Exploring Elk River Falls Near Banner Elk NC

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Formerly known as Big Falls, Elk River Falls definitely ranks in my Top 5 most beautiful North Carolina waterfalls to visit.

Located near Elk Park NC, this spectacular plunge waterfall drops over 50 feet into a massive pool that filters through a collection of large boulders before the river roars on downstream.

The gorgeous drive there takes visitors through the heart of the NC High Country, near beloved mountain towns like Banner Elk and Beech Mountain).

Elk River Falls is in the Appalachian Ranger District of the famous Pisgah National Forest, which always wows us with its scenic mountain vistas and a great collection of rivers, creeks, and streams

I love to visit this waterfall any time of year, but the best times are probably Summer (if you’re looking to cool off) and Autumn (for the added beauty of colorful Fall foliage).

Read on to find out all you need to know about exploring Elk River Falls near Banner Elk NC!

20 Western North Carolina Waterfalls - Elk River Falls — Elk River Falls, photo by Emma Gallagher

Elk River Falls Info

ADDRESS: 3867 Elk River Rd, Elk Park NC

PHONE: (828) 898-5398

COST OF ENTRY: Free

HOURS: 6:00 am–10:00 pm

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: USDA Forest Service

Directions from Banner Elk

The town of Banner Elk is located about 12 miles/25 minutes from Elk River Falls.

Leave town and head west on NC-194 S/Main Street, making a slight left to stay on NC-194 S. Take that for about 6.6 miles before turning right onto US-19 at Elk River Depot.

After about a mile, take a right onto Little Elk Road, a quick left onto Old Mill Rd, and a quicker right onto Elk River Road. Follow that for 4.2 miles, and the trailhead will be straight ahead.

Directions from Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain is around 20 miles/40 minutes from Elk River Falls.

Use Beech Mountain Parkway to go south about 5.5 miles to hit NC-194 S. Take a right onto NC-194 S and follow it for 6.6 miles.

Turn right onto US-19 at Elk River Depot, go a mile, and take a right onto Little Elk Road. After a quick left onto Old Mill Rd and a quicker right onto Elk River Road, follow that for 4.2 miles to reach the trailhead to the waterfall.

Mary Gabbett at Elk River Falls in Banner Elk NC — BRMTG Co-Founder Mary Gabbett at Elk River Falls

When to Visit Elk River Falls

During the long, hot days of Summer, Elk River Falls can draw a big crowd, particularly on weekends.

While the waterfall is still lovely to enjoy with others around, going mid-week in Summer (or during the shoulder seasons of late Spring and early Autumn) can make parking much easier.

My first trip there was during a weekday in late Spring, and we enjoyed a couple of hours of having the entire place to ourselves, sunning on the boulders and splashing around in the pools.

At other times I’ve visited, the area was loaded with visitors, yet there was still plenty of room to relax at the falls.

In truth, Elk River Falls is one of the best ROI falls to visit. It’s not a roadside waterfall (and that’s a good thing), but it’s only a few hundred feet from the parking area to reach the base of the falls.

View from the top of Elk River Falls in Elk Park NC

Best Things to Do at Elk River Falls

The “hike” to Elk River Falls takes less than 5 minutes, so it’s best to plan on doing some other things while you’re there. Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do…

Picnicking at Elk River Falls

While there are no tables or grills like you’ll find at official picnic areas, the boulders at the base of Elk River Falls are a great place to spread out a blanket and have lunch or dinner with an exceptional view that makes you want to linger.

Although this is an undeniably beautiful spot, it’s worth remembering that there are no facilities here where you can clean up (or go to the restroom). But the waterfall gets a lot of sun, and it sends a cool breeze across the boulders.

Swimming at Elk River Falls

Elk River Falls has one of the most amazing pools right at the base of it. It’s a wonderful place to take a dip, but we urge serious caution, as VERY strong currents often occur (especially after it rains).

For those who’d rather play it safe, there are plenty of shallow pools below the main basin. There are also other spots to take a dip in the Elk River nearby, but they’ll require more hiking.

Fishing at Elk River Falls

Elk River is also a popular fishing spot, and there are plenty of places to do it just beyond the crowds at the waterfall.

In fact, AllTrails ranks the route from Elk River Falls to Jones Falls as the #1 hiking trail for fishing in the entire Pisgah National Forest!

The steep drop-off at the top of Elk River Falls

Safety Concerns at Elk River Falls

Unfortunately, Elk River Falls has been the site of several fatal incidents and other serious accidents over the years.

Local authorities have referred to the pool below the falls as a “drowning machine” due to powerful, unpredictable currents and various underwater hazards, including rocks, logs, and debris.

In addition, the myriad boulders that surround the falls are slippery, and temptations often run high to do something foolish.

U.S. Forest Service officials suggest being cautious when visiting the falls and on the walkway, and urge visitors to follow the posted rules:

There is no jumping from atop the falls. While it may be tempting for daring visitors to show their moxie by making the leap, it has proven fatal for visitors on numerous occasions. There are unseen hazards beneath the surface of the water, and the currents are fierce.
There is no swimming allowed in the river above the falls. The currents here are strong and capable of pulling someone over the ledge. Elk River Falls is a high-volume waterfall with lots of boulders and debris in the pool beneath it.
Swimmers should not go anywhere near the base of the falls, even when approaching them from below. Getting in and out of the pool can be dangerous here as well because the huge waterfall is siphoned through small outlets that can suck swimmers in.

We urge all visitors who love exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to please be mindful of the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship.

Remember that waterfalls and rocky ledges can be dangerous, and never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. –by Jonathon Engels; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted