Great Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
About Great Falls
Great Falls in North Carolina sits in the Rocky Creek area just outside the town of Great Falls and is known for its scenic cascades over rocky ledges. The falls make a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers, offering picture-ready viewpoints where the creek tumbles through the landscape. Visitors often combine a hike with time spent simply watching the movement and light on the water. The most common access is along a moderate out-and-back trail of about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so plan for a bit of uphill and downhill hiking. For campers, Arrowhead Campground is nearby—about 6.64 km from the falls—making it easy to turn a day visit into an overnight stay and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities.
The Setting
Great Falls sits at 505 feet along the Little Mountain Creek, in the foothills of North Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail: 2.4 miles, out-and-back; Elevation gain: ~350 feet; Difficulty: Moderate. Official USFS trail name/number and detailed surface/grade/class information are not available in the provided records, and route-specific descriptions are limited. Hikers should allow time for a moderate hike to the viewpoints, bring sturdy footwear, and be prepared for natural trail conditions and uneven footing near the water.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene natural setting with cascading water over rocky terrain. The area may be surrounded by forested landscapes, offering opportunities for photography and relaxation.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. Visitors with mobility concerns should contact local authorities for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Great Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit due to moderate weather and vibrant scenery. Summer may also be enjoyable, but it could be more crowded.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The area around waterfalls can be slippery and dangerous. Visitors should stay on marked trails, avoid climbing on rocks near the falls, and supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 4 years of record
1.81 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE MOUNTAIN CREEK AT NC HWY 740 AT BADIN, NC (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
0 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
2 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
1 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to early February, peaking in August.
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 Badin 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 bare-earth surface loses about 75 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 506 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 52 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 23 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
- 506 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 75 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
Great Falls is located near the town of Great Falls, North Carolina. Access to the falls may require navigating local roads and potentially a short hike depending on the specific viewing area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is not well-documented. Visitors should check local resources or contact nearby parks for guidance.
Elevation
505 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.406252° N, -80.131721° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain near waterfalls can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain may make access more difficult.
Where to Stay
Cozy Retreat Firepit Steps to Downtown
Best Western Albemarle Inn
1913 Badin Inn
Clarion Pointe Albemarle
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
ARROWHEAD CAMPGROUND
4.1 miles away · 49 sites
Overview Arrowhead Campground lies in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, a hub for outdoor activities in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. The variety of sites in the campground offer a comfortable stay for both RV and tent campers. The facility is open year-round and provides easy access to hiking, off-road vehicle riding, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and boating.Recreation Badin Lake Recreation Area offers many ways for campers to enjoy the lake. Popular activities i
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include local parks, hiking trails, and other natural features in the Great Falls area.
Wildlife
The area may be home to local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Cities near Great Falls
Other waterfalls named Great Falls
12 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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