Waterfall Hero Hikes: Upper Falls (Snowbird Creek)

Upper Falls is a sliding waterfall on Snowbird Creek in Graham County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Snowbird Backcountry Area in Nantahala National Forest.

Hike Length: 11.4 miles
Estimated Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
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: 35.27095,-83.99300

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 3.7 miles, the trail passes Big Falls on the right and then crosses Snowbird Creek on a footbridge at 3.8 miles. After the bridge, turn right on Middle Falls Trail (#64A). You can stay on Big Snowbird but there are numerous creek fords, so Middle Falls Trail is an easier alternative. At 4.8 miles, pass the turn for Middle Falls Alternate (#46B) and then the trail ends back at Big Snowbird Trail at 5 miles from the start. Continue another 3/4 mile and Upper Falls will be on the left.