Little Bradley Falls is one of our favorite waterfalls near Saluda, North Carolina. This beautiful 50-foot, multi-tiered waterfall can be reached by an easy, nearly two-mile round-trip hike through a peaceful hardwood forest.
Along the way, you'll enjoy a pleasant walk beneath a canopy of trees before arriving at a broad cascade that's especially impressive after a good rain. If you're looking for a scenic waterfall that doesn't require a strenuous hike, Little Bradley Falls is an excellent choice for families, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience another beautiful corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Updated: 6/26/2026 - New information, photos, a new layout, and updated 2026 information on the trail.
Need to Know |
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Location: Green River Game Area, near Saluda, NC |
Accessible: No |
Dog Friendly: Yes, but must be on a leash |
Distance: 1.9 miles round-trip |
Difficulty: Moderate |
Directions: From Asheville, take Highway 26 South to Exit 59 (Saluda NC). Turn left onto Holbert Cove Road, and travel 3.3 miles to the parking area. |
2026 Trail Update
Little Bradley Falls is open and remains one of our favorite waterfall hikes near Saluda, but Hurricane Helene changed portions of the trail. Most hikers can still complete the hike, though it is no longer quite as easy as it once was.
Here's what to expect:
- Several downed trees remain along the trail, requiring hikers to climb over, under, or around them.
- The two creek crossings are now more challenging, with uneven and sometimes unstable rocks. Waterproof hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended.
- A small landslide altered one section of the trail. While a path has formed around it, you'll need to navigate some uneven footing and larger steps.
- Pay close attention at the first creek crossing. A faint path branches to the left toward private property. Stay on the main trail and follow the red blazes to remain on the correct route.
Despite these changes, Little Bradley Falls is still well worth the hike. Just allow a little extra time, wear sturdy footwear, and use additional caution at the creek crossings, especially after periods of heavy rain.
Our Little Bradley Falls Video
Hiking to Little Bradley Falls
The Little Bradley Falls trailhead is located past the parking lot.
After parking at the lot, located before the trail on both sides of the road, you'll walk down towards Cove Creek and over the bridge on Holbert Cove Rd. that crosses Cove Creek. Just past the bridge on the right is the trailhead.
There is another trail that goes directly from the parking lot on the left. This trail does not take you to Little Bradley Falls, but leads to the very dangerous overlook for Big Bradley Falls - We strongly do not recommend going here; people have died.
At the trailhead, there are two trails: one to the right that follows along the creek, and another that heads left and up along the ridge. Go left. We went right and had to make a pretty steep scramble uphill to get back on the trail that goes to the left.
The trail follows alongside the ridge and above Cove Creek for a while, where you will eventually cross a ravine that requires going down and back up a short but steep area.
About .5 miles in, the trail will take a hard right. It's a little confusing as there is a Y here. Go right towards a small creek that you'll have to rock hop over (photo above).
After the small rock hop, you'll reach the larger creek crossing of Cove Creek shortly after. While you can rock hop it, it's tricky. The water isn't too deep (about knee-high), and it's pretty refreshing.
The trail then begins a slight climb along the ridge to the left and above the creek. The trail narrows up at this point, and is only wide enough to hike single file.
After a fairly short distance, you'll reach a boulder field that you'll need to cross. The boulders are debris from the blasting that was done for the cut-in for Holbert Cove Road, which is above you and to your right.
The boulders are easy to cross. Just be careful and watch your footing.
On the other side, the narrow trail continues and begins a slow climb down towards Cove Creek.
You'll know you're close when you see the remains of an old home on your left. The two chimneys and part of the foundation are visible.
You should be able to hear the waterfall in the distance.
This last part of the trail was really muddy when we visited, to the point we had to bypass some areas through the woods. The trail will soon branch out into a few different paths, all leading to the falls, which you'll see in the distance.
Little Bradley Falls
Little Bradley Falls is a wide, 4 tiered waterfall that cascades into a large pool below it.
The pool is surrounded by large rocks, and a small "beach" like area, perfect for small children, is to the right. The pool isn't too deep, and nice for wading and splashing around. Due to recent rains, there was a lot of silt in the water during our visit.
While the rocks and cliffs look enticing to climb on, we would highly NOT recommend it, as they are slick, and people have been seriously injured here.
We arrived later in the evening and met many people with teens and children walking back to the parking lot.
When we arrived, there were only a few people at the falls. We found a large rock, sat down, and enjoyed the sights and sounds, along with some water and snacks.
Little Bradley Falls is a really beautiful waterfall. We spent the rest of our time photographing the Little Bradley Falls and exploring around a little before heading back to the parking lot and calling it a day.
Where to Stay When Visiting Little Bradley Falls
If you're planning to spend a night or two exploring Saluda and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, we recommend staying in downtown Saluda. This charming mountain town offers a walkable downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries, while also providing easy access to Little Bradley Falls and other nearby attractions.
If you're looking for a fantastic place to grab dinner, check out The Purple Onion in downtown Saluda!
Our Pick: The Orchard Inn
The Orchard Inn is our favorite place to stay in the Saluda area. Set on a peaceful hillside overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, this historic inn offers comfortable accommodations, beautiful views, and a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect after a day of hiking. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, unwind on the spacious porch, and still be just a short drive from downtown Saluda and Little Bradley Falls.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or using Saluda as a base for exploring nearby waterfalls, scenic drives, and hiking trails, The Orchard Inn is an excellent choice.
