LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Turley Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Turley Falls
Turley Falls is a quiet, lesser-known cascade tucked into North Carolina's forested hills, offering a peaceful reward for hikers who want solitude away from busier parks. The route's moderate rating suits hikers with basic trail experience who enjoy shaded singletrack and a natural setting. While Turley Falls doesn't draw large crowds, the trail delivers scenic forest walking and a chance to linger beside the water, so bring a camera and some time to relax at the pool below the falls.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Triple Falls (125 ft) lies 10.1 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: High Falls (125 ft, 10.4 mi) and Hooker Falls (12 ft, 10.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Official USFS trail surface, grade, and technical class data are not available for this route; trail documentation is limited, so expect natural, uneven footing typical of backcountry forest trails. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes, carry water and navigation (map or GPS), and allow extra time for slower sections or breaks at the falls. The short distance makes it a good half-day outing for most hikers comfortable with moderate terrain.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful and secluded waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may not have developed facilities or clear signage.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Turley Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Turley Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have higher flow during these seasons. Summer can also be enjoyable, but prepare for warmer temperatures.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked or rugged, so visitors should exercise caution and be prepared for potential hazards such as slippery rocks or uneven terrain. Always let someone know your plans before visiting remote areas.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on French Broad River, 6 miles away, not on Turley Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
492 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 106 years of record
5.90 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
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 FRENCH BROAD RIVER AT BLANTYRE, NC (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
492 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
485 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
471 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
489 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
501 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
494 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
508 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 late 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 Laurel Park hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Turley Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Turley Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 69°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 502 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 230 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,438 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 53 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 213 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest 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
- 2,438 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 230 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Turley Falls is located in North Carolina, but specific directions to the waterfall are not widely documented. Visitors may need to consult local hiking resources or maps for guidance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the trailhead.
Elevation
2,421 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.322061° N, -82.520399° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Where to Stay
Hendersonville Home w/ Views - 3 Mi to Downtown!
'The Round House' - Treetop North Carolina Cabin!
Private Retreat by the Ecusta Trail and Downtown
On Farm: Charming Hendersonville 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
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Nearby Campground
NORTH MILLS RIVER
9.2 miles away · 29 sites
Overview North Mills River Campground is a rustic mountain getaway in Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. Located just outside the popular city of Asheville, the campground provides access to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including an arboretum, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities.Winter Operations (November 16, 2025 - March 20, 2026):During winter months, this facility operates with limited services:No runn
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
Other waterfalls and hiking trails in North Carolina may be nearby, but specific attractions close to Turley Falls are not documented.
Wildlife
The area is likely home to typical North Carolina wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Turley Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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