Lower Spivey Falls is located on private property, which is really a shame. It’s not that the current custodians of this natural treasure are not doing a good job maintaining the falls. They are. It’s just that something this beautiful ought to be part of a national park. This is actually Lower Spivey Falls, as it is part of a series of four large waterfalls, all privately owned. (Here's a shot of the
main falls and the
upper falls). There is a place to park, but visitors are not allowed beyond the gate. Even from this distance, the falls are impressive and it's possible to zoom in and get a good shot.
While you’re at it, you ought to continue on Spivey Mountain Road (19W) just a little ways over the mountain to
Big Creek Falls on the North Carolina side. It’s right next to 19W on the right side of the road. It may not sound pretty being right next to the road, but it’s actually a unique looking waterfall. Pictures can be taken from either side of the creek. It’s open to the sky, so again, as with all waterfall photography, a cloudy day is preferred. I should listen to my own advice, because today the sun was beating down on the waterfall and I really didn’t get much. Below is a shot I took a few weeks ago when there was more water in the creek and the sky was overcast.
Directions: From I-26, take the Temple Hill exit (#43) south of Erwin. At the stop sign, turn right onto 19/23. Go 1.1 mile until the road forks. Turn to the left, taking 19W for 3.4 miles and then turn right on Chandler Cove Road. You won’t miss Spivey Falls 1/3 of a mile in front of you. To continue on to Big Creek Falls, turn right onto 19W when exiting Chandler Cove Road. Continue 7.3 miles, falls located on the right.
Click
here to see another post listing the various destinations along Spivey Mountain Road.
This 18-foot-tall waterfall is found next to the road on Route 19W near Spivey Gap in Yancey County, NC. It's a popular summer swimming hole, with a large, but shallow wading pool at its base. You can see in the photo above that even with our recent rains the water level is way down.
While you’re at it, you ought to continue on Spivey Mountain Road (19W) just a little ways over the mountain to Big Creek Falls on the North Carolina side. It’s right next to 19W on the right side of the road. It may not sound pretty being right next to the road, but it’s actually a unique looking waterfall. Pictures can be taken from either side of the creek. It’s open to the sky, so again, as with all waterfall photography, a cloudy day is preferred. I should listen to my own advice, because today the sun was beating down on the waterfall and I really didn’t get much. Below is a shot I took a few weeks ago when there was more water in the creek and the sky was overcast. 