It’s understandable that in the Land of Waterfalls, not all of them are as well known as others. North Carolina’s most-visited waterfalls are those that are easily accessible, have monstrous amounts of water flow, or are fun to swim in. But hidden in some less-traveled parts of the forest are breathtaking spectacles most people don’t even know about – like Hunt-Fish Falls, located a mere 12 miles from North Carolina’s famed Linville Falls.
This multi-layered waterfall is part of the Wilson Creek area that drains water flowing down Grandfather Mountain to the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
Google/Justin Crane
There are two major trails that you can take to Hunt-Fish Falls (the shortest of which is a mere 12 miles from Linville Falls). Take the shorter trail, which is 1.4 miles each way, and find yourself in the middle of the Pisgah National Forest gazing out, over, and down upon Hunt-Fish Falls. The falls flow over a wide, granite outcropping that’s been molded and worn from eons of water flow.
Google/Katherine Weisel
At its base is quite possibly largest waterfall pool in the state. Dip your toes in there (if you dare) to see just how cool the mountains stay, even in the summer! (The top waterfall has a small pool as well, but it’s not advised to swim in there or wander too closely to the edge of that pool. The water flow is stronger than it seems and a slip could cost you dearly.)
Google/Seth Rohde
People have been known to bring or wear swimming attire and spend a blissful day here, listening to the falls, cooling off (occasionally), and basking in the sun on the huge granite rock that’s been worn smooth from the water flow.
Google/Sandy McArthur Jr
Arrive just after a hard rain, of course, and there may be less granite on which to sunbathe and more granite on which to swim!
altralis/April & Jay Williams
Or just make the trek any time only to marvel from the shore at this underrated wonder.
alltrails/Rayna Berger
According to alltrails.com, there are two trailheads to Hunt-Fish Falls.
alltrails/Thom Wash For the shorter trail, which is rated easy to moderate and is a mere 1.4 miles out and back, visit this link; and for the longer, more difficult 5.6-mile trail, visit this link. Happy hiking!
Love chasing waterfalls? Check out a these 10 easily accessible waterfalls, this waterfall swimming hole, and this waterfall that has a monstrous flow right after a rainfall!
Google/Justin Crane
Google/Katherine Weisel
Google/Seth Rohde
Google/Sandy McArthur Jr
altralis/April & Jay Williams
alltrails/Rayna Berger
alltrails/Thom Wash
For the shorter trail, which is rated easy to moderate and is a mere 1.4 miles out and back, visit this link; and for the longer, more difficult 5.6-mile trail, visit this link. Happy hiking!
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