Bradley Falls
North Carolina • 75 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Bradley Falls
Bradley Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Green River Game Lands of North Carolina. It is known for its stunning 75-foot drop and lush surroundings, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Bradley Falls sits at 1,345 feet within Green River Game Land, fed by the Cove Creek, in the foothills of North Carolina. The falls drop 75 feet.
Height: 75 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Bradley Falls is a moderately challenging hike that includes some steep and uneven sections. The path winds through a forested area and offers scenic views of the Green River Gorge. The final approach to the waterfall requires caution, as the terrain can be slippery and steep.
What to Expect
The falls drop 75 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bradley Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bradley Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the waterfall flow is typically strong. Summer is also popular, but the trail can be more crowded.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks are slippery and there are steep drop-offs. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
68 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
2.13 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 COVE CREEK NEAR LAKE LURE, NC (24 km away).
Today
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
74 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
77 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
77 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 Saluda hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 305 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 75 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,353 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 193 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 124 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and 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
- 1,353 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 305 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bradley Falls is located near Saluda, North Carolina, and can be accessed via the Green River Game Lands. The trailhead is typically reached by taking Holbert Cove Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead along Holbert Cove Road, but it is limited and can fill up quickly on weekends.
Elevation
1,345 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.268365° N, -82.291664° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Be cautious near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery and there are steep drop-offs.
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With 2.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Green River Lodge
1850s Settlers Cabin at Wethero Ridge
Cabin on Gold Mine Hill
Fox Run at Lake Lure
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
NORTH MILLS RIVER
22.1 miles away · 29 sites
Overview North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.Winter Operations (November 16, 2025 - March 20, 2026):During winter months, this facility operates with limited services:No runn
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Tryon, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Tryon, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Pearson's Falls and the town of Saluda, which offers charming shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes, especially in warmer months.
Cities near Bradley Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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