Burnthouse Branch Falls

Burke County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Burke County, North Carolina
Access status: Partial guide: the access trail is on the Forest Service Helene closure list
The walk: About 4.2 miles return
Ground & access: Old road then steep, narrow trail with a creek crossing. Rocks are slippery. The upper section of the falls has no path and is very steep.

Waterfall Hero Hikes: Burnthouse Branch Falls (Wilson Creek)

From the end of FR 197 (Raven Cliff Road) walk down the old road past the jeep mounds; this is the Greentown Shortcut Trail (#268A). The first three quarters of a mile is moderate on an old road bed, then the trail becomes very steep and narrow. At about 1.5 miles it climbs over Raven Cliff and descends to cross Burnthouse Branch at 2 miles. After the crossing turn right on an obvious path to the base of the 25-foot falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Greentown Shortcut Trail from the end of Raven Cliff Road to Burnthouse Branch Falls

Waterfall Hero gives 4.2 miles for the whole out-and-back hike.

Old road then steep, narrow trail with a creek crossing. Rocks are slippery. The upper section of the falls has no path and is very steep.

Where to start

End of FR 197 (Raven Cliff Road) near the campsites: from NC 181 take FR 982 (gravel, steep in places) 1.3 miles, then FR 197 left for 1.4 miles. Waterfall Hero trailhead GPS 35.93194, -81.80659.

Timing & water

The Forest Service Helene page lists the Greentown Shortcut Trail (TR268A) in Burke County as still closed. Do not plan this hike until the Forest Service removes it from the closure list.

Before you go

National forest trail; no fee is stated by the sources.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Burke County, North Carolina.

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