Waterfall Hero Hikes: Findley Falls (Ledbetter)

Findley Falls is a small waterfall on Ledbetter Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Cheoah Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 0.2 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Cheoah 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: 35.28261,-83.67382
Waterfall GPS: 35.28398,-83.67587

Directions:

From Bryson City, head south on US-19 for about 3 miles and then turn left and immediate right to get on US-74 West/US-19 south. Drive 16.4 miles and turn right into the small parking area.

Map:

Hike Description:

A path leads from the picnic area up over the train tracks and down to an intersection with yellow-blazed Bartram Trail, which goes left and right. Go straight and follow a faint path leading upstream along Ledbetter Creek a short ways to the waterfall.

It's a small waterfall but scenic and easy to reach. All the other waterfalls on Ledbetter Creek are much more difficult. The waterfall is named after H. Franklin Findley, a longtime Cheoah District Ranger who helped coordinate the construction of the Bartram Trail to Cheoah Bald.