Avery County North Carolina Hiking Trails
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Located within
Pisgah National Forest, the 4.9 mile Big Falls Trail leads to
an overlook that provides wonderful views of Big Falls and is rated
strenuous.
This trail is very short and easy to follow. Start at the carsonite
trailhead sign that is visible from the parking lot. This trail ascends
with some wooden stairs and follows Elk River downstream. Before the
trail's descent to the falls' bottom, there is a rock outcrop on the right
that goes out to the top of the falls. Please do not walk out on this
rock. Every year there are accidents here.
Big Falls Trail descends some steps and terminates at a rock outcrop on your
right. Feel free to walk out on this rock that provides a spectacular view
of the falls.
The falls empty into a large standing pool with amphitheater
like rock walls contiguous with the falls. The pool is not
officially intended for swimming, so swim at your own risk. No
camping is allowed.
Directions:
From main Street in Elk Park go North on Elk River Road - SR1305
(becomes FR -190) for 5.0 miles to Elk Falls parking area.
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