The town of Elkin, North Carolina was nominated as one of The Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel and it is very easy to see why. This quintessential town located right in the heart of Yadkin Valley Wine Country has so many things to do it would take you weeks to see and do them all.
From mountain views and waterfalls, hiking trails, biking trails, riverside trails, playgrounds, historic sites, small town shops, countless vineyard and wineries, some of the best restaurants in the area, festivals and music venues, fishing, swimming, kayaking, tubing, camping…the list goes on and on and there is literally something for everyone here.
The lineup on things to do in and around Elkin is long and as frequent visitors to the area we’d love to share some of our favorite spots with you. Below you will find ideas on some of the best hiking spots, vineyards, restaurants and activates to do while visiting the area.
We live in Charlotte, NC and Stone Mountain is one of the closest day trips for us. No matter the season we seem to gravitate towards this way and the trails never disappoint. A short hike to the summit or the waterfall, a pretty good exercise taking the 5 mile loop that goes past the Homestead, an easy 2 mile Wolf Rock and Cedar Rock Trail or waterfall sliding at Widows Creek Falls – there is no shortage of hikes you can pick from depending on your hiking abilities and time constrain. We have a full article on Stone Mountain that you can find on our website where we share in length all the details on the trails that you can find here.
Some of the trails start at the Lower Parking Lot and some of them begin at the Upper Parking Lot. The Widow Falls Creek trail has it’s own Parking Lot. Make sure to check our website before hitting the trails to get directions.
This beautiful just over a mile trail is located about 10 minutes from the center of town right by Byrd’s Branch Campground and close to Grassy Creek Vineyard. Remains of what once was a powerhouse that supplied the electricity to the Town of Elkin and the surrounding area are visible along the well maintained path that leads to the Falls. The cascades and the falls are absolutely stunning and the hike itself following the river is peaceful and lovely.
A 240 foot suspension bridge named “The Bridge of Dreams” will be constructed 60 feet above Carter Falls and would be the long awaiting connecter of the Mountain to Sea Trail that goes through the the town of Elkin, passed Stone Mountain and all the way to the coast. If you’d like to be a part of the construction of the Bridge you can make a donation by purchasing and sending in a “ribbon” here. Your dream ribbon would be eventually tied to the finished bridge creating a colorful creation hovering over the Falls. You can also volunteer some of your time and help in the creating of the 20 miles of new trails leading to the Falls the Elkin Valley Trail Association has tirelessly been working on. More information on how to get involved can be found here.
Carter Falls is the ultimate trail for all skill levels. The wooded, flat path is easy for small children and pets and for hikers not looking for a strenuous hike. It offers great reward with little to no effort and is accessible throughout the entire year.
There are several ways to get to the Falls. There is a parking lot for about ten cars at the trailhead of the Falls located at 633 Pleasant Ridge Rd Elkin, NC where you can park and descend to the trail. If the parking lot is busy (which is rare) you can park at the Campground by their office cabin and start the hike from there. That would extend your adventure by less than a mile round trip. If you are looking for a longer hike but still want to incorporate Carter Falls, park your car at Grassy Creek Vineyard and start the trek from there. A parking lot is located behind the Red Barn Tasting Room and a sign that points to the direction of the Falls is easily visible from there. That would extend your hike by about 2 miles round trip.
#3 ELKIN and ALEGHANY RAILTRAIL
This easy and flat 3.3 mile trail begins at the Elkin Municipal Park and tells the story of the East-West NorthEastern N.C. Railroad that extended through here in 1890 coming from Winston-Salem and going to North Wilkesboro and the history of the textile industry at the time.
The path starts at the parking lot by the building and follows the river for some time, passes the dam before heading into the woods. There are stairs visitors can take that lead to the bottom of the dam. Benches are located along the way for rest and multiple large metal gongs can be found to the side of the path. It states that you can make a wish and hit them 3 times (but not more) your wish will come true. It is real fun for little kids.
Signs with pictures of what the area used to look like back in the days can be found along the way and are worth a stop and a read if you want to know more about the fascinating history of the town. The path is used by pedestrians and bikers and 5 extra miles can be added to your trek by taking any of the trails to the side of the main path. Multiple bridges and small cascades would be found along the trails here. This trail is not heavily trafficked but do watch out for mountain bikers.
