Upper Buff Creek Falls

Upper Buff Creek Falls is a waterfall over 100 feet high in Nantahala National Forest. The report says the only public access is a long route on old logging roads. The shorter approach from Buff Creek Road crosses private property and is not permitted. Start on the Blackrock Trail across the Parkway from the Waterrock Knob road. Follow it 2.2 miles to Blackrock Mountain, then 0.55 miles down a very steep section to a broad forest road. Leave the trail there and turn left on the unmarked road for 2.2 miles. At the tributary east of Whiterock Ridge, follow it 0.4 miles to a second road and bear right for 0.15 miles. Then bushwhack about 0.1 miles southeast to Buff Creek and go a short way upstream to the falls. The report author did not hike the forest-road section; another hiker confirmed it. The route description dates from 2018.