Our Video

Here is our YouTube video from our visit and hike out to Devil's Bathtub:

Arriving at Devil's Bathtub

Getting to the Devil’s Bathtub trailhead feels remote, especially toward the end. As you arrive, you'll note a very large parking area and a gorgeous greenish-blue swimming hole next to it. This is not the main parking area, but the overflow parking area. We highly recommend stopping here, as it makes for some beautiful photos. During the summer, this is a popular swimming hole as well, and there are rope swings.

To get to the main parking area, turn left onto the dirt road directly across from the parking area and head up towards the trailhead. This stretch of road is gravel and can be rough. While 4-wheel drive and high clearance aren’t required, it can be helpful depending on conditions. It was in pretty good condition during our visit.

The Trailhead and Parking

Parking is the main lot is limited on busy days, and this hike has grown in popularity. During the summer and on weekends, arriving early in the day helps avoid crowded parking and heavier foot traffic on the trail.

If this lot is full, you'll need to park in the overflow parking area near the swimming hole. This adds 1-mile to the hike.

From the parking area, signage points you toward the Devil’s Fork Trail, which leads to Devil’s Bathtub. You'll head up a set of stairs, you can't miss it.

On the Trail: What to Expect

The hike starts with a climb up some stairs, and then a gradual descent from the parking area and quickly introduces you to the first of several creek crossings. Depending on recent rainfall, you may be able to rock-hop across some of them, but it’s common to get wet feet at least once. During our visit, we were able to rock hop all of the creeks, and never got wet. Your mileage may vary.

Much of the trail follows Devil’s Fork Creek, winding through a shaded hardwood forest. Expect exposed roots, rocky sections, and narrow footpaths that require steady footing. After rain, some sections can be slick, especially where water flows directly across the trail.

You will reach a split in the trail, where going left will take you on the shortest path to Devil's Bathtub, while going right will take you on the longer loop hike. We went left for the 4-mile round-trip out and back hike.

As you work your way deeper into the hike, the sound of rushing water stays with you almost the entire time. Even before reaching the bathtub, there are small cascades and pools along the creek that make this a scenic and enjoyable hike.

Near the end, the trail will go out onto the unique rock formations in this area, and you'll have to climb some rock to get up to the bathtub itself. The rock around the bathtub is smooth and can be slippery, so take your time and watch your footing.

The bathtub is a deep, circular basin carved into solid rock by centuries of moving water. On a hot summer day, the water is cold and incredibly refreshing, making it an ideal place to take a break before heading back out the way you came. The water has a unique greenish/blue hue that makes for some amazing photos with the right lighting.

We arrived at Devil's Bathtub around 4:30 in the afternoon on a summer evening. The lighting was not good. We suspect the best lighting for photos of the bathtub itself would be in the morning.

Tips for a Great Hike

After our amazing hike out to see the Devil's Bathtub, we learned a few tips that we think you'll find helpful:

• Wear shoes with good grip and expect wet conditions. Creek crossings are unavoidable.
• Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. The terrain makes this hike feel longer than the mileage suggests.
• Start early if hiking in summer or on weekends to avoid crowds and limited parking.  We hiked on a weekday and had the trail pretty much to ourselves.
• Take your time near the bathtub. Wet rock and smooth stone can be slick.
• Pack out everything you bring in to help keep this area clean and enjoyable for others.
• If you plan to swim, bringing a small towel and a change of clothes makes the hike back more comfortable.
• Check the weather and come prepared. There were storms in the area the day or our hike, but a low chance of rain. Of course, it rained right where we were hiking and we got soaked (see our video).  We recommend having a spare set of clothing in your vehicle, just in case.

Our Take

This hike ended up being one of those adventures that reminded us why certain places stay on our list for so long. Hiking Devil’s Bathtub in August turned it into a true summer adventure. The heat made the shaded forest and creek crossings especially welcome, and the cold water at the end felt like a well-earned reward.

We loved that this hike felt a little rugged without being overwhelming. The constant sound of water, the repeated crossings, and the final approach to the bathtub made it feel more immersive than many hikes of similar length. It’s not a trail you rush through, and that’s part of what makes it special.

Devil’s Bathtub isn’t a beginner hike, and it’s not one we’d recommend taking lightly. But if you’re comfortable with uneven terrain, wet conditions, and a bit of effort, it delivers a memorable payoff. For us, it absolutely lived up to the photos we’d seen for years, and it’s a hike we’re glad we finally made the time to experience.

You will not be disappointed!