The first Forest Bathing Trail in North Carolina awaits you just outside town limits. Located on the trail to Carter Falls from Grassy Creek Vineyard this short but quiet and rejuvenating space is carefully designed to create experiences that enhance nature connectedness while boosting the therapeutic and restorative effects of the forest. If you are looking for a nature based wellbeing therapy that promotes positivity, health and mindfulness this trail is for you.
The trail begins at the parking lot behind the Red Barn Tasting Room at Grassy Creek Vineyard. Following the path through the woods you will reach a small picnic area and a creek crossing. Ones you cross the bridge over the creek the trailhead to the Forest Bathing Trail will be to your right. From there follow the path through the woods that weaves through the forest before reaching Klondike Lake. Take it slow and let the forest speak to you. The state of your mind designs the state of your life is what forest bating is all about. On your way back don’t forget to pop in and say Hello to our friends at the Winery and grab a glass of red or white.
We already mentioned Widows Creek Falls once above but we have to give this trail a special notice. We absolutely love visiting the Falls in the summer. It’s our kids first choice every time we ask them what would they like to do today. Of course nothing beats swimming and sliding down a waterfall on a hot summer day so we totally understand the pull.
The trail to the falls is located inside Stone Mountain State Park. The path is almost flat and only .2 miles long which makes it easily accessible to almost everyone. There is a pretty large parking lot and the trek leading to the falls begins right off of it. The trailhead is located to the right just past the lower parking lot at the Park if you are coming from the main entrance. If you follow the GPS you might be directed to the back entrance of the Park. A small section of this road is gravel so make sure to plan accordingly. There are no bathroom facilities right at the trailhead here but you can find some at the parking lot just up the road.
The gorgeous falls consist of a large cascade that drops into a shallow pool and than continues on to a wider cascade that falls into a large pool. Kids love wading at the top pool and sliding down the bottom part. Bring a tube to make it easier for sliding and a picnic. There are several spots to sit in the shade and enjoy a treat.
#6 DOUGHTON PARK and THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Doughton Park and The Blue Ridge Parkway are less than a half an hour drive from Elkin, North Carolina and offer a wide variety of hikes for every skill level. The Bluff Restaurant and Café located next to the Doughton Park Visitor Center recently reopened it’s doors and is worth the trip any day. Some of our favorite hikes in the Recreation Area are:
- The Bluff Mountain Trail is a 7.8 mile hike if you are looking for a long hike.
- Wildcat Rocks Overlook is a short .2 miles walk and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Flat Rock Ridge Trail is a 13 mile strenuous trail if you are looking for a great workout.
- The Alligator Bach Trail is a short and easy trail perfect for kids and dogs and offers beautiful views.
- If you put the Doughton Park Visitor Center coming from Elkin and follow the road you would be greeted by multiple overlooks along the way that would take your breath away.
Doughton Park is the less traveled part of the Blue Ridge Parkway yet offering absolutely stunning views around every turn. That being said it is the best choice during the busy fall months as most people head towards the Boone and Blowing Rock area crowding the roads there. That leaves you with the opportunity to enjoy the Mountains and the changing leaves without battling the crowds here. If you are heading this way in the winter months make sure to check for closures on the trails. For most part unless there has been severe weather the Parkway is open to drive through but do check ahead of time just to be on the safe side.
There are over 20 Wineries in Elkin and each and every one of them is unique in it’s own way. We have gone to most of them and would love to share few of our favorites and why we love them. Keep in mind most of the time we have kids in tow and they travel with us so one of our first criteria while visiting a place is – is it kid friendly. Every Vineyard in Elkin have proved to be and some are so sweet that they even offer smores and juice boxes for the kids ( Golden Road Vineyards! We appreciate you! 
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- GRASSY CREEK VINEYARD and WINERY. Great open outdoor space, friendly, great selection of wine, live music and events, food truck on weekends, lovely views from the covered pavilion overlooking the grapevines, hiking trails…
- ELKIN CREEK VINEYARD. Great outdoors right by the Big Elkin Creek, great wine selection, events, oven baked pizza on Sunday (to die for!), vacation cabins and walking trails.
- GOLDEN ROAD VINEYARD. So sweet and friendly, love the outdoor firepit and views of the grapevine, events, live music, food trucks.
- MENARICK VINEYARD AND WINERY. Great open outdoor space and lovely tasting room, their sweet wine selection is lovely, events, sitting by the firepit in the winter overlooking the pond and grapevines is a dream.
