Lower Hungry River Falls
Henderson County, North Carolina
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- Henderson County, North Carolina
- Access status
- Partial guide: post-Helene route goes down a landslide; conditions last checked late 2024
- The walk
- About 0.8 mile return
- Ground & access
- Old road with landslides and fallen trees, then a steep descent on a landslide and a riverbed walk. Debris is widespread.
Facing the turnaround with the kayaker parking on your right, take the old gated road into the woods on the left. Before Hurricane Helene, a side path at about 0.3 mile led about 100 yards to the falls. Since the storm, landslides and fallen trees cover the route and the old road ends at a viewpoint high above the falls. The author reached the base by descending the landslide closest to the falls to the river and walking a short way up the riverbed.
Plan your visit
End of Gallimore Road on the old gated road to Lower Hungry River Falls
NCWaterfalls gives 0.4 mile each way. The post-Helene descent along a landslide may change the length.
Old road with landslides and fallen trees, then a steep descent on a landslide and a riverbed walk. Debris is widespread.
Where to start
From I-26 exit 53, take Upward Road east 1.6 miles, Big Hungry Road (SR 1802) and then Gallimore Road (SR 1956) 0.6 mile to the turnaround at its end. Park along the outside of the curve. NCWaterfalls says hikers may use the turnaround while the gated field lot is for kayakers, and suggests a note on the dash saying hiker.
Timing & water
Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused landslides on the access route. The NCWaterfalls author last visited two months after the storm.
Before you go
Current fees and reservation requirements unknown.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Case FallsPartial guide: hiker parking at the turnaround is not confirmed and post-storm conditions are unreportedHenderson County, NC0.3 miSW
- Briefcase FallsPartial guide: bushwhack finish, hiker parking permission uncertain, storm damage unverifiedHenderson County, NC0.3 miSW
- Upper Hungry River FallsRoadside view and short path on Green River Game LandHenderson County, NC0.6 miNE
- Pulliam Creek FallsPartial guide: the last stretch up Pulliam Creek and current game land access are not confirmedPolk County, NC1.3 miSE
- Sunshine FallsGame land trail and extremely steep roped path to the riverPolk County, NC1.3 miSE
- Edge of the World FallsHenderson County, NC2.1 miSW
- Emily FallsGame land trail; short easy walkPolk County, NC2.1 miE
- Fishtop FallsPartial: short game land path; access road status after Helene unconfirmedPolk County, NC2.4 miSE
- Stairstep FallsGame land trails with a creek crossing and steep scramblePolk County, NC2.4 miSE