Harper Creek Falls and South Harper Creek Falls in the Pisgah National Forest - Mortimer, NC

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew were having fun.” - Winnie The Pooh

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” - David Rast

---

The Story -

On Saturday morning, Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked eight miles at the moderate yet beautiful North Harper Creek Falls and South Harper Creek Falls Loop Trail near Mortimer, NC. This was our second visit to the Harper Creek Falls and it was even better than our first. Our first visit took place last year in the early spring, and the weather and the water were freezing. This time, while the water was still frigid, we were able to enjoy the multiple water crossings and take a swim without the fear of frostbite.

Harper Creek Falls and South Harper Creek Falls -

Harper Creek is one of the largest tributaries of Wilson Creek and is home to several spectacular waterfalls in the shadow of the Grandfather Mountains in Pisgah National Forest. The trails are mostly in good shape yet can be primitive, overgrown, and not well marked in certain areas. And with over a dozen wet creek crossings, the lack of trail markers can pose a challenge.

Spill The Tea -

The trailhead for Harper Creek Falls is located on a long, dusty, and unpaved Brown Mountain Beach Road near the town of Mortimer, North Carolina. We literally passed hundreds of people on the side of the road, most frolicking in Wilson Creek, having cookouts, or setting up camp for an overnight stay. The sheer number of cars and people concerned me that our hike might be similarly crowded. My concern was unfounded as we encountered perhaps only a dozen people on the trail.

We began our hike with a heart-pumping, leg-burning steep switchback ascent up a ridge that comes down from Yellow Buck Mountain and separates Harper Creek from Wilson Creek. After the switchbacks, the trail levels out and follows mostly next to the water. The sandy trail was easy to navigate, eventually approaching a turnout to visit the first two of the waterfalls. This area provides probably one of the best swimming holes in the state with a large pool-like shallow area below a small but wide waterfall. Above the lower waterfall is another smaller swimming hole with an even larger waterfall. Daredevils could even climb up a rope and jump from a cliff twenty feet up in the air.

Add Some Cream and Sugar -

Most hikers turn around after spending some time at the first set of waterfalls. We decided to continue and were faced with the most challenging part of the hike. The trail turns primitive and much harder to follow, with at least a dozen wet creek crossings. And while mostly flat, the unmarked creek crossings present a challenge to even the most experienced hikers. The payoff is worthwhile for those that accept the challenge. The South Harper Creek Falls is a massive 120-foot marvel waterfall surrounded by smooth cliff walls well over 200 feet high.

Wrap It Up -

The Harper Creek Falls Loop Trail is a top-tier, challenging water hike that will surely become a favorite of all who give it a try. Take a lunch, bathing suit, and definitely a map, you will not be disappointed.

---