Our Video

In our video, we take you along our walk through the Dahlia Ridge Trail System so you can see what it’s actually like on the ground, including the Mill Pond area and some of the quieter wooded sections. We hike a whole loop around and though the HCC campus.

Hit play to hike it with us, get a feel for the terrain and trail vibe, and decide which loops you want to tackle when you go. If you’re local, it’s a great “quick outdoor fix” spot when you don’t have time for a longer drive or bigger hike.

Getting to the Dahlia Ridge Trails

Located in Clyde, NC, the Dahlia Ridge Trail System is incredibly easy to access, but because it is located on an active college campus, knowing exactly where to park is key.

Where to Park:There are two primary ways to access the trail system depending on which section you want to tackle first:

• Primary Parking (Main Entrance): As you enter the main HCC campus on Sawmill Drive, take your very first left into the parking lot. This is a central spot that puts you in close proximity to the main trail kiosks and the campus's famous Mill Pond.
• Secondary Parking: For a slightly different approach, you can continue past Sawmill Drive on Jones Cove Road and turn left onto Armory Drive. There is a smaller parking area on the far side of the Mill Pond that offers a quick connection to the trail network.

Any white-marked parking spot is open to the public. Do not park in yellow, blue, or purple spaces.

Finding the Trailhead: Once you park at the main lot on Sawmill Drive, look for the large wooden trail kiosks near the Hemlock building. These provide a full map of the system. The trails are well-marked with color-coded blazes, but we recommend snapping a photo of the map before you head into the more wooded sections.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the Ironwood facility, near the millpond and smaller parking area.  Addtionally, HCC building restrooms are open to the public during school hours. This does not apply to HEC (Haywood Early College).

Know Before You Go

While the Dahlia Ridge Trail System is located on the Haywood Community College campus, the college graciously keeps these trails open to the public. It is a wonderful community resource, but do keep in mind that since it is a school, you'll want to be mindful of students and campus activities.

The trails are also pet-friendly, provided your four-legged hiking partners stay on a leash. It’s a perfect spot for a local dog walk that feels a bit more adventurous than a standard sidewalk stroll.

Hiking the Dahlia Ridge Loop: Our Experience

While you can jump on the trail system from several points on campus, Jenn and I started at the official starting point near the Hemlock Building and the Mill Pond. We began by walking around the Mill Pond—which is easily the highlight and most scenic attraction of the entire system—before catching the Mill Pond Connector. You’ll find this near the small parking area by the Ironwood facility.

From there, the trail transitions from a casual stroll to a true hike. You’ll cross the road and a small bridge, heading straight into the woods. We followed the winding Copperhead Trail, which features a series of switchbacks. This was the only section where we experienced a real workout with some elevation gain, though we would still categorize the overall hike as easy to moderate.

The Copperhead Trail eventually feeds into the Kingfisher Trail. This section feels like a deep-woods escape, with natural paths that can be a bit muddy after a rain. Finally, we connected to the Bobcat Trail, the main campus loop, which transitioned back into paved sidewalks and flat gravel as we headed back toward the parking area. Our total loop was about 1.5 miles.

The variety of the terrain is what makes this loop so engaging. In one afternoon, we experienced:

• The Scenery: The Mill Pond is incredibly peaceful and a must-see for photographers.
• The Art: As you loop through the main campus, keep your eyes peeled for the unique art installations. We especially enjoyed the wireframe bobcat and the resonating bell.
• The Terrain: It’s rare to find a trail that seamlessly blends flat gravel, rugged forest floor, and paved campus walkways.

Tips for a Great Hike

Here are a few tips we learned during our visit and hike that will help make your visit more enjoyable:

• Footwear: Special hiking gear isn't strictly needed for the campus sections, but if you're planning on hiking the more remote areas like Copperhead or Kingfisher, good hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended as these natural trails can be muddy.
• Water: We recommend bringing some water along, especially for the wooded switchback sections.
• Navigation: The trails are well-marked, but we still recommend downloading the hiking trails map to your phone for easy reference.
• Safety: For safety, there are emergency response markers all through the trail with unique codes. In the event of an emergency, these allow first responders to accurately locate you in the woods.
• Leave No Trace: The trails are open to the public, so please always practice the principles of Leave No Trace, so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy these fantastic trails.

Our Take

Jenn and I really enjoyed our time on the Dahlia Ridge trails. To be fair, these trails aren't as remote or rugged as some mountain hikes, like you would find in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You also won't find a significant point of interest like a breathtaking waterfall. BUT, they are a great option for local hiking, walking and running.  Much like the popular trails at Lake Junaluska.

