WaterfallNear Me

Graybeard Falls

Buncombe County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Access status
Private conservation land open to hikers; blazed trail
The walk
About 2.8 miles each way
Ground & access
Moderate trail with three creek crossings that can be tricky in high water.
NC Waterfalls: Graybeard Falls directions

Drive NC 9 north from I-40 Exit 64 into Montreat, where the road becomes Assembly Drive. Just past Assembly Inn and Lake Susan, bear left on Graybeard Trail (the road) and follow it 0.8 miles to the small trailhead on the right. The blue-blazed Graybeard Trail crosses Flat Creek on a footbridge and follows the creek up, crossing it three times. At about 2.8 miles the trail reaches a switchback at a T-junction near the creek. Go straight about 200 feet on the level grade to the falls, a 15 to 21 foot slide on Flat Creek that was a stop on the Mount Mitchell Railroad. The upper approach from the Blue Ridge Parkway is longer and that section of the Parkway was closed after Tropical Storm Helene.

Plan your visit

Graybeard Trail parking in Montreat to Graybeard Falls

NC Waterfalls gives approximately 2.8 miles one way from the Montreat trailhead. Waterfall Hero gives 5.6 miles round trip.

Moderate trail with three creek crossings that can be tricky in high water.

Where to start

Very limited parking at the Graybeard trailhead on Graybeard Trail road, 0.8 miles from Assembly Drive. Arrive early on weekends. Published trailhead coordinates: 35.659524, -82.296043.

Timing & water

Check the Montreat trail map for closures. The Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead was closed by storm damage when the source was written.

Before you go

Montreat Wilderness is private land owned by Montreat Conference Center and open to the public as a hike-at-your-own-risk facility. No fee is stated. Dogs on a leash.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Buncombe County, North Carolina.

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