Woodfin Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Woodfin Falls
Woodfin Falls is a picturesque waterfall tucked into the forested corridor of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Managed by the National Park Service as part of the Parkway (designation: SDA), the falls is a quieter, less-visited spot that rewards hikers seeking a peaceful, scenic stop away from busier attractions. The route’s moderate rating makes it a good half-day excursion for visitors who want a relaxed outing within the Parkway, with NPS stewardship helping preserve the surrounding landscape.
The Setting
Woodfin Falls sits at 4,098 feet within Blue Ridge Parkway, in the mountains of North Carolina.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Flat Creek Falls (200 ft) lies 8.0 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Mingo Falls (120 ft, 11.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The National Park Service data does not specify a formal trail surface, grade, or technical class for the route to Woodfin Falls, so conditions can vary. Hikers should be prepared with appropriate footwear and expect a typical unpaved footpath experience under NPS management within the Blue Ridge Parkway (SDA).
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by natural forested scenery. The area may be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in the region.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Woodfin Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Woodfin Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 42°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain on the trail. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on West F Pigeon River, 9.9 miles away, not on Woodfin 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 (16 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 Maggie Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Woodfin Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Woodfin Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 35°F to 29°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 352 feet of descent through Woodfin Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 4,190 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 191 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 283 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south 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
- 4,190 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 352 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- 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 south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Woodfin Falls is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Access to the falls may require navigating local roads and potentially a short hike, though specific directions are not widely documented.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated trailheads if available.
Elevation
4,098 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.449344° N, -83.100822° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as trail markings may be unclear. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails could become slippery after rain.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Comfort Inn Sylva - Cullowhee
Quality Inn & Suites Maggie Valley - Cherokee Area
The Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska
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
CATALOOCHEE HORSE CAMP
12.4 miles away · 7 sites
Overview Located in the scenic Cataloochee Valley, tucked in a cool and shady canopy, this campground offers the best that the Great Smoky Mountains National park has to offer, including some of the most coveted horseback riding trails in the park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the preservation of Southern Appalachian culture, the Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park. You MUST have a HORSE to camp at Ca
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cashiers, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Blue Ridge Parkway and other waterfalls in the region, such as Crabtree Falls, are nearby attractions.
Wildlife
The area may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Woodfin Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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