It is definitely worth the short drive from Waynesville. It is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy some local art, and get some exercise in a beautiful, quiet setting.

Deep Creek Loop Trail

If you hike the deep creek loop trail during summer, one thing you'll immediately notice as you walk towards the trailhead are people carrying "tubes".

Deep Creek is a very popular tubing area, and tubing is the main summer attraction. You can walk a 1/2 mile or so up the trail and then tube down Deep Creek. Many people stay at Deep Creek Campground, and tube to there, walk back up, and tube again.

But Deep Creek is more than just tubing, and is an excellent location for hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially if you like waterfalls like we do.

The various loop trails take you along Deep Creek itself and up through the woods to Sunkota Ridge and then back.  Along the way, you'll pass by Tom Creek Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls.  Three beautiful waterfalls, each with their own character.

The trailhead begins at the far parking area on the entrance road. This small parking area often fills up quickly, and you may need to park in the larger picnic area and walk up to the trailhead.

Trailhead to Tom Branch Falls

One of the great things about this hiking trail is that it offers some immediate rewards. From the trailhead, you walk alongside the rushing crisp and clear waters of Deep Creek. In the summer, you can watch families tubing down and having a blast.

Just 3/10s of a mile into the trail, you'll come to Tom Branch Falls, an 80 foot gently cascading waterfall. Tom Branch Falls Guide cascades down into Deep Creek itself, on the opposite bank from the trail. 

Heading on up the trail past Tom Branch Falls, the trail will continue on the left side of the creek for a while, then cross over on a bridge. This is a great spot to watch people tubing and get some great photos. 

After crossing the bridge, you'll begin a gradual uphill climb to the right of Deep Creek until you reach another bridge, and a trail junction just in front. Deepcreek continues straight, and the Indian Creek Trail goes to the right.

To follow the loop trail, and to see Indian Creek Falls, go right and follow Indian Creek Trail.

Indian Creek Trail to the Loop Trail

Turning off onto Indian Creek Trail gets you out of the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Most will continue up Deep Creek.

Shortly after turning onto Indian Creek Trail (1/10th of a mile), you'll see a sign to the left and a small trail heading down to the base of Indian Creek Falls, our favorite waterfall, on this hike.

Indian Creek Falls is a 45-foot waterfall that's just gorgeous. 

Heading back up on the trial, Indian Creek Trail will continue into a really pretty forest area, with a nice, flat and wide trail. You'll cross a bridge over Indian Creek just after the falls and continue to head through the forest.

You'll soon come to a trail junction. Thomas Divide Trail goes to the right. You should continue straight on the Indian Creek Trail.

Loop Trail

After hiking another 1/3rd mile along Indian Creek Trail, you'll come to the junction of Indian Creek and Loop Trail. Go left here and follow the loop trail. The trail gets steep here as you begin the climb up the mountain.

At the top of the climb, you'll come to the junction of Loop Trail and Sunkota Ridge Trail. Just keep going straight (and down) to stay on the loop trail.

The trail begins a pretty steep decline, so watch your step, especially with the roots.

At the bottom, you'll encounter Deep Creek again, and Deep Creek trail. You'll turn left here and follow alongside Deep Creek. The trail along here is very flat and wide and makes for a nice relaxing walk with the wonderful sounds of Deep Creek.

Juney Whank Falls

Heading on down Deep Creek Trail, you'll run into a spur that takes you to Juney Whank Falls.  

You'll see signs directing you to Juney Whank Falls. The trail does get a bit confusing, and you can either go right or left. You'll want to go left. You'll know you're heading in the right direction by the steep incline.

This is a pretty steep climb for a bit, and then the rest is downhill. The spur trail to the falls is about 1.2 miles, but it's really worth it and from the falls, you are very close to the parking area where you started.

The fastest route back to the parking lot is to go back up the trail down to Juney Whank, and follow the trail that directs you to the parking lot.

Our Big Creek Trail Video

We've done a few videos on Big Creek, but here is our favorite of the hike up Big Creek Trail to Midnight Hole.   This video will give you full perspective on what to expect on the hike, and how beautiful this area really is.

Hiking Big Creek Trail NC

The Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well known for it's logging history.  The entire area was a very large logging operation, before the park was founded.  

In fact, the current location of the big creek campgrounds and parking lot was a log mill.   Although it's hard to tell these days as the forest has grown back.

