Second Falls
North Carolina • 50 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 Second Falls
Second Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, within the Graveyard Fields area. It is a popular destination due to its accessibility and scenic beauty, featuring a cascade of water over smooth rock formations.
The Setting
Second Falls sits at 4,902 feet within Pisgah National Forest, in the mountains of North Carolina. The falls drop 50 feet.
Height: 50 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Looking Glass Falls (60 ft) lies 4.7 miles to the east. Also nearby: Courthouse Falls (45 ft, 4.4 mi) and Slick Rock Falls (30 ft, 3.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Second Falls Overlook (#TR358C), 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
SECOND FALLS OVERLOOK #TR358C
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.09 miTrail Description
The trail to Second Falls is short and well-maintained, making it suitable for most visitors. It includes a wooden boardwalk and steps leading down to the base of the falls. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
What to Expect
The falls drop 50 feet. 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 Second Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Second Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring and early summer when water flow is strong, or in the fall for vibrant foliage.
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
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The rocks near the waterfall can be very slippery. Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Be cautious of sudden weather changes.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West F Pigeon River, 7.3 miles away, not on Second Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
26 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 72 years of record
0.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
42°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 42 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
26 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
22 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
25 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
27 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 mid April, 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 Second Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen 1 day in a row below freezing north-facing, shaded 1 more freezing day forecast
Second Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 32°F to 27°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 1 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 1 day
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 26 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 94 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 50 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,914 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 132 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 69 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast 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
- 4,914 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 93 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Second Falls is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8. Visitors can park at the Graveyard Fields Overlook and access the trailhead from there.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Graveyard Fields Overlook, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
4,902 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.321774° N, -82.845130° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be slippery near the waterfall. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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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
Comfort Inn & Suites Brevard North
Hampton Inn Brevard
Holiday Inn Express - Brevard by IHG
Oscar’s Hendo Retreat
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
2.2 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 East Flat Rock, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near East Flat Rock, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Upper Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlooks.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Black bears may also be present, so exercise caution.
Cities near Second Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Second Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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