- SLIGHTLY ASKEW WINERY. Unique wine produced from local juices. Their location is great! Right in the heart of town with plenty of parking space in the back of the tasting room.
#8 SKULL CAMP BREWERY, WINERY and SMOKEHOUSE
We intentionally did not mention Skull Camp along with the wineries above despite them offering some delicious wine because they are so much more than that. The unique atmosphere of Skull Camp Brewery can be sensed from miles. You can not miss the large rustic looking building located right in town. Cozy, warm spacious indoors with a fireplace in the center of the back room and lovely wide open back patio with plenty of space to spread on. We absolutely love the history of Skull Camp and their small batch beer selections. The food is out of this world delicious and if you love wings and barbeque this is the spot for you. Ask for their home cut fries made extra crispy. Trust us you would be drooling over them long after you’ve gone home.
Skull Camp Brewing has two locations with the second one in Round Peak offering not only wine, beer and gorgeous views of the near by peaks but gorgeous vacation rental properties and disc golf right on the property by the tasting room so all you need to do is get here, park your car and enjoy a weekend of adventure.
#9 ANGRY TROLL/222 PUBLIC HOUSE
Tasty beer and yummy food awaits you at the Angry Troll brewing and restaurant. Located centrally in town this spot is where it’s at. The food is great, the beer plentiful and the space is roomy, open and inviting. The transformed downstairs are loaded with arcades to keep you and your friends entertained and they offer a large variety of events to choose from for every day of the week. If you love sushi their Thursday night sushi night is the best in town as is their oven baked pizza.
Southern hospitality and excellent food. If you only have time for one restaurant visit while in town than you have to check out Southern on Main. Located right in the heart of Elkin this true gem is superb. The food here is always delicious, their ever changing lunch menu offers something that will be sure to please your taste buds and the wine list is extensive. The atmosphere is ambient and cozy and the stuff is so very friendly. The outdoor seating is a must in the cool fall and spring nights and the perfect lunch spot in the summer. WE give it 10/10 every time.
#11 THE REEVES THEATER and CAFE
Reeves Theater is known as the Home for Music in the Heart of the Foothills. The locals have grown up and are so font of this beautiful Art Deco movie house that has been part of the town since 1941 and would love to sit with you and tell you all about it’s history, the hardships and the revival this special place has gone through throughout the years. And if you have a minute or couple of hours we urge you to open the door to it’s lobby, find a table and grab a drink and ask them about it. Or catch a a show, lunch or an open mic session- you would not be disappointed either way. A full list of their shows, events and menu can be found on their website here.
While strolling the cute downtown in Elkin right between the Angry Trill and Reeves Theater you’ll find the November Room. This charming indoor artisan market has everything from local crafts and gifts, postcards, paintings and photographs by local artists, kitchen décor and knitted goods to ice cream, chocolates, snacks and local wines. The shop offers weekly classes and activities for you and your little ones so if you are in town and looking for something to do check out their page for a list of events and for the newest arrivals at the store. We absolutely love their painting classes that keep our kids entertained for few hours while we sit at the shop and unwind with a glass of wine.
For some excellent wine tasting option we highly recommend The Wisdom Table located downtown Elkin right across from the Southern on Main. This bottle shop offers a spectacular selection of more than 100 North Carolina Wines and just as many wine choices from around the world. The beautiful shop has a pretty chill vibe and intimate atmosphere. The Wisdom Table is the ultimate date night spot for you and your significant other and a great option for a night on the town. If you are a lover of everything wine related this is the spot for you.
If you are in the mood for something other than wine Fruition it is. Tucked away in downtown Elkin this beautiful cocktail bar serves the best drinks in town by the friendliest staff. Cozy and intimate atmosphere with floral decals and lovely outdoor sitting Fruition will be sure to charm you. Their trivia night is worth the pop in if you are ever in town on Wednesdays. For opening hours and menu check it their Facebook Page here.
Every Saturday the town of Elkin, North Carolina offers visitor the chance to enjoy locally grown produce and goods. From fresh organic fruits and veggies (depending on the season), baked pastries, honey, fresh flowers even doggy treats.. the Market gives visitor the chance to support local growers and crafters while also enjoying the community, live music, food trucks and other special events. The Farmers Market is located at the market shelter just one block from the historic downtown and is open weekly on Saturdays from 9-12 during the months of April till October and from 10 to 1p.m. from November till March.
