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NORTH CAROLINA WATERFALLS
NORTH HARPER CREEK FALLS (3)
PHOTO BY CHRISTIE W.
Driving Directions: N.C. 181 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 312. From N.C. 181 exit to the Blue Ridge Parkway and turn left onto the parkway. At milepost 311 turn right onto the gravel Jonas Ridge Road (S.R. 1518). Follow the road, which begins as gravel, is paved for a short distance passing a Christmas tree farm, and returning to gravel again, for 1.7 miles to a T junction with a church on the left. Turn left onto F.R. 464 (Edgemont Road). After 2.5 miles, turn right onto F.R. 58 (Kawana Road) and continue for 0.25 mile to small pullout on the left.
Hiking Directions: North Harper Creek Trail (#266) goes down the steps behind the trail sign, crosses a small stream, and comes to a crossing of North Harper Creek at 0.19 mile. Cross the creek and follow the trail downstream to a section of exposed, sloping rock. A short distance further, you’ll come to another section of exposed rock. Stay with the rock and avoid dropping down toward the creek. At 0.4 mile, you will reach another crossing of North Harper Creek. Cross the creek and after 0.1 mile, you’ll reach a third crossing of North Harper Creek. Cross the creek and at 0.76 mile you will reach a campsite at the top of the falls. Cross the creek at the top of the falls and pick up the trail on the other side. Follow the obvious trail for 0.19 mile to the base of the falls.
Driving Directions: N.C. 181 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 312. From N.C. 181 exit to the Blue Ridge Parkway and turn left onto the parkway. At milepost 311 turn right onto the gravel Jonas Ridge Road (S.R. 1518). Follow the road, which begins as gravel, is paved for a short distance passing a Christmas tree farm, and returning to gravel again, for 1.7 miles to a T junction with a church on the left. Turn left onto F.R. 464 (Edgemont Road). After 2.5 miles, turn right onto F.R. 58 (Kawana Road) and continue for 0.25 mile to small pullout on the left.
Hiking Directions: North Harper Creek Trail (#266) goes down the steps behind the trail sign, crosses a small stream, and comes to a crossing of North Harper Creek at 0.19 mile. Cross the creek and follow the trail downstream to a section of exposed, sloping rock. A short distance further, you’ll come to another section of exposed rock. Stay with the rock and avoid dropping down toward the creek. At 0.4 mile, you will reach another crossing of North Harper Creek. Cross the creek and after 0.1 mile, you’ll reach a third crossing of North Harper Creek. Cross the creek and at 0.76 mile you will reach a campsite at the top of the falls. Cross the creek at the top of the falls and pick up the trail on the other side. Follow the obvious trail for 0.19 mile to the base of the falls.