WaterfallNear Me

Alarka Falls

Swain County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Swain County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial guide: parking is a road-end turnaround beside a private drive; parking permission unconfirmed
The walk
About 1 mile (source hike length)
Ground & access
Rocky creekside trail with slippery rock near the falls.
Waterfall Hero: Alarka Falls (Nantahala)

Drive Alarka Road to its end at a small turnaround after it crosses Alarka Creek. Do not take the gated forest road passed on the right before the parking area. From the turnaround, go straight on the obvious trail upstream along Alarka Creek; two paths over jeep mounds join after a few hundred feet. Near the end the trail is close to the creek and very rocky. The waterfall is tall and hard to see in full from one spot.

Plan your visit

End of Alarka Road upstream along Alarka Creek

Waterfall Hero lists hike length 1.0 mile and about 1 hour; it does not say whether that is one way or return.

Rocky creekside trail with slippery rock near the falls.

Where to start

Small turnaround at the end of Alarka Road, about 8.6 miles from the US 19 and US 74 interchange; last half mile gravel. A private drive continues left from the turnaround; do not block it. Whether the turnaround is designated public parking is not confirmed.

Timing & water

National forest roads and trails in western North Carolina have had Helene-related closures; the USFS alerts page refers visitors to its Helene Information page for a full list. Current status of this route unverified.

Before you go

No fee or reservation found in reviewed sources.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Swain County, North Carolina.

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