If you find yourself in Elkin on a sunny gorgeous day get to know the town by taking a mural walk. The town currently has 10 murals and another one on the way so you will get a pretty good stroll finding and seeing them all. They are located in a close proximity to each other so once you park your car just walk around the town to catch a sign of them and maybe grab a selfie. Here is a detailed walking tour website with directions and pictures of all the murals in town.
#17 GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE AT DIRTY JOE’S
While cruising around town and need a pick me up and possibly a delicious freshly baked pastry check out Dirty Joe’s coffee shop located right downtown Elkin. They recently opened a second location making it convenient for a quick pick up if you are on the go. We love the murals at their downtown shop and the coffee is always fresh and extra tasty.
While in town plan a visit to the Foothill Art Center. They offer a wide variety of workshops, special activities and exabits by varies talented artists fostering community and creative practice through education, collaboration and entertainment. Arts and crafts instructions, performing arts, visual arts the Center is a labor of art. The gallery is currently open for tours by appointment or on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out their website here for details on where to find the historic building and ways to plan your visit.
#19 ROUND OF GOLF AT CEDARBROOK COUNTRY CLUB
The long history of the land the golf course is siting on is equally as spectacular as is the course. 18 holes set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only minutes away from town this spot is outstanding. The greens are so very well maintained, the golf carts are new and equipped with the latest, the country house is everything one can expect and more. Plan your visit for a round, a special event or treat yourself to a membership. Whatever you choose you would not be disappointed.
Plan a visit to Late Bloomers Flower Farm located at 1143 Cool Spring Church Road in Elkin. Each year sometime in April the farm invites you to come on over and pick your own tulips. Visitors can pick from a great selection of red, purple, yellow orange and white. The farm is located right off the road and the patches are easily accessible.
If picking a bouquet isn’t necessarily something you enjoy but still want to surprise someone with a beautiful one a call can be scheduled ahead of time and a tulip bouquets would be ready for you to pick up at their location. While supplies last. The phone number for online ordering is 910-538-4719. The Farm accepts cash or venmo.
In late July and early August the Farm also offers sunflower pick you own and bouquets as well as mixed bouquets with flowers from the farm. Make sure to check their callender and stay up to date on when the flowers are in bloom and their operating hours and happy flower picking!
Food Truck Friday returns to downtown Elkin with a bang. Delicious Food trucks, live music by various artists, arts and crafts, local goods, wine and craft beer await you every Friday evening in the summer. This even is always the highlight before the weekend and we hardly can’t wait for next summer to come.
#22 ANUAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS, CONCERTS
Elkin has so much to offer but some of the best is their annual festivals that have been drawing people for many many years. We have a list with dates on some of our favorites below:
- NC TRAIL DAYS happening the first weekend in June is an event like no other. This annual event that lasts three days includes guided hikes, music, exhibition, trail blazing, 5k Stone Mountain Run and so much more. It is our favorite time of the year to be here. If you are planning to join in on the fun next year make sure to plan ahead as this is a very popular celebration and the town gets busy.
- ELKIN ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL. This celebration of music of all kinds event happens on the Third Weekend of June and surprises us all with different line up and absolutely spectacular performers every year and we can edge you enough to plan a trip here during it and enjoy the lovely, heart filling atmosphere.
- REEVESTOKE MUSIC FESTIVAL. Come and enjoy all that the local restaurants, wineries and breweries have to offer in a special, community oriented celebration filled with music, events, kids activities and so much more. The festival happens annually on the first weekend of August.
- BIG ELKIN BRRRFEST
- This event brings the community together with a big cookout and beer and wine from local breweries and wineries and is perfect for the whole family.
We visit the town of Elkin as a family and like to have space to spread and let our kids run around to run off energy so hotel isn’t ideal. After several visit we have found our favorite little home away from home and would love to share it with you in case you are visiting and need a special place to stay. Why we love this spot is because it is close to town, trails and vineyards yet it feels perfectly secluded. The views from the front lawn of the cows grazing and the sunsets we’ve seen are splendid, the backyard deck feels as if you are at a tree house and having coffee out there in the morning is my favorite thing. A glass of delightful local wine on the front deck while kids play happily at the game room few feet away from us after along day on the trails is a dream and the house is clean ad cozy you can barely believe it’s even real. If you would like to stay at this spot you can book it on Airbnb here.
