Upper Bearwallow Falls

Height: 100 feet
Trail Type: Dirt
Hike Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: 7
Beauty: 3

Overview:

Before Gorges State Park, there wasn’t a safe way to view the falls unless you wanted to hike for miles on end. Even then, the falls are shaped in such a way that it’s difficult to see the whole thing. The park service probably did the best they could in terms of building an overlook with as much of a view as possible while also making the trail as accessible to as many people as possible. The view isn’t the best, but it’ll do.

Directions:

From the intersection of US 64 and NC highway 107 in Cashiers, drive a little over 10 miles on US 64 east and turn right onto NC highway 281. If you’re coming from Brevard, it’s a little under 22 miles from the intersection of US 64 and US 276. The entrance to Gorges State Park is just under a mile on the left. Take the road to the left at the visitor’s center and park at the Bearwallow picnic area.

Hike Description:

The trail begins at the information board opposite of the picnic area and crosses the road. The trail then descends down the ridge via a few switchbacks before arriving at the overlook.