Craborchard Falls

Height: 40 feet
Trail Type: Gravel, dirt, rock, and wood
Hike Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: 8
Beauty: 2

Overview:

Craborchard Falls is on the property of the Valle Crucis Conference Center, but they are nice enough to let the public come see the falls. However, you really only want to see this one if you’re trying to mark everything off your list. While the falls are pretty high, the drop over a long distance, zigzagging down the slope and making it difficult to see the whole thing safely. 

Directions:

From the intersection of NC 105 and US 321 in Boone, head south on NC 105 for 4.8 miles and turn right onto Broadstone Road to Valle Crucis. Drive just under 3 miles and turn left onto NC 194 south. The entrance to the Valley Crucis Conference Center will be 1.3 miles on the right. The driveway splits – take the left side and park there.

Hike Description:

From the parking lot, walk toward the back of the property to the Johnson Building. You’ll follow the gravel path around the building and up the ridge to the official start of the trail. Whoever built the trail placed park benches at every tenth of a mile – and if you’re out of shape, you’ll need them. The first four-tenths of the trail is straight uphill and quite steep in places.

At the very top of the ridge, you’ll then head back down along a rough, narrow path, along a boardwalk, and down to the creek.