Carlton Falls

Cold Mountain Gap entrance to Carlton Falls on Greenland Creek

Rich Stevenson gives about 0.5 mile on Mac's Gap Trail plus about 0.5 mile to Greenland Creek Falls, then about a mile more to Carlton Falls. Waterfall Hero gives about three quarters of a mile from Greenland Creek Falls. The return figure doubles a one-way total of roughly 1.75 miles.

Forest Service trails to Greenland Creek Falls, then a very steep climb and a narrow unmaintained path through rhododendron and dog hobble. Wet rocks are very slippery; stay away from the brink of the falls.

Where to start

Cold Mountain Gap (east) entrance to Panthertown Valley at the end of Cold Mountain Road, about 5.7 miles from NC 281 near Lake Toxaway. A small area for four or five vehicles sits at the Mac's Gap trailhead just inside the entrance drive; the main lot is at the end of the drive. Waterfall Hero gives GPS 35.15766, -82.99869.

Timing & water

Open year round. Flagging tape on the upper path may not be present; the path is hard to follow under fresh leaves.

Before you go

No fee reported. Nantahala National Forest. Primitive camping allowed under national forest rules.