Douglas Falls Hike
By Joanne O'Sullivan
Douglas Falls Hike Details
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.6-miles round trip
Region: Big Ivy, Pisgah National Forest
Duration of hike: 6 hours (long)
Elevation gain: 2,200 feet
Type: Out & Back
Blazes: Orange
Facilities & Parking: Parking and facilities available at Craggy Gardens
Features: Pet Friendly, Waterfalls
Directions to Trail Head | Open in Google maps
An off-the-beaten path gem
Tucked away in the beautiful Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest, the 70-foot Douglas Falls offers the rare opportunity to walk behind a waterfall. The waterfall drops from an overhanging cliff and features an impressive rock wall in the background.
Douglas Falls is generally a low flow waterfall (unless after a big rain) but it's a great setting to enjoy the beauty of the forest. It is said that the waterfall was named after Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, who was appointed to the court by Franklin D. Roosevelt and was an active environmentalist.
LEAVE NO TRACE TIP
The remote Big Ivy area, home to Douglas Falls, is known for its wild beauty. Help keep Big Ivy beautiful by packing out your trash.
What to Expect
You can access the falls from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 364.6. This is a 6.6-mile strenuous hike on a rugged trail that is only recommended for experienced hikers. Note: The shorter access trail from Forest Service 74 near Barnardsville is no longer open.
Directions
To access the Douglas Falls Trail (also known as the Carter Creek Falls Trails) from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, follow the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MTS) south for 1 mile to the intersection with the Falls Trail. From here, it’s another 3 miles past several other cascades. There are maps available at the Visitor’s Center.
Know Before You Go
If you do choose to walk behind the waterfall, exercise extreme caution as the rocks may be more slippery than they appear.
GPS Coordinates
35.728815, -82.374353
We all love the Blue Ridge Mountains! By working together, we can keep these incredible outdoor spaces beautiful and pristine for years to come. Make it your nature to Leave No Trace: Leave what you find, pack out what you pack in, stay on designated trails and plan ahead. To learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, CLICK HERE >>.
Photos by Jason Tarr of ExploreAsheville.com.