Grogan Creek Falls is one of our favorite waterfall hikes in Pisgah National Forest. We've hiked this trail multiple times over the years, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding adventures near Brevard, North Carolina. The approximately 4-mile round-trip hike leads through a beautiful forest filled with cascading streams, towering hardwoods, and not just one waterfall—but four, including the impressive Grogan Creek Falls.
While many visitors come for the waterfalls, the journey itself is just as memorable. The trail follows peaceful creeks, crosses scenic footbridges, and offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Pisgah National Forest. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience one of Western North Carolina's classic waterfall hikes.
In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know before you go, including trail details, parking information, what to expect along the hike, and tips we've learned from our own visits to help you make the most of your trip to Grogan Creek Falls.
Updated 6/30/2026 - New formatting and updated information
Need to Know |
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Location: Pisgah National Forest, Ranger District near Brevard NC |
Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: 4-miles round-trip. |
Difficulty: Moderate |
Features: Waterfalls, bridges, forest, creeks, and meadows |
Directions: From The Blue Ridge Parkway, take Highway 27 towards Brevard. After passing Looking Glass Falls, watch for FR475 on the right, and turn right onto FR475 (sharp turn). Watch for signs for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, and turn left into the center. Park in front of the Education Center. |
2026 Updates
Grogan Creek Falls and the Daniel Ridge Trail area are open to visitors, but Hurricane Helene left a lasting impact on many parts of Pisgah National Forest. While extensive recovery work has restored access to much of the forest, hikers should still expect to encounter occasional storm damage, including downed trees, erosion, washed-out sections of trail, and changes to creek crossings in some areas. The U.S. Forest Service continues to repair trails and infrastructure throughout Pisgah National Forest, and conditions may change as additional work is completed.
If you're planning to hike to Grogan Creek Falls, we recommend checking the latest trail conditions before your visit, especially after periods of heavy rain. Wet weather can make creek crossings, rocks, and wooden bridges slippery, and high water levels may temporarily affect trail conditions. Despite the storm's impact, this remains one of our favorite waterfall hikes near Brevard, and we're happy to see visitors once again able to enjoy this beautiful corner of Pisgah National Forest.f
Grogan Creek Falls NC
Grogan Creek Falls, in the Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, is one of four waterfalls that can be accessed via the Cat Gap Loop trailhead, which begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Grogan Creek Falls is the 4th of these four falls and is a 4 mile round-trip hike.
Grogan Creek Falls is unique because of the way the water flows down. The water cascades down in several vertical lines separated by space with little to no water. You can see what we mean in the photo above. This waterfall looks unique, beautiful and well worth the hike.
The Cat Gap Trail and Butter Gap Trail to Grogan Creek Falls
While hiking to Cat Gap Trail, be sure to visit the first two falls along this trail: Cedar Rock Falls and Upper Cedar Rock Falls. Follow the directions to these waterfalls via the links, then return here to pick up the trail and continue on up to Grogan Creek Falls.
From Upper Cedar Rock Falls, exit the campsite and return to Cat Gap Trail, and go to the left.
Not long after, you'll reach the intersection of Cat Gap Trail and Butter Ridge Trail (Now called Pickelsimer Connector). Cat Gap will head across a bridge and to the left. Pickelsimer Connector will veer to the right and into a grassy meadow. Take Pickelsimer Connector, which will take you up to Grogan Creek Falls.
At this intersection, and below the bridge for Cat Gap Trail, is an unnamed waterfall that, while not gorgeous, is rather pretty and worth a stop to see and photograph.
Follow Pickelsimer Connector and you'll fairly quickly walk through a grassy meadow containing a primitive campsite. Follow the connector trail until it dead-ends into Butter Gap Trail. Go left for about 1/2 mile, and you'll reach Grogan Creek Falls on your left. You can't miss it. You will pass the intersection for Long Branch Trail, but just keep going on Butter Gap Trail.
Be aware that Butter Gap Trail is a mountain biking trail as well as a hiking trail, so watch out for mountain bikers. You can easily hear them coming before you see them.
As you travel the Butter Gap Trail, you'll hear a couple of falls as you hike the trail, but these falls are not easily accessible because of the steep drop and the dense Rhododendron. You'll hear and see Grogan Creek on your left, and a trail going to the top and bottom. The rocks at the top are very slick, and we do not recommend going to the top of the falls.
Grogan Creek Falls
You'll need to scurry down a hill to get to the bottom of the falls, but it's not bad at all, and there is a clear and easy to follow trail.
Grogan Creek Falls is simply gorgeous. Water cascades about 20' over a gradual rock base, that is covered in moss. The water forms vertical lines as it flows over the rock and moss, and down onto even small cascades below. The flow isn't super heavy and makes great sounds as it flows into the pool at its base.
Return to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking areas the same way you came.
Our Waterfall Guides
See our full guides to more than 40 waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on our Waterfalls Page. Information, Directions, Photos, Video, and more!
Grogan Creek Falls Video
Where to Stay When Visiting Grogan Creek Falls
If you're planning to hike to Grogan Creek Falls, we recommend staying in either Brevard or Hendersonville. Both towns provide convenient access to Pisgah National Forest and make excellent home bases for exploring some of Western North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls.
Our Pick: Brevard
Brevard is a popular place to stay when exploring the waterfalls of Pisgah National Forest. Known as the "Land of Waterfalls," Brevard is just a short drive from Grogan Creek Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Moore Cove Falls, and dozens of other scenic destinations. After a day on the trail, you can enjoy the town's excellent restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and locally owned shops, all within its charming downtown.
Also Recommended: Hendersonville
If you're looking for a larger town with even more lodging, dining, and shopping options, Hendersonville is another excellent choice. Located about 35 minutes from the trailhead, Hendersonville offers a vibrant historic downtown and easy access to both Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, making it a great base for a waterfall-filled getaway.
Whether you choose Brevard or Hendersonville, you'll be within a short drive of Grogan Creek Falls while also being close to many of the region's other must-see waterfalls, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