The area is just simply gorgeous.  The dense forest combined with the green and aquamarine colored waters of Big Creek that flow over the rocks and cascade down into many small pools, make this almost seem unreal.  

Big Creek is simply one of the most beautiful areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Big Creek Trailhead

Just before you reach the parking lot, you'll pass the Big Creek Trailhead on your right.   Park in the main parking, and walk up the entry road to the trail.  There are restrooms near the parking lot.  Probably a good idea to use them prior to hitting the trail.

If you visit during the summer, and especially on the weekend, you may find the main small parking area closed.  If so, you can park further back down the entry road in the horse camp area.  Just be sure to not block any horse trailers in. 

There are restrooms here as well, and to the left of them is a trail that will take you through the woods, into the RV camping area, and to the Big Creek trailhead.

Hiking Up Big Creek Trail

Big Creek Trail Smoky Mountains follows an old logging railroad grade through the woods, and along the side of a ridge.  The climb is steady, but not real steep.

For the first part of the trail, you'll be high above Big Creek, which is to your left.  You'll still hear it, but it's faint.  As you continue to hike, you'll get closer and closer to the creek.

As mentioned earlier, the trail runs along the side of a ridge, and as a result, to your right is nothing but steep mountain side and rock, and to your left will be a sheer drop down to the creek.   Watch your step, and if you have small children keep an eye on them.

As you hike the trail, you'll see a number of small unofficial trails going down to the creek.   These are fun to explore, and lead to some beautiful areas many don't ever see.  Take the time to explore these, just be careful of course.

Midnight Hole NC

After a while, the trail will be creekside, and it will stay this way for the duration.  At 1.5 miles, you'll reach Midnight Hole, one of the most popular swimming holes in the smokies.  

Midnight Hole will be down a slight incline to your left.  Generally very easy to recognize during the summer, as it will be full of people.   

Midnight hole is a great spot to take a break, enjoy the beautiful waterfall and surrounding foliage, and watch the people enjoying the ice cold water on a hot summer day.  It's also a great place to grab a snack.

If you look closely in the water in the pool below the falls, it's full of Trout.  You'll often find anglers fly fishing below the falls and away from the people swimming.

Mouse Creek Falls

To Reach Mouse Creek Falls on Big Creek hiking trail, you'll continue on Big Creek Trail past Midnight Hole, alongside Big Creek.  

There are some great photo opportunities in this area of the creek itself.   After about .5 miles, you'll reach the overlook area for Mouse Creek Falls.  You be able to tell you've arrived when you see the horse rails used to tie up horses.  

Did we mention Big Creek Trail is also a horse trail?   No, well it is, so you'll want to watch your step as you're hiking.  Also, trail etiquette says you yield to horses.  So just move over until they go by, and don't startle them.

Mouse Creek Falls is a 45 foot tall waterfall, that spills into Big Creek.  There are some benches here, and it's a great place to take a break, and view the gorgeous waterfall.  

Most people turn around here and head back to the Big Creek parking and picnic area.  Doing so at this would make this about a 4 mile round trip hike.

The First Bridge

Another .25 miles past Mouse Creek Falls, you'll cross over the first of two trail bridges.   These are wide iron bridges.  This particular first one crosses over Big Creek.  The old railroad grade continues down and to the left, and the trail continues to the right.

The area of Big Creek above this bridge is very rocky, and simply gorgeous.  A small waterfall just below the bridge spills into a crystal clear and very calm pool of water.  This is a popular trout fishing area.

This bridge also marks the half way point to Walnut Bottoms, the location of Backwoods campsite #37, and the end of Big Creek Trail.

Walnut Bottoms

The trail at this point gets a bit more rocky and rough, due to being travelled less.   You'll hike alongside Big Creek for the next 2.5 miles until your reach a second bridge, and Walnut Bottoms.  

Pay attention as you hike, and you'll notice the remnants of the heavy logging operations that were here prior the park.  You'll even notice brick in the trail, the remnants of an old cobblestone walkway.

Campsite #37 is just past the bridge.  The trail ends at the campsite, and intersects with Low Gap Trail.  You'll also pass Swallow Fork Trailhead on your left prior to reaching Walnut Bottoms.

Campsite #37 is a common overnight camping spot for multi-day hikers.  The campsite is by reservation only.  Be on the lookout for Bears as well, as this is a popular spot for them.

To return to the parking area, head back on Big Creek Trail the same way you arrived.

