Waterfall Hero Hikes: Laurel Creek Falls (Watauga)

Laurel Creek Falls, also known as Trash Can Falls, is a 25-foot waterfall on its namesake creek in Watauga County, North Carolina. I am unsure of the property owner, but public access seems to be permitted.

Hike Length: 0.2 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Unknown
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Very High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 36.25405,-81.85268
Waterfall GPS: 36.25259,-81.85287

Directions:

From Boone, head west on US-421/US-321 for about 6 miles. At the junction, go west on US-321 for 5.4 miles to a pull-off on the right. It's just a little ways past the bridge over Watauga River. Park here and be sure to be completely off the road.

Map:

Hike Description:

Carefully cross the road and pick up a makeshift path the leads upstream along Laurel Creek to the waterfall. There are some cascades right above the road.

The waterfall and swim hole is just above these cascades. I believe the nickname for this waterfall came from the fact that there used to be a dumpster at the pull-off and this was used as a landmark to find it. It seems much too nice to be called Trash Can!