Elk River Falls

The Jones Falls and Splash Dam Falls from Elk River Falls trail offers a delightful journey through the Pisgah National Forest, showcasing a trio of waterfalls. You'll start with the powerful Elk River Falls, then follow a path that winds alongside a creek, through varied terrain with potential wildflowers, leading to the more secluded and taller Jones Falls. The experience is a mix of popular accessibility and serene forest exploration.

This easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hiking route involves just 237 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. The trailhead is at the popular Elk River Falls parking area; plan to arrive early, especially in warmer months, to ensure a spot. No specific permits are required for this hike.

What's particularly interesting about this route is that it allows you to experience a portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail as you make your way to Jones Falls. While Elk River Falls is a well-known swimming spot, Jones Falls offers a more tranquil setting, and Splash Dam Falls, though smaller, provides another beautiful destination for those looking to extend their waterfall quest.

The Elk River and Jones Falls Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from easy riverbank strolls to more varied forest paths. You'll encounter muddy sections and small stream crossings, especially on the way to Jones Falls, which adds a touch of adventure to the journey. The highlight is undoubtedly the two distinct waterfalls: the 50-foot Elk River Falls and the majestic 100-foot Jones Falls, with water often splashing dramatically off a large boulder.

This easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike, with 306 feet (93 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes. The trail is generally accessible, though some sections near the plunge pool at Elk River Falls can be rocky and slippery. Trekking poles can be helpful on steeper banks and when exploring the upper tiers of Jones Falls, especially after the initial easy walk.

What makes this route truly unique is the opportunity to visit two impressive waterfalls located in two different states, with Elk River Falls in North Carolina and Jones Falls just over the border in Tennessee. The trail also incorporates a short segment of the iconic Appalachian Trail, adding a historical and adventurous element to your outing. The large plunge pool at Elk River Falls is a popular spot for swimming, though caution is advised.

The Elk River Falls Trail offers a quick, impactful journey through the Unaka Range, leading to the powerful 50 to 65-foot Elk River Falls. You'll walk through open fields along the river before a short, easy initial descent. The path then becomes steeper and rockier, with roots and steps, as it drops to the base of the falls and its picturesque oval plunge pool, providing a dramatic natural experience.

This is an easy 0.3-mile (0.4 km) hike with only 2 feet (1 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 6 minutes to complete for most. While the initial section is straightforward, the descent to the base is steep and rocky. Be aware that the main plunge pool has extremely strong and deceptive currents, and swimming there is highly dangerous; safer wading spots are available downstream. It's a popular spot, especially on hot summer afternoons.

Located in the Pisgah National Forest near the North Carolina-Tennessee border in Avery County, Elk River Falls is renowned for its beauty but also its significant hazards, earning it a reputation as one of the deadliest scenic attractions in the area. The cool microclimate around the falls makes it a refreshing stop. Further downstream, another dramatic and dangerous waterfall, Twisting Falls, also carries strong safety warnings.