Tips for Hiking Big Creek Trail Smoky Mountains

We have hiked Big Creek trail to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls more times than we can count.  When our kids were younger, we used to visit Midnight Hole almost every weekend.    As many times as we've done it, we never get tired of it.  It's one of our favorite hiking trails in the smokies.

Along the way, we picked up some insider tips for hiking Big Creek trail:

1. Plan your hike - Before heading out, research the trail and familiarize yourself with the route, distance, and difficulty level. Check the weather forecast and make sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing.  Our video will really help with this.
2. Watch your kids closely at all times - Children have died on Big Creek Trail and at Midnight Hole.  Always keep a close eye on your children at all times.  While Big Creek is relatively safe, you are outdoors in the wild.
3. Get an early start - Start your hike early in the morning to give yourself ample time to complete the trail and enjoy the scenery. It also helps to beat the crowds, especially during peak hiking seasons.  Big Creek is a busy place.
4. Pack Day Hiking Essential - Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. Pack nutritious snacks and a packed lunch, as there are no food services along the trail. Bring a map, compass, or GPS device for navigation, as well as a first aid kit and a whistle for emergencies.
5. Wear proper footwear - Choose sturdy and comfortable hiking boots or shoes that provide good ankle support. The trail can be rocky and uneven, so having appropriate footwear will help prevent injuries and provide stability.  Frankly, a good pair of hiking boots will make your hike much more enjoyable.
6. Follow trail etiquette - Stay on the designated trail to protect the natural environment. Be mindful of other hikers and yield to uphill hikers and to horses. Always Leave no trace by carrying out your trash and not disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
7. Take breaks and pace yourself - Big Creek Trail offers beautiful scenery and numerous opportunities for photography. Take breaks along the way to rest, enjoy the surroundings, and take pictures. Pace yourself and listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
8. Be aware of wildlife - The trail passes through a wilderness area, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter and do not feed or approach them. Take proper precautions to prevent encounters with bears, such as storing food securely.  When hiking near water, snakes are common.   
9. Always tell someone where you are going - Before you head out on a Big Creek Trail hike, inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans, including your expected return time. This is a safety precaution in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

We hope these tips help you.  Stay safe and have a wonderful hiking experience!

Big Creek Trail - Common Questions

Here are answers to some common questions we get about Big Creek Trail NC:

Where is Big Creek NC?

Big Creek is located on the north east side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off of I-40, and right at the NC and TN border.  The area is accessible by a narrow access road leading into Big Creek.  See our directions and map above.

How deep is midnight hole?

Reports vary, but the pool directly below and around the base of the main waterfall flowing into Midnight hole is 15' - 20' deep.   Big Creek gets progressively less deep as it gets closer to shore.

How long is the hike to Midnight Hole NC?

The hike to Midnight Hole from the Big Creek Trailhead is 1.5 miles.

Are dogs allowed on big creek trail?

No, dogs are not allowed on big creek trail.  Dogs in general are not allowed on trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The only exceptions are the Oconaluftee Trail at the Oconaluftee visitor center and the Sugarlands trail at the Sugarlands visitor center.

Can I camp on Big Creek Trail?

Big Creek Trail provides access to a few Back Country Campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  You can also camp in the Big Creek Campground.  But camping on the trail outside of these locations is not allowed.

Can I push a stroller on Big Creek Trail?

While you can, we would not advise it.  The trail is very rocky in some spots, has creek crossings, and is just really rough in spots.

Falls Trail in Buckeye Lake Recreation Center

The Buckeye Lake Recreation Area is located at 1330 Pine Ridge Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604.  This 50+ acre park has hiking trails, walking trails, mountain biking trails, a lake, tennis courts, playground equipment, and more.  

Additionally, it houses the 22,500-square-foot Recreation Center offering recreational opportunities like indoor basketball, volleyball, and tennis; a fitness room; a conference room with a catering area, and a playroom built specifically for children under 12.

During our visit, we kayaked on the 10-acre lake, and did the 1-mile loop hike to visit Buckeye Creek Falls, a gorgeous 20' cascading waterfall.

Our Beech Mountain NC Video

Our visit to Buckeye Creek Falls was part of a larger extended weekend adventure spent in Beech Mountain NC.   Here is our full video.

Our Buckeye Creek Falls Video

As part of our Beech Mountain weekend adventure, we hiked down to Buckeye Creek Falls, on the Fall Trail, located in Buckeye Recreation Center, near Beech Mountain NC.  Here is our video for that hike:

Hiking to Buckeye Creek Falls

The hike out to Buckeye Creek Falls begins at the Recreation Center parking area.  At the end of the parking area, near the playground equipment, you'll see a paved trail.  Follow this trail for a short distance, until you see a gravel trail to the right that heads down into the woods at a steep angle.  This is the access trail to the Falls Trail loop and is right next to the Tennis courts.

