WaterfallNear Me

Glen Burney Falls

Watauga County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Watauga County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial: town trail; reports conflict on whether it has reopened
The walk
About 2 miles return
Ground & access
Strenuous out-and-back with about 600 feet of elevation to regain; wet, slippery and variable surfaces. Several people have died above the falls.
Waterfall Hero Hikes: Glen Burney Falls (Blowing Rock)

From the Annie Cannon Gardens trailhead off Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock, follow the Glen Burney Trail down New Years Creek. It passes the ruins of the old sewer plant at 0.4 miles, crosses the creek on a footbridge, passes the top of the Cascades at about 0.6 miles and steepens. A side path reaches a viewing deck at the top of Glen Burney Falls, where the view is poor; do not go onto the rocks at the top. At just under a mile the trail splits; turn right to reach the base of the 40-foot falls. Left continues to Glen Marie Falls. Return uphill the same way.

Plan your visit

Glen Burney Trail from Annie Cannon Gardens to the base of Glen Burney Falls

Waterfall Hero gives 2.0 miles for the walk to the base of Glen Burney Falls and back. The Blue Ridge Conservancy lists the full trail to Glen Marie Falls as 3.2 miles round trip.

Strenuous out-and-back with about 600 feet of elevation to regain; wet, slippery and variable surfaces. Several people have died above the falls.

Where to start

Annie Cannon Gardens lot: from Main Street (US 321 Business) in Blowing Rock turn onto Laurel Lane, go about 0.1 to 0.2 miles and turn left into the narrow drive to the park.

Timing & water

A hiker died on the Glen Burney Trail in July 2025. News reports conflict on whether the trail has reopened since then. Check with Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation before going. Surfaces are wet and slippery; icy in winter.

Before you go

Town park 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

Watauga County, North Carolina.

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