Courthouse Falls
North Carolina • 45 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Courthouse Falls
Courthouse Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. It features a stunning cascade of water dropping into a serene, clear pool surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Courthouse Falls sits at 3,389 feet within Pisgah National Forest, in the mountains of North Carolina. The falls drop 45 feet.
Height: 45 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Courthouse Falls (#TR130), a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
COURTHOUSE FALLS #TR130
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.35 miTrail Description
The trail to Courthouse Falls is short and relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a beautiful forested area with minimal elevation gain. The trail is well-marked and leads directly to the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls drop 45 feet. Swimming is permitted. 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 Courthouse Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Courthouse Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Courthouse Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides a great opportunity to enjoy the cool surroundings.
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
The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, so visitors should exercise caution when exploring near the falls. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging.
Current Water Conditions
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 72 years of record
0.76 ft
Water depth at gauge
59°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 59 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
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 W F PIGEON R ABOVE LAKE LOGAN NR HAZELWOOD, NC (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
21 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
21 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
21 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Brevard 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 ground through the falls loses about 204 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 45 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,411 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 162 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 132 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,411 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 204 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Courthouse Falls is accessed via NC Highway 215. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take NC 215 north for about 3.5 miles to Forest Service Road 140 (Courthouse Creek Road). Follow this gravel road for approximately 3 miles to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the trailhead on Forest Service Road 140. Parking may be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,389 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.271495° N, -82.894020° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Brevard
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
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
COVE CREEK LOWER GROUP CAMP
4.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Cove Creek Lower Group Camp is one of two group campsites nestled along Cove Creek in the lush forests of the Appalachian Mountains in western North Carolina. The facility can accommodate large groups of up to 60 people and offers year-round opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and picnicking in one of the most scenic areas in the state.Recreation Campers can easily relax with a book or deck of cards in the shaded camping area, or seek out activities close by. The area is a
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Devil's Courthouse, and other waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest such as Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter salamanders and other amphibians near the water.
Cities near Courthouse Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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