Elk River Road and go 4.1 miles to the parking area at the end.

Map:

Hike Description:

Pick up Elk Falls Trail (#172) which is to the right of the gated road and follow 0.1 miles down to the base of the waterfall.

There are lots of rocks in the river to get out and view the falls from different angles. Do be sure to stay out of the pool below the falls. This waterfall has probably claimed more lives than any other in NC due to underwater hazards.