Waterfall Hero Hikes: Sassafras Falls (Snowbird)

Sassafras Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on Sassafras Creek, a tributary of Snowbird Creek, in Graham County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Snowbird Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 7.2 miles
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Snowbird 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: 35.26448,-83.93800
Waterfall GPS: 35.25575,-83.96821

Directions:

From Robbinsville, head west on US-143 Bus for about 2.5 miles then continue on US-143 W for another 2.2 miles. Turn left on Snowbird Road and go 2.1 miles to a sharp left to stay on Snowbird Road. In another mile, turn right on Big Snowbird Road and go 6 miles to the end. It changes to gravel after about 2 miles.

Map:

Hike Description:

Pick up Big Snowbird Trail (#64) from the far end of the parking area and follow Snowbird Creek upstream. The trail follows an old logging road and is easy to follow. In about 2.5 miles, the trail passes an old, shot-up car.

Shortly after, the trail crosses Sassafras Creek on a footbridge. At 2.8 miles, turn left on Sassafras Creek Trail (#65). In another 0.8 miles, a short spur to the left leads to the base of Sassafras Falls.