WaterfallNear Me

Little River Falls

Burke County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Burke County, North Carolina
Access status
Partial guide: final approach is a steep bushwhack near a dangerous cliff top
The walk
About 4 miles return
Ground & access
Trail on an old road, then a steep bushwhack through dense rhododendron. Stay away from the top of the falls; people have died there. You may need to wade in high water.
Waterfall Hero Hikes: Little River Falls (South Mountains)

Start on the blue-blazed Little River Trail at the northeast end of the parking lot at the end of the park road. It follows an old road past the Raven Rock and Turkey Ridge trail junctions. At 1.7 miles cross the tributary on a footbridge; the trail follows it a short way and turns left uphill. Leave the trail here near the top of the falls, which is dangerous and has no view. Follow the path left a couple hundred feet to a view through the trees, then bushwhack down through rhododendron to the base.

Plan your visit

Little River Trail from the end of South Mountains Park Road, then off trail to Little River Falls

Waterfall Hero gives 4 miles for the whole out-and-back hike, with the footbridge over the tributary at 1.7 miles.

Trail on an old road, then a steep bushwhack through dense rhododendron. Stay away from the top of the falls; people have died there. You may need to wade in high water.

Where to start

Jacob Fork access, South Mountains State Park (3001 South Mountain Park Ave., Connelly Springs). Drive the park road to the parking area at its end.

Timing & water

Park opens at 7 a.m.; closing time varies by month. The park lists the Headquarters, Shinny, Possum and High Shoals Falls Loop trails as closed; the Little River Trail is not on that list.

Before you go

No fee for day use.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Burke County, North Carolina.

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