From South River Picnic Grounds, this hike leads you through a verdant forest alive with a wide variety of plant and animal life to a stone-walled observation point overlooking an 83 foot waterfall. Be prepared for one stream crossing. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Distance: 2.6-mile round trip hike
Difficulty: Moderate (explanation of our hiking difficulty scale)
Hiking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Elevation Gain: 850 feet

Hike Description 

1. Just below the South River Picnic Grounds comfort station (mile 62.7), take the blue-blazed South River Falls Trail.
2. You’ll cross the Appalachian Trail, but stay on the South River Falls Trail to the stone-walled observation point. You can continue to the base of the falls from here if you wish, adding a steep and rocky 1.5-miles to your hike.
3. Retrace your steps to return to your starting point.