Lower Chestnut Falls

Transylvania County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Transylvania County, North Carolina
Access status: Partial guide: access road closed for storm damage; bushwhack and creek walk
The walk: About 7.5 to 8 miles return while FS 140 is closed; about 2.5 miles return from the FS 140 gate if the road reopens
Ground & access: Forest roads, an overgrown path, then a Class III bushwhack and creek walk through dense dog hobble around cliffs. For experienced off-trail hikers only.

Walk FS 140 to the gate, continue 0.1 mile and turn right on FS 5031. Keep left at forks for a little over 0.8 mile to a grassy fork, then take the faint path on the left to Chestnut Creek at Chestnut Falls. From there follow the creek downstream, mostly in the creekbed, to the top of the next waterfall, then swing wide around the cliffs on the right side and creek walk back up to its base. The author returned by following the creek down to FS 140.

Plan your visit

FS 140 and FS 5031 to Chestnut Falls, then down Chestnut Creek to the next falls below

NCWaterfalls gives approximately 1.25 miles one way from the FS 140 gate. The legacy account says the road walk to the Chestnut Falls trailhead is 2.6 miles while FS 140 is closed.

Forest roads, an overgrown path, then a Class III bushwhack and creek walk through dense dog hobble around cliffs. For experienced off-trail hikers only.

Where to start

FS 140 leaves NC 215 6.65 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the road closed, NCWaterfalls says to park beside NC 215 across from FS 140 and walk the road. The Forest Service lists FS 140 as closed due to storm damage and does not say whether foot travel is allowed.

Timing & water

FS 140 has been closed since Hurricane Helene. The legacy author reports hikers walking around the road landslide.

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

Transylvania County, North Carolina.

Open location map