#23 WINE TOUR COMPANIES IN ELKIN, NC
A great option if you are visiting the town of Elkin and will be doing a wine tour is to call one of the wine tour companies that would come and pick you up within a certain location and bring you to some of the best wineries in town. They are so much fun and would leave you with unforgettable memories to hold on for a long time. Two of our favorites that have picked us up at the cottage while we’ve stayed there without kids are:
Make sure to call and make a reservation way in advance especially during the busy months of the year as they get booked quickly.
For everything Elkin check out the Explore Elkin Website that keeps tabs on all the happenings in town and has a pretty good calendar of events, specials and possible adventures. Make sure to find us on INSTAGRAM to get ideas on trails, restaurants, vineyards and breweries. Happy Trails!
]]>But there is a place near town that you have not heard of unless you are a local or know one that is willing to share this hidden gem with you. The Enchanted Forest- a magical place hidden in the woods that harbors the secrets of woodland animals and whispering trees. Look up, look down, look around you but don’t ever forget to keep an eye behind you, because you never know what kind of creatures are lurking in the deep dark wood.
Located right by the Byrd’s Branch Campground and near Carter Falls the Enchanted Forest well.. is ENCHANTED and even gets haunted during the month of October. With magical creatures along the heavily wooded, pine needle carpeted path this short one mile easy stroll is the perfect adventure for lovers of all things magical and is good for all ages. Bring the little ones during the day and have a picnic at either end of the path or come at dusk for a spooky treat. The Campground store offers ice cream in the summer and refreshments throughout the year so make sure to stop by, say hi and grab a snack for the road. Pets are welcome here and are likely to enjoy the stroll through the woods just as much as their human friends with lots of opportunities to sniff new unfamiliar objects along the way.
There are several ways to reach the Enchanted Forest. If you are looking for a longer hike start your trek at Carter Falls. From the parking lot of the Falls cross the road and follow the path that weaves though the campground. Continuing passed the Byrd’s Branch Campground Office follow the path through the grass before reaching the road. Make sure to look both ways as there is traffic on this road and once you cross it you’ll see the sign for Grassy Creek Vineyard and the opening in the woods where the Enchanted Forest Trail begins. From here walk the forest and come back to the falls or continue on the path to the Grassy Creek Vineyard passed the Forest Bathing Trail. You can take this trail as well if you really want to extend your hike or turn around here and go back to the Falls.
For the shortest way to get to the forest if you are not up for much walking or have a little one with you park by the Campground office and start your stroll from there. If you choose this option the trail won’t take you more than half an hour of leisure walking through the woods. Again carefully cross the road passed the parking lot and the grass path before entering the Forest.
The Enchanted Forest becomes Haunted during the month of October thanks to volunteers and several local families. The trees get decorated with spooky ghosts and scary spiders, decorative graves with bones and skeletons get placed along the path and there are several makeshift cemeteries placed between the trees for extra spookiness. And although everything is relatively settled make sure to walk here at your own risk. If you do get spooked easily this trail might not be the best choice for you. The wind and whispering trees add special effects to the Forest. If you do love everything spooky than you should also check out the Historic Downtown Ghost Tour that the town offers that is not to be missed especially before Halloween.
For an adventure of a different kind make your way to the Forest starting at the Grassy Creek Vineyard. Grab a glass of wine beforehand or take a bottle for the way. You’ll find the path leading to the trail behind the Red Barn at the Vineyard. Following it you’ll cross a wooden bridge above the stream before reaching the Forest Bathing Trail. There are several picnic tables where you can take a short break and enjoy your wine and let the kids splash in the stream while doing so. Continue following the path through the woods to reach the enchanted forest and either continue from there to Carter Falls or turn around to get back to the winery.
The trail is especially beautiful in the fall with the leaves all dressed in different colors and the wooded plaques along the path quoting one of the most famous John Muir saying “Into The Woods I Go To Lose My Mind and Find My Soul”. It is the absolute perfect dedication to Nature in these parts of the woods and a great reminder while walking here to find stillness and renew. Make sure to walk the path of the newly done Forest Bathing Trail that snakes between the tall trees and leads to Klondike Lake. The Cascade Falls Loop trail that is just steps away from the Red Barn Tasting Room is another great option while here and a lovely scene during any season and we can not imagine a better scene to look at while holding a glass of wine in your hand.
