Carter Falls And Power House Trails - Elkin, NC

North Carolina

Jul 27

Written By Chris Shields

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” - Henri Nouwen

“When you live with an open heart, unexpected, joyful things happen.” - Oprah Winfrey

The Story -

On a beautiful but hot Saturday afternoon, Ginger, Alex, Amelia, Sophie, and I hiked a short two miles on the Carter Falls and Power House Trails in Elkin, NC. Admittedly, I was unfamiliar with the waterfalls near Elkin prior to Saturday morning and was pleasantly surprised to discover this gem of a hike in the heart of the Yadkin Valley.

Only Two Miles? -

Yes, you read that correctly. We did opt for a shorter hike with the extreme summer heat yet several longer hikes are available if you are looking for more distance. The longest hike is six miles long, and even begins and ends at a nearby winery, the Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery. Sounds good to me, maybe in the fall when the cooler weather returns!

Carter Falls Trail -

Hidden from the public until 2018, Carter Falls is now available for everyone to hike and enjoy. Carter Falls was used as a source of electricity for the Town of Elkin until the late 1960s and then privately owned by a local attorney. Under some pressure, the attorney sold the property to the State in 2018, and Carter Falls is now available for the public’s use and benefit. Currently, several conservation organizations including the Elkin Valley Trails Association are leading the effort to connect the waterfalls to the town’s excellent trail system and the nearby Mountains to Sea Trail.

Spill The Tea -

We parked at the Carter Falls Trailhead parking area and started our hike clockwise on the Power House Trail, heading first to the lower falls at the base of The Big Elkin Creek. The heavily shaded trail almost immediately immerses you in a deep rolling old forest with many items of special interest including mushrooms, wild lilies, fern fields, rock outcrops, and much more. We eventually made it to the lower falls, where we stopped to have lunch by the cascades and to take a swim. The water from the recent rains was quite muddy but felt refreshing and was a welcome relief from the scorching heat. Leaving the lower falls, we climbed several moderate switchbacks high above the creek before arriving at the glorious Upper Falls. After admiring the falls and snapping a few pictures, we returned to the parking area via a short hike.

Wrap It Up -

The Carter Falls and Power House Trails are an excellent summer hiking option for anyone looking for a short, shaded, uncrowded, and fun hike. With many items of special interest including two waterfalls and several swimming holes, be sure to add them to your list.

Featured