Chasing waterfalls is one of our favorite activities in North Carolina – and there are so many waterfalls to discover! Once you’ve hiked this relatively easy trail to Otter Falls (found in the community of Seven Devils just west of Boone) you’ll want to come back again and again.
The thing is: after a heavy rain, the water flowing over this series of falls is astounding and you’ll want to see it.
Google Maps/Paige Johnson
But please take your first trip down this trail when there are less rainy and muddy conditions. Trust us: the views are just as pretty. And that beautiful new staircase you see over there? It leads down to a trail that follows the waterfall downstream.
Google Maps/Steven White
But first, you may want to pop over to walk behind this one (hence, planning your first trip for when it hasn’t just rained).
TripAdvisor/James L
Overall, the hike is rated easy to moderate. Most children over the age of 4 can manage. Bring your hiking sticks if you have them… the trail is almost all down hill. And while a great deal of the journey is filled with stairs like these or wooden steps…
Google Maps/Vancleef Whittington
… some of it is just sod and can be slippery just after a rainfall.
TripAdvisor/DSCarroll1
The hike into Otter Falls is a scenic endeavor. Many stream crossings are perfect places to stop for photos, and there are benches available for a quiet rest along the way.
Google Maps/Steven White
One huge advantage of which to be keenly aware is the fact that three loops exist on this trail. Be sure to take a photo of the map posted at the trailhead or you could end up walking the upper loop over and over and never see the falls. The map also allows you to take the shortest route possible down to the viewing platform at the top of the falls.
TripAdvisor/themamacakes
It’s a nice family hike, no matter the season. In colder weather bundle up; and in warmer weather bring a towel because you won’t be able to resist dipping your toes into the cold mountain water at the base of the waterfall.
Google Maps/Kenan Williams
And bring some water. What goes down must always come back up!
alltrails/Deborah Bragg
Hiking the trail? You may want to get there early to secure a spot for your vehicle. Only four or five parking spots are available.
Google Maps/Ryan Watts
You’ll find the trailhead for Otter Falls at 825 Skyland Dr., Seven Devils, NC 28604. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. You’ll find more information at this link from alltrails.com.
Google Maps/Paige Johnson
Google Maps/Steven White
TripAdvisor/James L
Google Maps/Vancleef Whittington
TripAdvisor/DSCarroll1
TripAdvisor/themamacakes
Google Maps/Kenan Williams
alltrails/Deborah Bragg
Google Maps/Ryan Watts
Discover 10 more easy to reach beautiful waterfalls in this previously published waterfall hikes article!
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