Wanna know a secret???…read more There are waterfalls all over this region of the South just waiting to be discovered. Many are known and many more are unknown. While I've been hiking this area for nearly a decade, I only recently heard about this waterfall for the first time last year (2019). A well kept local secret indeed... but y'all dun let the wrong yelper discover this waterfall and the secret is about to be let out! [ THE DRIVE ] There are a shocking amount of natural waterfalls located on private property throughout this area. Thankfully this is not one of them and it can be enjoyed by all. The gravel road to the trailhead is known as Big Creek Road. Since we were coming from the King Creek Waterfall area near Tamassee SC, GPS lead us to the eastern end of Horse Cove Road, which is also known as Bull Pen Road closer to the Chattooga River (where you pass over a cool old iron bridge). I tell you these details because if you happen to follow our driving route on a week after heavy rainfalls, you are likely to see a great number of unnamed waterfalls off in the woods. We counted 5, and only one of them was a named waterfall on Google maps (Scotsman Falls). [ THE EXPERIENCE ] We traveled along Walking Stick Road until it took a sharp right turn towards Big Creek Road. On the day we visited, there was a locked gate blocking the drive onto Big Creek Road, so we parked in a small little niche near the gate and walked about 200 yards to the Secret Falls trailhead (which is marked with a narrow sign). The trail was very muddy, but the descent was slow and steady for the majority of the half mile hike. However, it gets considerably steeper as you approach the portion of the trail leading to the base of the falls. Here you will see poorly maintained wooden timbers actings as steps.They were so poor in fact, that we opted not to use them and walked alongside them. The waterfall was raging from all the recent rain, which limited some of our photo opportunities. It is a gorgeous waterfall with picturesque cascades both above and below it. The cascades below comes as the river takes a sharp left turn just past the pool of water at the base of the falls. Accessing the upper waterfall area is easily done by using a small obvious trail off to the left just before the wooden steps. A downed tree forces you to scramble over it and around large rhododendrons that are bent over from the weight of the fallen tree. Once through the brush, you will be directly on top of the falls, so be careful and exercise good judgement. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Hiking Distance: 1.3 miles Difficulty: Easy and family friendly (but can be muddy) Creek Crossings: YES (3) Elevation Gain: 255 feet Waterfall Height: Approx 45 feet Access to top of falls: YES Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES if gate is open. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] THE SECRET IS OUT!!! This is a great waterfall for an easy family adventure. We came in the winter, but seems this would be a great picnic spot where kids could play in the water for hours in the summer. The drive to nearby Highlands, NC is only about 6.5 miles away for plenty of food options and even more waterfall adventures. Near Highlands are a number of GREAT waterfalls with very short hiking distances including Ranger Falls, Bust Yer Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja River Falls and our personal favorites: Glen Falls, Dry Falls, Mud Falls and Estatoah Falls (which is hidden just next to the Sky Valley Scenic Overlook). ENJOY!!! 2020 / 4

I was somewhat surprised that there are not more reviews of this trail/waterfall. I believe that…read morethe real name of this falls is Big Shoals Falls. In his book on NC waterfalls, Kevin Adams referred to it as Secret Falls and the name seems to have stuck. For years, there was no official trail to this waterfall and the one unofficial trail which existed traversed private property. I've been visiting the area for thirty years and this (October 2021) was my first visit to this waterfall. Bottom line: It is awesome. Truly one of the more beautiful waterfalls that I've been to. I have to disagree with the previous reviewer: IMO, this trail is in horrible shape. Granted, reviews like these are entirely subjective. But I would definitely not bring young children or dogs here. When I visited, the trail was really in bad shape. The first part of the hike was fairly easy. But the farther you go, the worse the trail becomes. Erosion had taken a terrible toll. There are many rutted and washed-out areas. Some were so bad that hikers have bypassed the trail completely. The final descent to the base of the falls was the worst. Wooden steps had been constructed. But the erosion was so bad that much of the soil behind the steps had washed out making the steps all but unusable. There are two water crossings on the trail. One was a couple of planks stretched across a small branch. The other was on a split log over a somewhat larger stream. Neither was too difficult. Then again, the faint-of-heart would probably not care for either one. Trekking poles helped me on both. I was not able to find a path to the brink of the falls. I tried one crude path which seemed to be incredibly choked with rhododenron. So I gave up on getting to the top of the falls. There is a much smaller cascade downstream of the main falls. As with the brink, I could not figure out how to get to it. I visited early in the morning and had the place all to myself. The lighting wasn't terrific. I'm not sure what time or sky conditions are ideal for photography. I drove in on Rich Gap and Big Creek Roads off of Hwy 28 south of Highlands. It wasn't too bad of a drive in my 2WD F-150. But I believe that the drive out on Walking Stick Rd to Horse Cove Rd east of town was easier. If you love waterfalls, definitely put this one on your must-see list. But be aware of the fact that the hike is a challenge. Not so much due to elevation change (which is moderate) but, rather, due to the overall condition of the trail.

Beautiful falls but only gave it 4 stars because it's the kind of place that you get to it, take a…read morepicture, and leave. After walking down wooden stairs, you end up on a viewing deck. The waterfall is in the distance. It's a fairly easy hike. Getting there is easy but after you do have to walk back up the stairs but there is a bench at the halfway point to take a rest. We did this along with Silver Run Falls, 9 miles away. Both of these hikes are fairly easy and would be good for small children and/or dogs. I recommend doing both of these falls on same day because you can easily do both within 90 minutes.

The area is a very complicated series of different jurisdictions; this is federal land under the…read moreFish and Wildlife Service. A parking lot has self-pay stations for a small fee (national parks passes can be displayed in your car instead). The walk to a first view is short, but if you can handle a stair workout, the resulting platform is eminently worthwhile. I've done my fair share of waterfall viewings, and you could hardly imagine a better sight than this complex cascade and the fall color show I arrived just in time for. A separate trail ran down into the valley, with signs saying there were no more waterfall views; and thus presumably no way to get to the falls directly.

JOHN'S JUMP & DEW FALLS are both located on the same river that crosses under NC-281, but on…read moreopposite sides of the road. ALLTRAILS labels it Mill Creek while another website called it Gumbottom Creek. Map coordinates are 35.067993, -83.007686 [ HIKING ] JOHN'S JUMP is a 35 foot waterfall on the eastern side of the road and is accessed via a very short yet steep trail to the base of the falls. The trail begins at the northern end of a grassy pullover. Look for an orange ribbon tied to a tree about 25 feet to the right of the beginning of a guard railing marking the trailhead. If the orange ribbon is not visible, the narrow trail leading into the woods should be fairly obvious. You will encounter a side view of the falls within a minute of being on the trail. John's Jump Falls are surprisingly large and the crest is within view from the roadside. Very pleasant waterfall that is fairly easy to access. To reach D.E.W. FALLS, walk safely along NC-281 near the guard railing. Once on the other side of the creek, cross over the road and you will see a small dirt pull-off large enough for two cars. Walk past the gate along an old road. In about 300 feet you will encounter a small elevation gain of about 15 feet. Take the dirt trail to the left of the main trail at the top of the small hill, which will lead you to D.E.W. Falls, named so after a student @ a South Carolina school by the name of Dorothy Ehlrich Walker, whom died in a car accident the summer before her senior year began. Reportedly the students helped build the trail and were given the honor of naming the waterfall by the Forest Services. NOTES: Our hike was within a few day of recent rains. [ THINGS TO KNOW ] Total Hiking Distance: .6 miles Difficulty: Easy and family/pet friendly Creek Crossings: YES (1 bridge) Elevation Gain: 135 feet Waterfall Height: 35 feet (John's Jump) Waterfall Height: 12 feet (D.E.W.) WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS * DEW Falls - 3 out of 10 * John's Jump - 6 out of 10 Access to top of falls: NO Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (limited) [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] The hike to both falls is about half a mile combined. DEW falls is less impressive, but still a worthy road trip pit stop if you are planning to visit other waterfalls in the area such as the magnificent triple waterfall combo trail @ nearby Gorges State Park which features 125' Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls and Drift Falls as well as an overlook to the 270' Bearwallow Falls. If you are feeling adventurous, there is a THIRD waterfall upstream of DEW Falls that is much taller and practically roadside. Topography maps indicate the waterfalls is approx. 70' tall, but it is unclear on how to reach the base from Upper Whitewater Road (1152). 2021 / 50

