Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not maintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state. read more

Elk River Falls - View of the Ell River Park pool. - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.

Still a lot of damage from the hurricane - but still worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

Elk River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

Very pretty, very easy hike. And we're not hikers. Met some kayakers heading down as we headed back. It's way back in the country. read more

ELK RIVER FALLS is a beautiful 50' waterfall located in Banner Elk, NC near the Tennessee border. It is a waterfall that has been on my list for quite some time, but the driving distance from Atlanta was a tad discouraging, especially considering the large number of waterfalls between here and there that don't require such a long drive. However, it was Labor Day weekend and we thought it would be just what the doctor ordered to break the Covid blues!!! It took about 4.5 hours to get there, but it honestly was time well spent as probably 80% of it was an excellent opportunity to pour wisdom and counsel into our 17 year old son. He was a captive audience and to our surprise he was all ears even though he disagreed on a number of points. He's an intellectual introvert you see, and internalizes everything without reaching out for help. My entire conversation with him was to focus on the upside of having random conversations with people and utilizing his older siblings as a support base. "You'd be surprised at the knowledge and experience some people have if you'd just open yourself up to conversation" I told him as he grunted in disbelief. However, TWICE on this short weekend getaway my words proves to be true as random conversations with complete strangers could not have been better if they had been scripted (more on this later). But I digress... ELK RIVER FALLS is a fairly easy hike but does require a little agility! Here we met an older couple well into their late 70's trekking the short 1/4 mile trail to the falls. We decided to slow down and help them navigate the root riddled terrain safely, but I felt real anxiety for them as they walked the slanted boulders beyond the trail down to view the falls. To me it was an accident waiting to be on the news, but he assured me he'd been here many times with his lovely wife, though he admitted it didn't seem as difficult in years past. Thankfully they had some family to further assist them, although it puzzled me why they weren't being more attentive in the beginning. The parking area is small considering the popularity of this waterfall, so arrive early! A wooden plank on the left will carry you across a small ravine and uphill towards the falls. To the right is a trail leading to the river just upstream from the crest of the falls. Along the trail there are opportunities to access the top of the falls, but heavy warnings of injury or death discourage getting too close or cliff-jumping in. The trail continues downhill to the base rocks, but it can be a tricky to explore the shoreline. This is where agility will be needed since there is no easy way off the large boulders. But if you can find a safe way down, there are lots of places to camp out and play in the water for the day or just a few hours. Further downstream is Splash Dam Falls and further still is Twisting Falls. While in the area we visited Upper Creek Falls and Tom Creek Falls making for a great day! FINAL THOUGHTS I've loved hiking with my family over the years for a variety of reasons. When they were young, it was the ooooh's and aaaaah's that motivated me because their eyes were so new AND it was inexpensive entertainment! As of late it has provided great opportunities to have more relaxed complex conversations. My son wants a Naval military career and has desperately been seeking advice but he is young and doesn't realize sometimes we find what we need in unusual ways IF we remain open. You can research and plan everything, but some things are just fortuitous Who would have known that while visiting waterfalls two states from home we would stop for dinner at a random restaurant because every place I'd bookmarked was closed on Sundays. There we were seated across from a retired high ranking Naval Officer who initiated a conversation with us just because he noticed we were from Georgia. During conversation he took great interest in my sons military aspirations and wanted to keep in touch by exchanging numbers and being a mentor. Seriously, what are the odds? Travel is such an awesome teacher and hiking to waterfalls is one of my favorite classrooms! ENJOY!!! 2021 / 114 read more

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While most know these as Elk Falls or Elk River Falls, traditionally they were labeled Big Falls -- check out some old maps and you'll see what I mean. Getting to the falls first requires traveling to Elk Park, then heading north on a narrow two-lane road that joins the river not far from town. After a few bridge crossings and a hard right turn, the road comes to its end at a small gravel loop. Parking spaces are along the loop; these fill up quickly in the summer months. Also, the parking lot can get a little muddy, so you might wanna consider what the weather's been like before wearing your white shoes or driving your polished convertible down for a visit. You might also notice a forest road, protected by a gate, leading from the west side of the loop. Following that road, and then paralleling the river a bit further downstream from the falls will lead you to the Appalachian Trail (and Jones Falls isn't too far away either). Assuming you didn't wander down that track, there is a well worn path that leads to the main attraction. Since you're moving in the same direction as the river's flow, the first view of the falls will be from the top. A word of warning: please do not risk life or limb by jumping from this precipice into the pool below. Jumpers have sustained serious injuries due to the dangers involved, and more than a few have met their end here. The trail descends down some rugged but reasonably easy rock steps to provide access to the pool below. And there is slightly calmer water in the downstream areas for those interested in wading or fishing. These falls are lovely. Not the tallest, not the widest, not the most dramatic, but beautiful all the same, especially when framed by a blue sky and the dense thickets of rhododendron and trees. And for me and many others, they represent the place we're from, a place we are proud to share. [Do us a favor please, and share them responsibly.] read more

Beautiful view and good swimming hole. It's a short hike to the falls from the parking area but there are trails that continue past the waterfall if you want to hike further! read more

Elk River Falls - Dog swimming in swimming hole - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

One of the largest water volume water falls near Banner Elk. This water falls is actually at the cell signal not available area. So study the location carefully. Especially on the way back. You may get lost. Usually GPS will guide you to the falls. But not get out the falls since there is no cell reception. When you reach the end of the dirt road, just get out the car and walk to the falls. The falls is just a short distance walk. You will see the top of the falls first. Then walk down to bottom of the falls. I saw people have their swim wear there. The water was not that cold on summer. It was pleasant to sit there and listen to sound of mighty water falls. There is big pool there for the swimming area. So bring your tower and pack your picnic lunch with you. read more

