Warden Falls

Jackson County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Jackson County, North Carolina
Access status: Forest trails, then a steep scramble path to the base
The walk: About 3.4 miles return
Ground & access: Old road and trail, then a very steep scramble at the end. The river crossing may be a wade or impossible in high water.

Waterfall Hero: Wardens Falls (Panthertown)

Warden Falls, NC
Photo credit
Photo: Will Thomas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) from behind the kiosk at the far end of the parking lot. It joins an old road that switchbacks down toward Greenland Creek. At one mile, just before the bridge over Greenland Creek, turn right on Devils Elbow Trail (#448). Follow it about half a mile, under the powerlines, to a clearing with a fire ring. A path on the left leads down to the top of the falls; a scramble path on the right drops to the base. Crossing the river gives the best view.

Plan your visit

Cold Mountain Gap access to Panthertown Valley, Panthertown Valley Trail (#474) and Devils Elbow Trail (#448), then a path down to the Tuckasegee River

Waterfall Hero lists a 3.4 mile hike length.

Old road and trail, then a very steep scramble at the end. The river crossing may be a wade or impossible in high water.

Where to start

Cold Mountain Gap parking at the end of Cold Mountain Road off NC 281, near Lake Toxaway. Trailhead GPS 35.15766, -82.99869.

Timing & water

No closure is stated by the source. High water can stop the river crossing.

Before you go

Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest. No fee is stated by the source.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Jackson County, North Carolina.

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