Waterfall Hero Hikes: Setrock Creek Falls (Black Mountains)

Setrock Creek Falls is tiered waterfall along its namesake creek, a tributary of South Toe River, in Yancey County. The waterfall is located in the Black Mountain/South Toe River Area of Pisgah National Forest.

Hike Length: 1 mile
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Black Mountain/South Toe River Area (Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery
Trailhead GPS: 35.75128,-82.21988
Waterfall GPS: 35.74981,-82.22815

Directions:

From Burnsville, head east US-19E north for about five miles and turn right onto NC-80 south. Drive 11.8 miles and bear right onto South Toe River Road. Immediately turn right and follow this road for just under 3 miles (it will become Forest Service Road 472 and change to gravel along the way). Park at the South Toe Trailhead parking lot just outside the entrance to Black Mountain Campground.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, hike across the bridge and turn left on the combined River Loop Trail/Mount Mitchell Trail. In about 0.3 miles, after Mount Mitchell Trail splits off, turn right on Setrock Creek Falls Trail (#197). It crosses Briar Bottom Camp Road and ends at the base of Setrock Creek Falls.