Setrock Creek Falls
A picturesque, multi-level waterfall with a short, shaded hike, perfect for a refreshing dip in its shallow creek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cool, shaded hike
Setrock Creek Falls
Best Time
Cool, shaded hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, multi-level waterfall with a short, shaded hike, perfect for a refreshing dip in its shallow creek.
"Nice waterfall to visit, perfect to cool off on a summer day. Go explore!!!!"
🎯 Follow White Diamond Signs
The easiest trail to Setrock Creek Falls is marked with white diamonds.
📱 No Cell Service Zone
Download offline maps or bring a GPS. Cell signal is lost after leaving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Setrock Creek Falls
Black Mountain Campground area
A beautiful, multi-level waterfall with a short, shaded hike. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Shaded Creek Walk
Trail to the falls
Enjoy a cool, shaded walk along the creek, ideal for avoiding sunburn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Post-Hurricane Helene Trail Conditions
Navigating to Setrock Creek Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow White Diamond Signs
The easiest trail to Setrock Creek Falls is marked with white diamonds. +1
📱 No Cell Service Zone
Download offline maps or bring a GPS. Cell signal is lost after leaving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
🚗 Park Across Campground
Park in the lot opposite Black Mountain Campground and walk into the grounds.
⚠️ Check Trail Status
Hurricane damage may affect access. Verify trail conditions before your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow White Diamond Signs
The easiest trail to Setrock Creek Falls is marked with white diamonds. +1
📱 No Cell Service Zone
Download offline maps or bring a GPS. Cell signal is lost after leaving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
🚗 Park Across Campground
Park in the lot opposite Black Mountain Campground and walk into the grounds.
⚠️ Check Trail Status
Hurricane damage may affect access. Verify trail conditions before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Setrock Creek Falls for its beautiful multi-level cascades and the refreshing, shaded hike. The ability to wade in the shallow creek is a major highlight, especially on hot days. However, navigation can be tricky, and recent storm damage has sometimes limited access to the waterfall's base.
"Tried to walk the trail a few days ago, but there is large amounts of damage from Hurricane Helene. Eventually got to see the waterfall, buy only from a distance, large amounts of debris prevented us from getting closer to the waterfall. Wouldn't recommend trying this trail until all debris cleared up, may take months or years."
Barry C
"The falls are pretty, the hike is short, but not exactly what I'd call easy. It is climbing up, not just a walking path. Also, the directions are not clear or perhaps, not up to date. Our NC waterfalls book misled us completely and we ended up on the river loop trail, hunting for the waterfall. 😬 To get to the fall from outside the campground, you must park in the lot across from the campground, walk across the concrete bridge into the campground, then take the yellow blaze trail on the left. Once you cross the wooden bridge, watch for the blue blaze trail to Mt. Mitchell lead off to the right. Do not take the blue trail. THEN there is a white blaze trail marked easy that leads to the waterfall. Take the white blaze trail. It crosses the road. Goes up a few concrete steps, then climbs to the falls. Good luck and enjoy!"
Laurie Simmons
"Nice water fall to visit. You have to park in a parking lot and walk about 20 minutes to the fall. Shallow water allowed me to get in the middle of the creek to take pics. It’s shaded to whole way so no worries about sunburn. There is not cell service once you pull off of the Blue Ridge Parkway so keep your bearings in check."
Larry Koonce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Use the Black Mountain Campground address for navigation. Park across from the campground entrance and follow the white diamond trail markers. Avoid the blue blaze trail. +1
Directions can be tricky. If you get lost, ask Black Mountain Campground staff for guidance.
Download offline maps or use a dedicated GPS device, as cell service is unavailable once you leave the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Look for the concrete bridge into the campground and then the white diamond trail blazes.
Yes, but cell service is lost. Ensure you have your route planned beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee for Setrock Creek Falls. It's a natural attraction accessible via public trails.
Setrock Creek Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, trail conditions may vary.
Parking is typically free in the designated lot across from the Black Mountain Campground.
Yes, you can access the falls by parking across from the campground and following the trail.
The main restriction is trail accessibility due to potential damage from weather events like Hurricane Helene.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered short, around 20 minutes from the parking area.
While described as short, the trail involves climbing and is not a flat walking path. It's marked as 'easy' but can be steep in parts.
Yes, the shallow water allows visitors to get in the creek and cool off, especially on hot summer days. +1
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for climbing and uneven terrain. Comfortable clothing for a shaded hike is recommended.
The short hike and refreshing water make it family-friendly, but be mindful of the climbing sections. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
You can get into the middle of the creek for unique perspectives, especially when the water is shallow.
Access to the base of the waterfall may be limited due to debris, especially after storms.
The shaded trail means you can visit most of the day, but morning light might offer softer conditions.
A wide-angle lens can capture the multi-level falls. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections in the water.
The multi-level nature of the falls offers various angles. The shaded environment provides a different feel than sun-drenched falls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the trail is generally considered easy, parents should be aware that there are climbing sections that might require a helping hand for very young children. Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. Due to the lack of cell service, it's wise to have a plan for staying together and to inform someone of your expected return time.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Asheville
Remember to download offline maps before you leave Asheville, as cell service will be lost. Pack water and snacks, and be prepared for the possibility of trail obstructions due to recent storm damage. The opportunity to cool off in the creek is a major draw for a quick, refreshing break.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails to Setrock Creek Falls
It's crucial to be aware that cell service is virtually non-existent once you turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This means relying on downloaded offline maps or a dedicated GPS device is essential. If you find yourself lost, the staff at Black Mountain Campground are a valuable resource and can provide directions.
Recent reports indicate that Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the trails. Large amounts of debris may obstruct access, potentially limiting how close you can get to the waterfall. It's advisable to check current trail conditions before your visit, as repairs could take a considerable amount of time.
Experiencing the Falls and Creek
One of the most appealing aspects of Setrock Creek Falls is the shaded environment along the entire trail. This makes it a perfect spot to visit on a hot summer day, offering a cool respite from the sun. The shallow water in the creek below the falls is also a major draw, allowing visitors to wade in and cool off, and even get into the middle of the creek for unique photo opportunities.
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding proximity to the falls. Post-hurricane damage has, in some instances, prevented visitors from reaching the base of the waterfall due to debris. While the falls are still beautiful from a distance, direct access might be compromised.
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