The trail will take you down and through the forest.   This portion of the trail is the steepest, and the overall elevation gain is 206ft.  The majority of it is along the first part of the trail.

You'll hike down to the intersection of the loop.   When we were there, it looked like the portion of the trail to the loop had been widened, and with very little care for the woods and trail itself.  Frankly, it looked hacked, and wasn't very pretty at all.

Fortunately, this is only for a short distance until you arrive at the intersection of the loop trail, and the trail becomes much nicer and more rustic.   

The distance to the falls is about the same, no matter which way you go, however, the elevation change is less to the left.  If you want to go to the falls, then back, and not use the full loop, go left.  The climb down and back out is easier.  If you want to do the full loop, go right.

We did the full loop, and went right.  The trails slowly descends down through the woods to the falls.  The trail is very rocky with lots of roots and travels through a lot of rhododendrons.  You'll eventually hike alongside a small creek, with some small cascades, and emerge shortly after at Buckeye Falls. 

The hike there is .5 miles and moderate to strenuous.

Buckeye Creek Falls

Buckeye Creek Falls isn't as majestic as Looking Glass or Whitewater Falls, but it's really a very photogenic and beautiful waterfall.  Buckeye Falls is about 15' - 20' foot high and flows over an angled cascade into the creek below.

A bridge is built across the creek to make the creek crossing easier and provides exceptional views of the falls.  If you want to get up closer, cross the bridge, and head to the base of the Falls to the left.   Just be careful, the rocks are slick.

Here are some photos we took during our visit:

After visiting the Falls, you can either head back the way you came, or continue following the trail around the loop.  We really recommend doing this, as the trail follows the creek above the falls, and provides some really pretty scenes along the creek.

The hike back up the steeper portion of the trail is a good workout, but not too long.

We really enjoyed this hike, and it would make for a great family hike.  We did the hike in about an hour, and that included time spent at the Falls taking photos and videos.    This is a really nice hike with a beautiful waterfall and we highly recommended if you're in and around Beech Mountain NC.

Getting to Living Waters and the Trailhead

Living Waters is located 9 miles south on Highway 215 from the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, in a community called Balsam Grove.  You'll see the Living waters buildings on your right.  Drive down just past the buildings, and you'll see pull-over parking on your right.   Additional parking is available across the road and also on down.

The trailhead down is just south of the pull-over parking, and past the mill building.   You'll see both Mill Shoals Falls, and French Broad Falls from the trail as you are coming down.   The trail down to Cathedral Falls goes to the left.

Living Waters Ministry Waterfalls Video

Hike with us as we take you on a full tour of Living Waters Ministry and the waterfalls.

Mill Shoals Falls and French Broad Falls

As you come down the beginning of the trailhead, you immediately see the absolutely stunning twin falls of Mill Shoals and French Broad Falls.   Even better?  Mill Shoals falls sits directly below a beautiful historic and bright red grist mill, that is part of the ministry.

Both falls are about 15-20 foot high, and the pools below the falls are the intersection of Shoal Creek and the north fork of the french board river.  

The scene makes for some gorgeous photo opportunities.   The falls and pools below it, are a common swimming area for kids and adults.  There are lots of rocks and boulders to hang out on, and some shallow water for younger kids as well.   These two falls will be the highlight of your visit.

Cathedral Falls, and two other un-named waterfalls

From the twin falls, head back towards the parking area, and you'll see a trail heading to your right along the creekside.   Follow this trail down about 1/4 - 1/2 mile to Cathedral Falls (also called Bird Rock Falls)

While hiking along this easy trail, you'll cross a number of bridges, and pass a few small trails going down to two other very nice waterfalls.   You'll also pass by a beautiful overlook, and a small cave area that is used by the ministry for counseling and campfires.   

The trail follows the creek down, and you'll find yourself hiking through lots of Rhododendron, which form a tunnel around you.  The trail is really pretty pretty, and well maintained by the Ministry.

The last portion of the trail to Cathedral falls goes down a large rock to the creek.  Be careful here, as the rock can be slick.  Cathedral Falls will be to your right and a very tall rocky cliff directly in front of you.

