Big Falls
North Carolina • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Big Falls
Big Falls, also known as Elk River Falls, is a waterfall on the Elk River in the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, about 4 miles from the town of Elk Park in Avery County. The Forest Service lists it as 65 feet high, dropping into a large pool. A short, rocky walk from the parking area at the end of Elk River Road leads to the top and the base of the falls. Deaths and very serious injuries have occurred here, and the Forest Service asks visitors to stay out of the water and off the rocks around the falls.
The Setting
Big Falls sits at 2,707 feet within Pisgah National Forest, in the hills of North Carolina. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Anst Appalachian Rd (#TR1-08), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
ANST - APPALACHIAN RD #TR1-08
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
159.75 miTrail Description
The Forest Service describes a rocky walkway of about 0.5 mile from the parking area to the falls and notes it is not maintained as a trail. NC Waterfalls describes an obvious path that climbs the bank to the top of the falls in just over 0.1 mile, then descends steps to the base.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed in Pisgah National Forest and must be leashed in developed recreation areas.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Big Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Pisgah National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Deaths and very serious injuries, including paralysis, have occurred when people jumped from the top of this waterfall. The Forest Service warns of a strong undercurrent directly above and below the falls and asks visitors to stay out of the water and not climb the rocks around it.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Watauga River, 8.6 miles away, not on Big Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
72 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
1.63 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WATAUGA RIVER NEAR SUGAR GROVE, NC (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
78 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
80 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
83 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
78 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
77 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
86 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
80 cfs
5/10Best window: Sun — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Elk Park hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Falls Frozen?
Updated about 22 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Big Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 74 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 150 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 65 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,705 feet above sea level.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 147 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,705 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 150 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
In Elk Park, turn onto Old Mill Road and follow it 0.35 mile to Elk River Road, then drive about 4 miles on Elk River Road to the parking area beside the river. The road turns to gravel at 3.9 miles, where it enters the national forest.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the lot beside the Elk River at the end of Elk River Road; the Forest Service repaired and resurfaced the lot and entry road after Hurricane Helene. There are no restrooms at the site.
Elevation
2,707 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.199013° N, -81.969006° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and check weather conditions before your visit. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Where to Stay
Stringer's Peak Retreat
Hike, Ski & Soak: Beech Mtn Home w/ Views, Hot Tub
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Paws at the Peak
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Watauga Lake Area
8.4 miles away · 0 sites
Water recreation is abundant in this area, featuring Watauga Lake; the Doe, Elk and Watauga rivers; several streams and seven waterfalls.Highly developed recreation areas along Watauga Lake provide facilities for fishing, picnicking, swimming and boat launching. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs through the area's backcountry. Camp on the lakeshore at Cardens Bluff or in the backcountry along Laurel Fork Creek at Dennis Cove.Watuaga Lake Area MapWatuaga Lake Area Guide
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Banner Elk, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Banner Elk, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Linville Falls, Table Rock Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Big Falls
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