Big Bend Falls is said to be the largest waterfall on the Scenic Chattooga River and can be reached…read morevia a 3.2 mile one way Hike from Burrell's Ford Campground. You can go directly to the falls via the trail at the end of the parking lot near the gate, OR take the trail directly across from the restroom facilities, which I would recommend! THAT trail leads you to Kings Creek, where you will find a stunning 70 foot waterfall. Once you've seen the falls, backtrack in the same direction you came until you see a side trail leading you to the Foothills Trail (white blazes). Eventually it will connect with another trail (green blazes) and you will follow it for approx. 2.8 miles. The Foothill Trail mostly follows the Chattooga River, but there will be a few sections of the trail that cut across higher elevations where the river is far below you or not visible at all. However, there are also several areas where you can walk out onto the river banks and take absolutely stunning pictures. It is no wonder the Chattooga is considered one of the most beautiful wild & scenic rivers in the southeastern United States! I would recommend using a satellite GPS trail tracking system that does not rely on the internet to find the falls. We ran across several backpack hikers that could not find the falls, which had us worried. However, ya' boy and his crew go t it done and found the elusive side trail that leads to the falls from the main trail. ~ INSIDER TIP: Once you cross the one-rail footbridge and see the signs that says Big Bend Falls [.8 miles], you will hike a number of switchbacks and sections with timber steps. The falls are not visible from the main trail, but you CAN hear them. The audible level of the falls is only slightly louder than the roar of the rivers rapids. However, once you are on the side trail down to the falls, you will hear the deep base tone of the falls much better. The trail down to the falls is just beyond a long set of timber stairs after the third or forth switchback. Immediately after the stairs is small a rock outcrop you must climb down and directly to your right after that will be a narrow opening in the thicket. The side trail entrance is here. ~ WARNING: The side trail is VERY STEEP and tight in some areas. You need both hands and feet to get down safely and it will require you to hold onto branches, roots or anything you can to keep from slipping. I would NOT RECOMMEND bringing small children on this hike. As a matter of fact, I would even go as far as to say it would be difficult (not impossible) for anyone shorter than 5 feet. There were some sections I needed my entire 5'11" frame to find the ground below me as I held onto a branch. ~ TRAIL DETAILS * PARKING AREA: YES [Burrell's Ford Campground] * RESTOOMS: YES * LENGTH: 3.2 miles ONE WAY to falls * DIFFICULTY: 5 out of 10 [main trail] / 9 out of 10 [side trail to falls] * ELEVATION GAIN: 785+ feet (one way) * WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS: 10 out of 10 | Kings Creek 6 out of 10 | Big Bend (mostly because of volume) * WATERFALL HEIGHT: 70 feet | Kings Creek 30 feet | Big Bend (but looks smaller) ~ FINAL TOUGHTS Some trail guide rate this trail as strenuous and others moderate. I would say it is mostly moderate, but the side trail climb down to the falls is no joke! It's not very long, but it requires great effort. Still, to those who risk it, there is a marvelous reward! Even without going down to Big Bend Falls it is a very rewarding trail, particularly in the fall season. The trail affords some seriously stunning views and photo ops of the Chattooga River, and Kings Creek Falls simply should not be missed! Also nearby are Spoonauger Falls, Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls if you have the extra energy. ENJOY!!! 2020 / 80

My third tour this season with Justin and Aimee! I learn something new each tour. It is a MUST…read morewhen visiting Highlands or even if you live there!

We had an AMAZING time with Justin and Highland Excursions! My husband & I have been to Highlands…read moremany times, but we thought it would be fun to actually learn about the area and go see some areas we hadn't seen yet (like Satulah mountain). What a great decision! My husband commented that we should have started our week this way (instead of our last day). We went to a section to hike that we never would have tried (as it's on the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust) that was a beautiful hike with amazing views. Justin was a delightful guide, providing a rich history of the area. We also enjoyed talking geology with Justin, who was a wealth of information. Even if you've been to Highlands & Cashiers many times, treat yourself to a Highlands Excursion to see the beautiful waterfalls, mountain ranges & more. You won't regret it! Can't wait til the next time!

I found the aquarium and fly fishing museum through a search for dog friendly and kid friendly…read moreactivities in Bryson City. We walked from the main street to the facilities within five minutes. There were scavenger hunts for the kids, sidewalk chalk to draw on the sidewalk outside, plus picnic tables and bathrooms. You don't have to pay anything to go into either place, but a donation is kindly recommended. There was one volunteer working the front door, who gave us information about both places and said if we had any questions to ask her. There were plenty of fish, salamanders, and frogs to look at, and my son loved seeing the fish. The dog was curious about the fish and the tanks, and it was nice to be able to bring him inside with us. The museum has a lot of information about fly fishing, where to do it in the area, and famous fishermen. Overall, it was a nice activity to do that was free, kid friendly, and dog friendly.

