Elk River Falls
Description
*Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene
Just a short drive from Banner Elk is one of the best waterfalls in the NC mountains. Elk River Falls, also known as Big Falls, features large volumes of water dropping 50 feet over a rock cliff into a picturesque oval pool.
The hike to the waterfall is on an easy-to-follow trail, but there are many rocks and roots along the way. It is about a third of a mile to get to the bottom of the waterfall (0.6 miles roundtrip).
The falls can be viewed from an area near the top of the falls (never venture too close at this vantage point) or it can be viewed by hiking down the trail to a large rock beside a pool at the bottom of the falls.
Visitors are warned not to swim in the pool because the large volume of water creates an undertow current that pulls everything to the bottom of the pool.
[Related content: For more outdoor adventure in Banner Elk, click here]
[Did you know? Banner Elk is home to NC’s only alpine coaster: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster]
Description
*Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Helene
Just a short drive from Banner Elk is one of the best waterfalls in the NC mountains. Elk River Falls, also known as Big Falls, features large volumes of water dropping 50 feet over a rock cliff into a picturesque oval pool.
The hike to the waterfall is on an easy-to-follow trail, but there are many rocks and roots along the way. It is about a third of a mile to get to the bottom of the waterfall (0.6 miles roundtrip).
The falls can be viewed from an area near the top of the falls (never venture too close at this vantage point) or it can be viewed by hiking down the trail to a large rock beside a pool at the bottom of the falls.
Visitors are warned not to swim in the pool because the large volume of water creates an undertow current that pulls everything to the bottom of the pool.
[Related content: For more outdoor adventure in Banner Elk, click here]
[Did you know? Banner Elk is home to NC’s only alpine coaster: Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster]