Take a short hike of 0.6 miles into the heart of the Nantahala National Forest (the biggest of North Carolina’s four national forests) to discover an incredible 50-foot waterfall hidden along a sharp bend in Big Creek near Highlands. The trailhead to Secret Falls is 6.5 miles southeast of Highlands and regardless of the time of year you make this trek, you’ll always find yourself standing in a positively beautiful nature scene upon arrival at the base of the falls.
During warm weather, it’s commonplace to share this serene spot with others who hike into the falls just to cool off in the gorgeous plunge pool at the base.
AllTrails/Matthew Lemak
The trail itself is best used from March to October to ensure you don’t find yourself trying to navigate some crude elevation changes in conjunction with icy conditions.
AllTrails/Mary Kate Etscom But you’ll find the trail open all year round. You can even bring the dog as long as it stays on the leash.
Perhaps the best time to find yourself in this neck of the woods is soon after a heavy rain.
AllTrails/Jak Bantaum It’s not immediately obvious from just looking at photos, but the waterfall is so loud after a rain you may find yourself having to shout to carry on a regular conversation. Don’t think of it as noise. Instead, just think of it as nature’s symphony.
During the fall, the deciduous trees that lay a canopy around the surrounding terrain turn colors painting the landscape in bright hues before the leaves fall to the ground.
AllTrails/Peter Sabatini It truly is beautiful and serene here.
Make you way up to the top of the falls to see how Big Creek ambles toward the falls and then makes a sharp turn just as the creek billows over the 50-foot cascade.
AllTrails/Anthony Smith It’s a beautiful and impressive sight from high above, but please be extra cautious and do not wander onto the rocks at the top.
Want to spend a while basking in the glory of this wonderful spot in nature? Go ahead. Bring a picnic and go for it.
AllTrails/Mary Kate Etscom Remember to leave no trace so that when you and others return here it will remain pristine for generations to come.
The trail to Secret Falls is rated as moderate by AllTrails.com. See this link to learn more about the trail.
AllTrails/Matthew Lemak
AllTrails/Mary Kate Etscom
But you’ll find the trail open all year round. You can even bring the dog as long as it stays on the leash.
AllTrails/Jak Bantaum
It’s not immediately obvious from just looking at photos, but the waterfall is so loud after a rain you may find yourself having to shout to carry on a regular conversation. Don’t think of it as noise. Instead, just think of it as nature’s symphony.
AllTrails/Peter Sabatini
It truly is beautiful and serene here.
AllTrails/Anthony Smith
It’s a beautiful and impressive sight from high above, but please be extra cautious and do not wander onto the rocks at the top.
Remember to leave no trace so that when you and others return here it will remain pristine for generations to come.
For another nearby waterfall hike you can add to this adventure, head to Glenn Falls!
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Address: Secret Falls Trail Head, Big Creek Rd, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
