Connestee Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Connestee Falls
Connestee Falls sits just outside Brevard, North Carolina, where Connestee Falls and Batson Creek Falls combine into a photogenic double cascade tucked into a narrow, tree‑lined gorge. The tiers of water framed by lush woodland create a compact yet dramatic scene that draws photographers, families, and anyone looking for a quick nature fix without a long hike. The approach to the falls is refreshingly short and visitor-friendly: a well-maintained path leads to a dedicated viewing platform, so you can soak in the view and then continue exploring the Brevard area. For overnight plans, the Kuykendall Group Camp is about 7.57 km away, offering a nearby option for campers who want to extend their time in the forest.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Raven Cliff Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Carolina at 420 feet, lies 5.7 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: High Falls (125 ft, 6.9 mi) and Bridal Veil Falls (120 ft, 6.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is an easy, family-friendly out-and-back: 0.2 miles (0.32 km) round trip with roughly 50 feet (15 m) of elevation gain. The short trail leads directly to a viewing platform and is well maintained, making it accessible for most visitors, including those hiking with children. Trail type: out-and-back; difficulty: easy; length: 0.2 miles; elevation gain: 50 ft.
What to Expect
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 Connestee Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Connestee Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are particularly beautiful due to blooming flowers and vibrant autumn foliage, but the falls can be enjoyed year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and do not attempt to climb or approach the falls. The rocks can be slippery, and the water flow may be strong. Exercise caution, especially after rain.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on French Broad River, 5.4 miles away, not on Connestee Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
110 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 93 years of record
2.12 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 FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT ROSMAN, NC (9 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
110 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
113 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
115 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
111 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
108 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
121 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
125 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, 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 Brevard hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Connestee Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Connestee Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 113 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 217 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,531 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 132 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 139 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north 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
- 2,531 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 217 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
Connestee Falls is located off U.S. Highway 276, near the town of Brevard, North Carolina. The falls can be accessed via a short walk from a designated viewing platform.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,533 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.163727° N, -82.731517° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the path may be slippery after rain.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.2 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Hampton Inn Brevard
Airstream w Bathtub, River, & Hot Tub
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
KUYKENDALL GROUP CAMP
4.7 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Large groups enjoy this cozy mountain campground in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina. Ample opportunities for recreation exist in the area, including hiking, picnicking, scenic driving, swimming, fishing, mountain biking and more.Recreation This is a great place for campers to simply relax in the woods and listen to the sound of the creek. Visitors can also explore the area's numerous hiking trails, check out crystal clear waterfalls or fish for trout in the creek and
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Dupont State Recreational Forest, Looking Glass Falls, and the town of Brevard, known for its charming shops and restaurants.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and other small forest animals. Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit.
Cities near Connestee Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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