Upper Creek Falls

A steep, 0.8-mile trail leads to this cascading waterfall. The trail is open only to hikers. Upper Creek Falls is located in the Jonas Ridge Area of Burke County. Trails leading to the top and bottom of the falls are popular among sunbathers, swimmers, and fishermen, so plan on having company unless you arrive earlier.

 

At the lower portion of the falls, many sections create channels of whitewater. Photo by Megan Mulloy.

Other Info

Hours: Dawn-Dusk Year-Round
Picnic tables: No
Restrooms: No
Fee: No

The trail to the left out of the parking lot goes to the top of the Falls and is 0.4 miles long. Use caution here; the rocks are slick and dangerous! The trail to the right out of the parking lot goes to the bottom of the falls and is 0.9 miles long. For the more adventurous, a 1.6 mile loop can be made if you choose to wade or rock-hop across the creek twice.

 

Upper Creek falls drops over a rocky outcrop on a foggy morning. Photo by Megan Mulloy.

How to Get There

The Falls are located 13.5 miles from Morganton. Take NC 181 North from Morganton. The parking area is on the right about 6 miles north of the Pisgah National Forest boundary.