Waterfall Hero Hikes: Lower Thunderhole Falls (Pisgah)

Lower Thunderhole Falls is a small waterfall in its namesake in Caldwell County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the China Creek area of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 2.2 miles
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: China Creek (Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. The path down to the base is very steep.
Trailhead GPS: 36.11433,-81.69803
Waterfall GPS: 36.10345,-81.69616

Directions:

From Blowing Rock, head south on Main Street/US-321 business from US-221 for 0.4 miles and turn right on Globe Road, which becomes gravel. Drive about 3.5 miles turn Forest Road 4071, a sharp right turn. Note that this road is not marked on most maps, so don't rely on navigation devices. FSR-4071 is gated during the winter. Drive about 2.5 miles on FSR-4071 to the permanent gate and park without blocking the gate.

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike beyond the gate to a concrete ford over China Creek. Just after the ford, look for China Creek Trail (#250) on the left following China Creek downstream. In about a half-mile the trail comes to a crossing of China Creek just upstream of the confluence with Thunderhole Creek. Cross here to stay on China Creek Trail and continue downstream. There are two additional creek crossings where it's Thunderhole Creek now. After the third crossing, the trail heads up a ridge above the creek. Look for a steep path leading down to exposed rocks at the waterfall.