Silvervale Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Silvervale Falls
Silvervale Falls is a peaceful, lesser-known cascade in North Carolina that rewards hikers seeking a quiet stretch of forest and water. The setting feels intimate—lush trees and the sound of falling water make it a perfect spot for a reflective midweek walk or a low-key weekend outing away from the crowds. The trail’s moderate rating makes it a good choice for hikers who want a bit of exercise without committing to a long, technical route; plan on a half-day visit to enjoy the falls and linger at the viewpoint.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route is suitable for hikers comfortable with brief uphill sections and uneven, natural footing rather than paved paths. Expect a relatively short hike overall with modest grade changes rather than sustained steep climbs—ideal for those who prefer a concise, moderately paced outing to a scenic waterfall.
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 Silvervale Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Silvervale Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically more active due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms as flash flooding may occur.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Yadkin River, 4.4 miles away, not on Silvervale Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
1.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
53°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge YADKIN RIVER AT PATTERSON, NC (7 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
21 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
22 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
19 cfs
6/10Sun
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
20 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Blowing Rock hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Silvervale Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Silvervale Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 47°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 19 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 bare-earth surface loses about 212 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,616 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 186 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 80 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,616 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 212 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Silvervale Falls is located near the town of Collettsville, North Carolina. It is accessible via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on your starting point. Visitors are advised to use GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the falls, but it may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,601 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.047585° N, -81.595299° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the path may be muddy or slippery after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Lenoir Hwy 321 Northern Foothills
Graystone Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Rhode's Motor Lodge
scenic and romantic cabin- 20 min to Blowing Rock
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
Julian Price Campground
9.9 miles away · 194 sites
Overview Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it's for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has something for everyone.Recreation Canoe rentals are available at Price Lake, and other types of non-motorized boats are permitted. Fishing is also available at the lake, with a dock provided.Price Lake Trail offers a refreshing hik
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The nearby Wilson Creek area offers additional hiking trails and scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, small mammals, and insects typical of North Carolina forests.
Cities near Silvervale Falls
Writing about Silvervale Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.