Stairstep Falls (Green River)

Stairstep Falls is a sectioned waterfall on Stairstep Creek, a tributary of Green River, in Polk County, North Carolina.  The waterfall is in Green River Game Land.

Hike Length: 2.4 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Green River Game Land
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Must be leashed
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.  The scramble down to the base is very steep.
Trailhead GPS: 35.29041,-82.31828
Waterfall GPS: 35.27768,-82.31740

Directions:

To visit the falls, take I-26 to Hendersonville and get off at exit 53 for Upward Road.  Go east on Upward Road for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Big Hungry Road.  Bear left at the first fork in a half-mile to stay on Big Hungry Road and right at the second fork to stay on the road.  Drive a total of 5.3 miles from Upward Road to a small gravel parking area on the right (Long Ridge Trailhead).

Map:

Hike Description:

Hike beyond the gate on Long Ridge Trail for about 0.6 miles to an open area with another gate.  Cross the gate and get on the more overgrown road, which is Turkey Gut Trail.  Head down for 0.7 miles to the intersection with Stairstep Falls Trail.  Turn right to cross the creek on a footbridge and go a short ways to a steep scramble path that leads to the creek at the base of the waterfall.  The water was low and lighting was poor when I visited, but it was much nicer than I expected.  Will need to return in better conditions.

Blog Entries:

14-Jun-2026: Stairstep Falls in Green River