Other Waterfalls Nearby

Highway 215 is full of waterfalls, and some you will pass right by on the way to Living Waters.  These include:

• Lower and Upper Dill Falls
• Courthouse Falls
• Wildcat Falls
• Sunburst Falls
• Upper and Lower Bubbling Springs Branch Falls

You can find all of our waterfalls guides on our Waterfalls Page.

Hike Information

Location: Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Roundtrip Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Handicap Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Features: Popular destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A strong flowing waterfall and a great hike.

Directions: Drive 4.8 miles along the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. Just after crossing a creek on a small bridge, turn right onto the gravel Abrams Falls Rd through a pasture area. You'll soon reach a large parking area for the trailhead. The trailhead is at the far end, where the woods begin.

Abrams Falls Video

We hiked this trail during prime fall color season. Here's our video:

Hiking to Abrams Falls

The hike to Abrams Falls is an out and back hike. The hike to Abrams Falls itself is 2.5 miles, then 2.5 back to the parking area, making the total round trip length about 5 miles.

The hike is moderate, with a few ups and downs. The ups provide some short but significant elevation gain. There are three, and the third is the largest, and will take you to a rocky ridge with nice views. From there, it's all downhill to Abrams Falls.

Be aware that the trail is very rocky and full of roots, so you will want to keep at eye on your footing to avoid tripping.

The trail begins just after the trail sign, at a bridge crossing. The first section of the trail is creek side and relatively flat.  After crossing the bridge, go left to Abrams Falls. For most of the trail, you'll follow the creek.   

There are a number of access points to the creek on the trail side, and they are worth exploring. Be sure to keep an eye out for Otter that were released here some years ago.

The trail follows a ridge that is often very high above the creek. While the trail isn't exceptionally narrow, it's narrow enough that if you are hiking with children, you'll want to keep them close, and away from the edge. A fall or slip from here could be deadly.

At the 2.5 mile mark, a small and typical log footbridge will go to the left. Take this bridge and side trail to Abrams Falls; you'll be able to clearly hear it at this point. You'll arrive at the small "beach" area, surrounded by a number of large rock areas for viewing and photographing the waterfall.

Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls itself is only 20-25 foot tall, so not a tall waterfall compared to many others in the area.   What does make that Abrams Falls stand out is the amount of water rushing over it.  In fact, Abrams Falls has more water rushing over it, than any other waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

The pool at the bottom of the falls is deep and large. While you will often see people swimming here, and the pool is certainly very inviting, we STRONGLY recommend not swimming here. Due to the water volume, there are very strong currents, and under-toe. Under the water are many "traps", that have led to 21 water-related deaths since 1971.

Abrams Falls Trail is one of the busiest trails in the National Park and receives over 1000 visitors a day during peak season. We highly recommend hiking this trail early in the morning to avoid the crowds, or on a weekday.  This will also allow you to avoid the common traffic backups in Cades Cove that can often cause you to sit idle in traffic for hours.

After visiting the Falls, you'll head back to the parking lot the same way you arrived.

This has been a bucket list hike for us, and while we enjoyed it, we hiked it during prime fall season, and while gorgeous, there were far too many people for us. We'll go back, but will hike it during the off season to avoid the crowds.

Definitely a great hike, just be sure to come prepared with the day hiking essentials, hike safely, and as always, leave no trace.

Hiking to Schoolhouse Falls

Just down from the main parking area is a closed gate.  There are two trailheads here, one to the right and left of the information board.  You'll want to go right onto Panthertown Valley trailhead (#474).  The trail will descend down for a bit through some gorgeous forest, where it will cross a wood bridge, and go left onto an old road bed.   This portion of the trail will be wider.

The road will take you under some large power poles, and down through the forest.   Shortly after, you will come to a Y.   The main trail will go left, and a smaller side trail to the right.  You'll want to follow the main trail/road to the left.   The main trail is easy to follow due to being covered with larger gravel. 

Follow the main trail through a few switchbacks, and continue your descent.   At a trail intersection, Devils Elbow Trail (#448) will to right, and Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) will go straight.   Continue straight on Panthertown Valley Trail.  You will pass a few small campsites on your right.

 Shortly after, you will  reach a larger wood bridge that crosses Greenland Creek.  Just after the bridge, Little Green Trail (#485) will go left.  This trail takes you to Schoolhouse Falls in about .15 miles.   You can hear the falls from here, and often hear voices of people enjoying the Falls.

Shortly after starting down the Little Green Trail, it will Y.  Go right to avoid to the mud, but both trails lead to the same place.   You will eventually reach a long wooden, and curvy bridge, followed by some short steps down to the falls.