Elk River Falls - Top of the falls - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

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While MLB and I were in the area sharing scriptures and contemplations with anyone willing to talk one kind soul suggested we visit this spot and since we had the back end of an afternoon free we went for a long drive and a short walk. Elk River Falls is a nice little brown-water cascade set back a little way from civilization and indoor plumbing. It's easy to get lost or discouraged driving here plus the parking situation leaves a lot to be desired and the path to the falls hadn't been improved so the very young and the more aged may not enjoy the walk, short as it is... Regardless, the falls and surrounding area were crowded and smelly and littered and grafittied and otherwise defaced. So, if you don't mind your nature being a little unnatural this is just the spot! But before you take a dip just remember that bears aren't the only ones using these woods as a toilet. read more

Neat waterfall with a very short half mile hiking trail. There are good views and photo ops from the top and bottom of the basin. The trail starts out with a set of fairly steep stairs, but after that it's pretty flat. There is a moderate amount of parking in a gravel lot with a cool display of information about the falls. Be careful if you're thinking about swimming! Several signs are posted about the multiple fatalities that have occurred. Please watch out for your beloved pets too. Follow signs from the highway down the paved road and continue for a short distance on gravel. Eventually you will end up at the parking area. This is a beautiful spot to take pictures and get out into the woods. read more

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Deadly but beautiful! I hold onto my vision of the falls in my memory. It has been the scene of lost souls for the past 7 years. When the last person that jumped from the falls wasn't found for a month. I decided I could no longer go down and visit as they are now grave sites and memories of this tragic month.. Please know you are walking above a a watery grave! Be safe and pay your respects to those that have lost their lives in this magnificent Fall! read more

Such a beautiful waterfall. Kind of a sketchy road when you first drive up, but I promise you should keep going because the views are amazing! I definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to enjoy a beautiful waterfall and short hike. read more

Elk River Falls - Waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

PERFECT, BEAUTIFUL. This is perfect for someone who's never been hiking before. Also the little bit of sand their makes it feel like a beach in the forest. You can also catch small fish here. read more

This is not a huge fall but with the recent snow and cold it is just beautiful. The hike is short but with the snow being packed down from hikers it was a little tricky on the slopes from being icy. Walking sticks came in very handy. There are plenty of different angles to take pics but not being sure where the ground ended and the ice began I didn't want to take a chance. The parking lot is about a quarter mile past the road turning to gravel. Can't wait to go back in the summer. read more

Elk River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

Easy short hike ! No cell signal for GPS I was super glad there was good signage which made this an easy find. read more

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OK here's the REAL deal on this place. We went there on the recommendation of yelpers. Looooong drive to get there from Boone....I doubt anyone told us that....specially if anyone in your party gets road sick.... so many turns and winding road.... now I personally don't get sick and it was the most spectacular roads and sceneries I have driven but my company, Whole different story... So we get there after an hour and half with kids and NO BATH ROOMS!!!! Oh dear! After finding a spot, we get out and a few stairs and steps later we get to the waterfall ..... please realize this is NO HIKING trail... it's short and you are there. The first thing that got my attention was the flowers placed on the memorial spot of the people that DIED!!!! Listen people ... on top of the fall, if you are not careful, you WILL slip, and you WILL fall, and you WILL die!!!! If you have little kids, I do not recommend going anywhere near the fall on top. Hold their hands and be careful. There are NO guard rails or anything ..... So after a few photos we work our way down the fall at the "beach". Water, COLD AS ICE!!! Sorry but no one was swimming... Very slippery and besides the fall.... really not much to see ... muddy water and some rocks... that's pretty much it and we were done! Got some great photos but if you have little kids and you are somewhat over protective, this is NOT the place for them.... sorry to all the fans but it was a very fast. Just like this review! Hope this helps.... if you still go there....BE CAREFUL!!!! The three stars I gave it were for the cool general stores a few miles in the vicinity. read more

Elk River Falls - Like I said nice water fall but save yourself the trouble and use this photo! :) - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

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Loved this beautiful and magical place. Something for everyone. My kiddos loved the water and daughter loved sunning herself. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the falls after the swim. Wonderful day and wasn't crowded on day we went. Glorious!!!! read more

Beautiful area and a short 5 minute walk to the falls. Recommend water shoes if you go into the water as creek beds are hard on the feet! We were able to go to the bottom holding our 24 month old in his backpack carrier. read more

Elk River Falls - Hiking Near Me - Elk Park, North Carolina

Please watch before visiting the falls! Beautiful but dangerous http://wataugaonline.com/avery-sheriff-drowning-occurs-at-elk-river-falls-over-the-weekend/ read more

HUGE waterfall and short 5 min walk to it from parking. Giant pool to swim in and creek(with sand bar) below for younger kids to have fun. A rock to jump off of too. Simply a sight to see. Gotta check out the cool old stores on the main road before The turn in too.... read more

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Great and easy hike, beautiful falls ... the perfect place to take small kids. Bring a suit so you can get into the 'refreshing' lake!

I was just there a few days ago! It WAS an easy hike from the small parking lot. It WAS lovely. At the top of the falls in the viewing area (which is quite safe) was left a funeral wreath for an individual who just recently died there in July from jumping off of the top of the falls. There are boulders beneath and is 65 feet deep. At the bottom is a perfect cooling off spot. You really cannot swim close to the falls as the current is too strong. Everyone swimming seemed to be having a fun and easy time of it. Access to the water is easy. This place is great for families. The short trek is up one incline and down another so my walking stick was quite useful as I'm not athletic or young. I would recommend it and I would go again. :) read more