Otter Falls
A scenic waterfall hike in North Carolina's High Country, offering a rewarding cascade and water play opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Otter Falls
Best Time
Waterfalls are full, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic waterfall hike in North Carolina's High Country, offering a rewarding cascade and water play opportunities.
"It's def worth checking out, especially if you want to catch a waterfall without a lengthy walk to do so!"
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Rocks can be slippery! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for navigating around the falls.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills up fast. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Otter Falls Cascade
Base of the falls
A beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall flowing over a large curved rock. Perfect for photos and enjoying nature's beauty.
Observation Deck
Near the base of the falls
Offers a great vantage point to admire the falls and capture stunning photographs. Accessible via a short path.
Top of the Falls Access
Above the main cascade
A path leads to the top of the falls, allowing you to walk on the large curved rock and experience the water's flow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Parking & Trail Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Rocks can be slippery! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for navigating around the falls.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills up fast. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
Trail markers can be confusing. Keep a map handy or use a navigation app to avoid getting lost.
💧 Bring a Towel & Change
It's a fun place to get wet! Consider bringing a towel and a change of clothes for the trip back.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
Rocks can be slippery! Sturdy hiking boots are a must for navigating around the falls.
🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking
The small parking lot fills up fast. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to secure a spot.
🗺️ Use a Trail Map
Trail markers can be confusing. Keep a map handy or use a navigation app to avoid getting lost.
💧 Bring a Towel & Change
It's a fun place to get wet! Consider bringing a towel and a change of clothes for the trip back.
📸 Capture the Cascade
The falls are picturesque. Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Otter Falls is a charming, relatively short hike leading to a pretty cascade, perfect for a quick nature escape. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to get close to the falls and even play in the water. However, some find the trail markers confusing, and the small parking lot can be a deterrent during peak times.
"A nice little hike, about 15 minutes each way, mostly down hill and then up, I think they said about 230ft elevation change, saw a small child who made it both ways. Waterfall is pretty and you can get in the pools there if you like! Parking lot is small, maybe 12 spots, so keep that in mind. There are options for a bit longer hike, but some of the trails are closed at this time. If you're in the area, it's def worth checking out, especially if you want to catch a waterfall without a lengthy walk to do so!"
Keith Sincavage
"We had a very enjoyable hike at Otter Falls. The trail is pretty well maintained though the markers were very confusing and missing at several intersections causing me to give 4 instead of 5 stars. We did a lot of retracing steps and while we had no set agenda or time constraints thus morning, it would have been frustrating if we were more pressed to be somewhere later.
The falls themselves were lovely to explore and I'd recommend it for a family hike if your kids are willing to put in a little legwork on the way back up and out."
Kristi M
"Otter Falls is located about 1 mile past Seven Devils in the Boone/ Banner Elk area off Hwy 105. The parking lot is on the left heading up and is fairly small so you may or may not find a parking spot depending on when you get there.
There is a good map to the left of the parking lot showing various trails in the area. The upper red trail is closed until further notice
due to damage from Hurricane Helene but this does not affect
your ability to get to the water falls.
We took the trail to the right and kept taking the right path when you had a choice to get to the
falls. It's a short.4 mile trail (one way), but like many trails to water falls, has lots of tree roots and would be very slippery if wet.
There is a wooden observation deck at the bottom where you can view the falls but you can also take a short path to the right of the observation deck to get to the top of the falls or descend the steps of the observation area to the left to get to the bottom of the falls. You can continue down from the bottom across some boulders to view more of the cascades below the falls. As with any water falls, exercise caution when walking on rocks as the can be very slippery and dangerous (even if dry).
Otter falls are a smaller falls but still pretty and calm and worth the short hike."
Chris Finch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Otter Falls is located near Seven Devils, NC, off Highway 105. The trailhead parking lot is on the left when heading uphill. It's a popular spot for hiking near Boone and Banner Elk.
Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach Otter Falls.
The trailhead parking is at 825 Skyland Drive in Seven Devils, NC. Look for the small parking area on the left side of the road.
Yes, you can search for 'Otter Falls Trailhead' or 'Otter Falls, Seven Devils, NC' on Google Maps. Be aware that GPS can sometimes be unreliable in mountainous areas.
The closest towns are Seven Devils, NC, and nearby Boone and Banner Elk, NC, which offer amenities and lodging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Otter Falls is generally free to access. There are no admission fees for the trail or the falls themselves.
Otter Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is typically accessible from dawn till dusk. There are no set operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Otter Falls. It's a public access area for hiking and enjoying nature.
Since it's a natural attraction with no entry fee, advance booking is not required or possible. Just show up!
No permits are required for general hiking and visiting Otter Falls. Enjoy the natural beauty responsibly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Otter Falls is relatively short, about 0.4 miles one way. The return trip involves a steep incline.
The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous due to the steep incline on the way back up. It's manageable for most with good footwear.
Yes, you can get into the pools at the base of the falls. It's a popular spot to cool off, but be cautious of slippery rocks.
There are no restrooms or extensive facilities at the trailhead. The main features are the falls, observation deck, and trails.
While not guaranteed, you might spot various birds and small forest creatures. Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the falls' beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire cascade. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet rocks.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local rules and fly responsibly. The terrain can be challenging for setup.
Experiment with different angles from the top, bottom, and sides. Consider long exposure shots to capture water movement.
The observation deck offers a classic view, but exploring paths to the top and bottom provides more dynamic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to secure parking, as the lot is small. Keep a close eye on children near the water and on slippery rocks. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site. The observation deck provides a safe place for everyone to enjoy the view.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Hikers
Recommendations: Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in the High Country of North Carolina. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery. Bring water and consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the stream below the falls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Otter Falls Trail System
Despite potential navigation challenges, the trail offers rewarding scenery. You'll encounter tree roots and rocky sections, so wearing appropriate footwear is crucial.
Key takeaway: While the distance is short, the elevation gain on the return trip and potential trail marker confusion mean you should be prepared for a moderate workout. Always prioritize safety by wearing good shoes and being aware of your surroundings, especially on wet rocks.
Experiencing the Falls and Water Play
Visitors often describe the falls as pretty and calm, offering a serene natural experience.
Pro-tip: If you plan on enjoying the water, bring a towel and a change of clothes. It's a fun place to frolic, and you'll likely get wet!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit