Saturday, May 12, 2007

Upper Creek Falls

Upper Creek Falls in Burke County, NC is deserving of a more exciting name. It's made up of a series of falls and cascades, with the largest one listed as 50 feet. I'm not sure the picture above does it justice. Don't let the name fool you, this is a very exciting place! From the parking area, you have a choice of trails labeled "upper" and "lower" falls. It doesn't really matter which way you go, as the trail makes a 1.5 mile loop. We started out taking the upper trail -- which brought us out on top of the main falls. In order to get to the base, you have to hop across the creek. The entire area was very slippery -- so use caution and common sense -- Take your time crossing the creek and stay back from the edge of the falls! You'll cross the creek again down below in order to return back to the parking area via the lower falls trail.

I was surprised to see the rhododendron blooming already! In case you're wondering, there weren't blooms yet along the nearby section of the Blue Ridge Parkway or in the Grandfather Mountain, Linn Cove Viaduct area. Below is a photo of the cascades above the main waterfall. Directions: Upper Creek Falls is easy to get to from the Blue Ridge Parkway. At mile 312.5, exit the BRP and get on Highway 181 South and drive for 6 miles. Look for a brown sign and gravel road on the left.

8 comments:

  1. This is deff going on my list of places to go!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just got back from there. IT IS A MUST SEE!!!!!!!!!!! Take a good hiking stick with you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Follow the trails above the high falls and you will find several swimmingholes and places to sun and watch the water. Beware of the slippery algae when crossing in the water.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This place was great! The swimming was great and we found a place to slide down the rocks! It was awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just back from another trip up to the Jonah Hole above the falls on a hot early summer day. It's just the same as it was 40 years ago, just a few more people but less beer.

    ReplyDelete
  6. i've been there a few time and would reccomend it

    ReplyDelete
  7. Did this yesterday. Great fun & great for kids. Easy to find.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Is alcoholic beverages allowed here

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting and joining in the discussion on Appalachian Treks! Your comment will be sent to me to be approved. Sorry for this added step, but it is necessary to avoid spam. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!