Elk River Falls
Avery County, North Carolina
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 49 ft (15 m)
- Location
- Avery County, North Carolina
- Access status
- Source-reviewed route and parking
- The walk
- 0.6 miles round trip
- Ground & access
- Rocks and roots; follow the trail down to the lower viewing area.
From the lot, take Elk Falls Trail to the right of the gated road. Continue past the upper viewing area, staying back from the edge, then descend steps and roots to the lower viewing rock. Do not enter the plunge pool or river above the falls.
Plan your visit
Elk River Falls trail to lower viewing rock
Only the stated source distance is supported; mapped proximity is not a walking distance.
Rocks and roots; follow the trail down to the lower viewing area.
Where to start
Small gravel lot at the end of Elk River Road. Use designated spaces, not private driveways. Explore Asheville reports no restrooms or trash cans.
Timing & water
Tourism update dated May 27, 2026 reports reopening after Hurricane Helene.
Before you go
Unknown: current fees or reservation requirements were not established in the reviewed source.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Jones FallsPartial guide: the link from the forest road to the Appalachian Trail is an unofficial pathCarter County, TN0.8 miW
Splash Dam FallsPartial guide: unmarked side path and unofficial connector; scramble to the baseCarter County, TN0.8 miN- Mountaineer FallsCarter County, TN1.7 miNW
- Twisting FallsPartial guide: unofficial steep path; land ownership not statedCarter County, TN2.3 miN
- Buckeye Creek FallsTown park trail; loop bridge out since September 2024, out-and-back worksWatauga County, NC3.8 miNE
- She Falls FallsWatauga County, NC5.3 miE
- Laurel Creek FallsPartial: short informal path; landowner and permission not confirmedWatauga County, NC7.5 miNE
- Dennis Cove WaterfallNational forest trail route documented; three wading fordsCarter County, TN8.2 miNW
- Coon Den FallsGuide: steep forest trail; park at the gravel area past the trailheadCarter County, TN9.2 miNW