LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Murphy Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
We could not confirm a public trail or access route to a falls at this location on Big Crabtree Creek.
About Murphy Falls
Murphy Falls is a named waterfall on Big Crabtree Creek along the Mitchell-Yancey county line south of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Gazetteer. Local histories say Murphy Falls was also the old local name of the 70-foot waterfall now called Crabtree Falls, at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5 a few miles upstream. We found no trail, height or public access information for a falls at the location listed here.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Murphy Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Murphy Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and stream crossings. Check weather conditions before your visit, as heavy rain can make trails hazardous. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Toe River, 2.8 miles away, not on Murphy Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
89 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.90 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 SOUTH TOE RIVER NEAR CELO, NC (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
85 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
81 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
90 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
103 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
98 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
103 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
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 Spruce Pine 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 161 feet of descent through Murphy Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,732 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 103 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. 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
- 2,732 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 161 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
Elevation
2,743 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.852109° N, -82.142028° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Where to Stay
PINE VALLEY MOTEL
Alpine Inn
Ruth's Place Tiny Home Retreat 1 mile to town
The Embers Hotel
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
CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
4.8 miles away · 39 sites
Overview Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swim, fish, tube, hike, camp, picnic and simply relax in the cool shade of the forest.Recreation The river provides endless hours of fun for families and water enthusiasts, including swimming and tubing. Anglers can also try their luck for trout and smallmouth bass from the shore. Picnickers will enjoy relaxing in the shaded picnic shelter se
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Crabtree Falls, at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5, has a public trail; it was known locally as Murphy Falls before the Parkway was built.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, and various bird species. Be cautious and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Cities near Murphy Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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