This is a great small aquarium worth a visit! The animal husbandry was great and the employees were…read morewelcoming. It took us about 10 minutes to enjoy the whole thing.

We went awhile back to see Charlotte and were sorely disappointed. Hearing of her death today…read morereminded me I had forgotten to write a review. This location is privately run and not for educational purposes. More like going to a friends house to see their pets. Please consider going to an aquarium run by scientists for educational purposes.

I want to say this has been one of the highlights of my family trip. When your 16 yo his 17 yo best…read morefriend and wife all agree on this fact it says something. As adults we have this tendency to say "if I knew then what I knew now, I'd have paid more attention in school!" Well here's your chance. This tiny aquarium will impart more knowledge in a short visit than you probably take in most months if you take advantage of it. The interns and owner (a former teacher) are committed to answering questions. The things they are studying and sharing are amazing. If you go in and you want to learn and ask questions this will be an experience you won't forget. Think of the best science teacher you ever had, having an opportunity to show the world what she loves to talk about... and that is what you have here. Do yourself a favor, go, enjoy and learn!!

This aquarium came highly suggested by a coworker of mine who is from the area. I'm so happy she…read moresuggested it because it was an awesome experience! With plenty of children around me clearly enjoy enjoying every second while in this aquarium, it's also clear that the adults and parents had something they could enjoy as well! The amount of species were really impressive! I certainly walked away learning a lot about the limitless life in our oceans- from favorite species like clown fish to unique/ "not so frequently seen" species like cool sea dragons that resemble floating kelp. We were able to see the entirety of the aquarium in about two hours, and the layout of the aquarium is great with a clear path to make it all the way through. Honorable mention to the awesome saw sharks. I actually don't know if that's their actual name, but there're nose kind of resembles a saw and they are so cool during the automated walkway through the tunnel of sharks and fish. It was so bizarre to just look up and see huge sharks right above me!! I was also really impressed with the amount of space these animals have. I know that zoos and aquariums can get a bad rep, but these animals really do seem very taken care of and happy in a simulated natural environment. I like how they included the water treatment room as a part that people can see because obviously these animals require very strict water treatment plans in order to keep them thriving. The penguin station was also one of our favorites!!! It was so cool to be able to crawl through a tube "into" their enclosure in a dome like clear glass and be surrounded by penguins!!! You can read the names on their flipper bands to tell them apart, and you can really get up close to see the differences in their beaks or features. I thought that was so cool. I liked the amount of cool snacks and beverages available too! I got a frozen peach lemonade that was so yummy. We were here during off peak time, but it was still very busy. It's a very popular attraction. I know they also offer some packages to if you're coming with family or friends and you'd like to do more than one Ripley related experience you can buy a pack at a discount at the teller. Don't forget to take advantage of your military or first responder discounts if possible while you're here!

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a salmon swimming upstream during peak season,…read morejust visit Ripley's Aquarium on a busy day. I didn't take many pictures because I was trying to live in the moment--and also because I was too busy dodging people who apparently trained for this event at the "Cutting in Line Olympics (my kid came up with that analogy.) This place was packed. I mean Black Friday at the Best Buy packed. Half the time I couldn't even see the tanks because someone's unk decided the best viewing angle was directly in front of my face. Patience was not the theme of the day. Luckily for him I'm not only patient but handsome. But then... the shark tunnel appeared like a gift from the aquarium gods. We hopped onto a slow-moving convey like a lazy river at a Vegas hotel, for people who don't want to walk. Honestly, I wish the entire building worked this way. Zero chaos. Zero pushing. Just vibes and sharks gliding over your head like "Come on in the waters fine" The stingrays were another highlight--majestic, chill, and many different sizes. Crowds aside,(but not really) those two moments made the visit worth it. If you go, bring patience, comfortable shoes, and maybe a bullhorn to get people's attention. But once you hit the sharks, it will be smooth sailing. FYI I will never go again but it was pretty cool in general..

Beautiful store. Immaculate! Gorgeous fish. Wide variety. Extremely helpful staff. Worth the drive.read more

My fiancé and I had the privilege to visit this store, and meet Matt and another gentleman I can't…read moreremember the name of, and might I just say WOW the staff is amazing always ready to answer every question even when they are busy. Super knowledgeable. And they really treat you like family. The store was super clean. We live about an hour from the store and never have an issue making the drive for this scale of product, knowledge and customer service