We’ve personally hiked out to Grogan Creek Falls more than once, and it never disappoints. Tucked away in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC, this beautiful and unique waterfall is part of a 4-mile round-trip hike through the Pisgah Ranger District. Along the way, you’ll pass by three other waterfalls, making this one of the most rewarding day hikes in the area.

Stick with us as we share what to expect on the trail, tips from our own visits, and how to make the most of your adventure to Grogan Creek Falls.

Updated 4/21/2025 - Added new trail information and new formatting. Pisgah National Forest created some new trails and changed trail names. Those updates and new directions are now included.

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 it.

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 in the pool at its base.

Return to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking areas the same way you came.

Grogan Creek Falls Video