This Slippery, Uphill Waterfall Trail To Crab Orchard Falls In North Carolina Blew Me Away
By Carolyn Harmon|Published July 10, 2024
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
Crab Orchard Falls Trail in North Carolina starts at one of my favorite places in the whole wide world: the Valle Crucis Conference Center in Banner Elk. I have visited this historic and interesting place several times and even spent the night (which I strongly recommend). But I never realized the property is home to one of the prettiest waterfall hikes in North Carolina. This is the first waterfall I have encountered so closely to which I owe a debt for the mighty and powerful feelings it stirs inside. They will surely overcome you too.
If you've never been to this part of the world, the grand Valle Crucis Conference Center campus is worth the winding drive overlooking a peaceful and pastoral setting.
You'll pass the charming Holy Cross Episcopal Church with a bright red door built circa 1924. If you have some time, come back and explore this enchanting structure and cemetery. Signs will lead you to the waterfall parking area at the trailhead.
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It is only a half mile from the beginning to the falls, but you can go further if you like.
One of the more scenic hiking trails in North Carolina is uphill the entire way and the rain made the journey very slippery and muddy but worthwhile knowing I was going to see a magical waterfall.
Turn right here - a sign does not tell you where to go, but I asked some folks making their way up from the falls.
From the top of the hill, the rushing sounds urged me down but I was pretty frightened because I wore my sandals and a dress, and the rain turned the hill into a slicky slide covered with rocks, boulders, and big tree limbs.
But others were at the bottom - I knew if they could do it, so could I. Plus, I wanted to catch a video and some close-up photos of one of the prettiest waterfalls in North Carolina.
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Even still, the photos are nothing like standing at the bottom of this natural wonder with all of its energy rushing down as it spattered and frolicked over the jagged surface past me and onward to more interesting destinations.
