Graybeard Falls (Montreat)

Graybeard Falls is a 15-foot waterfall on Flat Creek in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Montreat Wilderness, private property owned by Montreat Conference Center but open to the public.

Hike Length: 5.6 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Montreat Wilderness
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes, but must be on a leash
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.65935,-82.29626
Waterfall GPS: 35.67520,-82.28516

Directions:

From Asheville, head east on I-40 for about 15 miles and take exit 64.  Turn left on NC-9 north and go north about 2 miles into Montreat and the road becomes Assembly Drive.  In 3.3 miles from the interstate, bear left on Graybeard Trail and drive 0.8 miles to a parking area.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, pick up the blue-blazed Graybeard Trail on the right that immediately crosses Flat Creek on a footbridge.  The trail continues to follow the creek upstream, crossing three times.  In high water, it may be tricky to keep your feet dry.  At about 1.5 miles, the trail approaches the creek below some nice cascades.

After this point, the trail makes a big switchback, following the old railroad grade.  At 2.8 miles, the trail approaches the creek again and makes a switchback.  Don't turn at the switchback and instead go straight a couple hundred feet to the waterfall.

Blog Entries:

13-Feb-2021: Graybeard Mountain

External Links:

Montreat Conference Center website: https://montreat.org/visit/wilderness

Montreat Trail Club website: http://www.montreattrailclub.org/