Sassafras Falls

Graham County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Graham County, North Carolina
Access status: National forest trails; long backcountry hike
The walk: About 3.6 miles each way
Ground & access: Moderate. A long walk on old logging road and trail, a crossing of Sassafras Creek, and a short scramble at the end. The two guides disagree on whether the creek crossing has a footbridge.

Waterfall Hero: Sassafras Falls (Snowbird) directions

From Robbinsville, take NC 143 west, turn left on Snowbird Road, and then turn right on Big Snowbird Road. It becomes gravel Forest Service Road 75; drive about 6 miles to its end. Follow Big Snowbird Trail (#64) upstream along Snowbird Creek on an old logging road. At about 2.5 miles the trail passes an old shot-up car and crosses Sassafras Creek. At about 2.8 miles turn onto Sassafras Creek Trail (#65). In about another 0.75 to 0.8 miles, a short spur or scramble path leads down to the base of Sassafras Falls, the highest waterfall in the Snowbird Backcountry Area.

Plan your visit

End of Big Snowbird Road (FSR 75), Big Snowbird Trail (#64) and Sassafras Creek Trail (#65) to a short spur to the base

Waterfall Hero gives a hike length of 7.2 miles; Take a Hike gives about 7 miles round trip.

Moderate. A long walk on old logging road and trail, a crossing of Sassafras Creek, and a short scramble at the end. The two guides disagree on whether the creek crossing has a footbridge.

Where to start

End of Big Snowbird Road (FSR 75). Published trailhead coordinates: 35.26448, -83.93800.

Timing & water

No closure is mentioned in the sources read.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned in the sources read. Nantahala National Forest, Cheoah Ranger District.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Graham County, North Carolina.

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