Schoolhouse Falls NC

Schoolhouse Falls is the center point of a small and scenic valley surrounded by lush forest, full of rhododendron.  Schoolhouse Falls cascades from a stream and rock outcrop in the center of the valley and down into a large pool before narrowing again into a stream that heads off into the forest. 

The pool itself is large, and beautiful, and makes for the perfect summertime swimming hole.  The large pool is surrounded by large and flat rocks, that make the perfect spot to place yourself and your gear on, and just enjoy the beauty and sounds.

One of the unique features of Schoolhouse Falls is that you can walk behind it.   The rocks can be very slippery though, so be careful, and you'll find that a good pair of water shoes really help!

Hiking Back

Return the same way you arrived, however the hike back up is a more of a workout, since you are going up instead of down.   You'll reach the trailhead and parking area again in 1.3 miles, making the full roundtrip hike 2.6 miles.

Wrapping Up

We love Cataloochee Valley, and never get tired of visiting it, and hiking its trails.

This was our first time on Little Cataloochee Trail, and we thoroughly enjoyed this hike out to the church and back.  We would highly recommend this hike, and look forward to doing it again, and doing some more exploring.

Hiking Sam's Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Trail Loop

The trailhead for the loop along Sam's Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Trail is at the end of Black Balsam Rd, past the trailhead for Black Balsam Knob, off the Blue Ridge Parkway, at MP 420.2. The parking area here serves as the starting point for a few hikes.  

Sam's Knob Trail

For Flat Laurel Creek Trail, you'll want to head down the hike to Sam's Knob, located to the right of the pit toilets.  The hike begins on an old roadbed, through some forest and  along the side of a ridge.

You'll very soon reach a clearing, and then decend down wooden stairs to a gorgeous meadow.  The clearing and meadow are full of beautiful and colorful wildflowers during the spring, summer and Fall.  If you're a photographer, you'll want to plan to spend some time here.  There are often thousands of butterflies here as well.

As you look at the trail ahead, you'll see Sam's Knob in front of you. Stay on the trail through the meadow until you arrive at a T intersection on the far side the meadow. The photo above is looking back through the meadow from the T intersection.

Sam's Knob Trail Intersection

This hike goes left, and you'll follow the signs saying "Flat Laurel Creek". You can optionally head up the .6 (1.2 mile round trip) mile hike to the top of Sam's Knob, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike up is pretty rocky, and a bit steep.

The trail we'll follow to the left isn't Flat Laurel Creek Trail yet, but a connector trail from Sam's Knob Trail to Flat Laurel Creek Trail.  The connector trail follows along the edge of the meadow for a bit, and then begins to decend down a rocky trail.  

The trail narrows and becomes more and more rocky through this stretch. The trail here is also very eroded and often wet and muddy, so watch your footing.  Good hiking poles are a real asset here for those with balance issues. 

You'll soon pass through a popular camping area, with a creek to the right.  Shortly following that, you'll cross through a swampy, bog area where not getting muddy and wet is a bit of a challenge.   There is a really cool "frog pond" here to the left, that makes for some interesting photo opportunities.

Flat Laurel Creek Crossing

A little further down the trail, you'll reach a set of stairs that take you down to Flat Laurel Creek.  We love to stop here, relax on the large rocks, and let our kids play in the water and in the small waterfalls here.  This is one of the most beautiful parts of the trail, and a great place to take a break and have some snacks.

To cross, you'll have to rock hop.  We've never had a problem getting across, but during periods of high water, this could possibly be a real challenge, especially given the small waterfall just to your right.

Flat Laurel Creek Trail

Just past the creek, you'll reach the wide, and frequently travelled Flat Laurel Creek Trail.  The trail will come from the right, continue past you going left.  You can head to the right, but this will take you off the loop.  To the right takes you down to Highway 215, and past Wildcat Falls.

Again, for this hike, we'll go left.  This portion of the trail takes you along an old railroad grade, so while it's a steady climb up, the accent is easy.  The trail also takes you alongside Flat Laurel Creek, and through a mainly evergreen forest, with lots of birch as well.  There are a number of side trails along this section that take you up into the forest, or down to the creek.  We find it fun to explore these.

You'll then begin a gradual turn to the left, that will bring you to another creek crossing and you'll begin to accend shortly after, back to the parking area.  

The forest will slowly fade away, and you'll be once again in a meadow like area full of large shrubs, rocks and and trees.  You'll be able to hear the sounds of the road and parking area before you actually reach them.

Your hike will end on the opposite side of the parking area from where we began.