WaterfallNear Me

Lauren Falls

Jackson County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Jackson County, North Carolina
Access status
Difficult unofficial creek paths from a Forest Service recreation area
The walk
A little over 2 miles return
Ground & access
Unofficial paths, steep and overgrown in places, with at least two creek crossings. NCWaterfalls rates it difficult and calls parts a goat path.
NCWaterfalls.com: Lauren Falls

Cross Wolf Creek on the footbridge and follow the trail to Balsam Lake Dam. An unofficial path heads downstream from the dam past Balsam Falls. Continue on the path to the pool below Lower Balsam Falls, cross the creek there by the small island, and climb the rough path downstream. Cross Wolf Creek again before Patricia Falls, take the newer route that circles above the cliffs, and follow the built trail a few yards downstream to Lauren Falls, where a side path on the right reaches the base.

Plan your visit

Balsam Lake Recreation Area along Wolf Creek to Lauren Falls

NCWaterfalls gives a little over a mile each way.

Unofficial paths, steep and overgrown in places, with at least two creek crossings. NCWaterfalls rates it difficult and calls parts a goat path.

Where to start

Balsam Lake Recreation Area on Charleys Creek Road (SR 1756), 5.3 miles from NC 215 (turn 3.2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway) or 5.4 miles from NC 281. NCWaterfalls gives the trailhead at 35.272925, -82.969369.

Timing & water

Creek crossings depend on water level. Current recreation area status was not confirmed.

Before you go

Current fees and reservation requirements unknown.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Jackson County, North Carolina.

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