We hope you give this trail a try and find it as enchanting as we do. For ideas on other adventures near by check out our other articles on the area.
]]>If you want to read more about the main trails in the park check out our other article on the website that gives details on that however today we would like to share a less popular trail in the park that we have recently discovered and thoroughly enjoyed exploring.
Wolf Rock Trail begins at the lower parking lot. Ample parking is available right by the bathroom facilities and large map is located there that has a list of trails and descriptions. Follow the main trail that splits several times (see pictures bellow) before reaching the sign pointing right where the Wolf Rock Trail begins.
The Wolf Rock trail is about 2.5 miles and a moderate hike with slight inclines but certainly not strenuous. The first part after turning right by the sign is the steepest with straight incline for about .2 miles before it switches to gradual incline for about .5 miles and than flattens up. It’s an absolutely stunning hike between the large trees especially in the fall and spring months. Watch out for roots and rocks and keep your eyes open for deer that often graze by the side of the path. The trail is very well marked, greatly maintained and super easy to follow.
A short while after passing by the stone wall that sits by the side of the trail you’ll come about another sign pointing right. If you choose to follow it you’ll find yourself before magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That is the perfect spot for a short break and picnic if you choose to pack and bring one. For all the times we have hiked this trail we have never encountered another hiker and have had this spot all to ourselves.
Heading back to the trail follow the path that passes by the abandoned building sitting still in the woods hugged between the trees. If you are looking to extend your hike take the Blackjack trail that would add 4.4 miles to your trip. If not take a left and follow the Cedar Rock trail that brings you to a different point view of the Stone Mountain. If you are lucky you’ll be able to see people rock climbing the massive rock. Sit there for a moment and try to spot the tiny figures in the distance.
Once you pass by here follow the trail that goes essentially straight downhill before connecting to the main trail. If you are just doing the Wolf Rock trail turn left at the bottom and continue on the trail pass the homestead and back to the parking lot. If you choose to extend the distance turn right and head over to the falls or even to the whole loop. Again you can read more about these trails in our other Stone Mountain article that covers these trails in greater details.
Whichever way or trail you choose to do we wish you happy trails and hope you enjoy this special spot as much as we have and make lasting memories with family and friends! #HappyTrails
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Located just over an hour’s drive north of Charlotte, lies this magical vineyard with a deep and storied history. The dairy farm that was formerly known as Klondike Farms is surrounded by lush greenery, nestled by the side of a pond overlooking the grape vines and welcomes you at the end of a winding gravel road. The tasting room that was once a stable is now meticulously transformed into a welcoming and beautifully decorated space. The current owners and family treat each customer as if they are part of the family and are eager to share the property history and a welcoming glass (or bottle) of red, white, sweet or dry wine.
The Vineyard offers many events list of which you can find here. Our absolute favorite way to spend a Sunday is listening to live music here while sitting outdoors sipping on delicious wine and sharing stories with friends.
If you’re looking to make a day out of it, there are several options for extending your stay or adding a hike to or from the Vineyard. The Grassy Creek Trail begins right outside the tasting room’s entrance and winds for a half a mile until it connects with the famous mountains to sea trail.
You can then take a right to head to Byrd’s Branch Campground. Just before the campground you will enter a section of the trail called the Enchanted Forest, which has interactive creatures that will intrigue adults and children alike. During the month of October the Enchanted Forest becomes Haunted with spooky ghosts and spiders hanging from the trees. It’s a great place to take the kids for a short and spooky Halloween walk.
Be sure to stop for an ice cream at Byrd’s General Store before continuing on to scenic Carter Falls. Continuing on the trail behind the store, you’ll reach the Carter Falls trail-head. From the campground to the falls is about a 1.5 mile hike. From Grassy Creek Vineyard to the campground is about three miles round-trip, making the total hike from the vineyard to the falls and back about 4.5 miles. There are several other parking options if you’re looking to shorten or lengthen the hike on the trail system. The full trail map can be found here.
Check out our full post with pictures on Carter Falls Trail here.
Bring the Kids
If a several mile hike isn’t your cup of tea, bring the whole family and head a short 5 minute walk down the Grassy Creek Trail to the creek from the winery. There is a small sandy area with benches and a picnic table. The creek is safe for splashing around on a summer’s day while adults can enjoy a bottle of award winning wine.
We rate Grassy Creek Vineyard as the most kid-friendly vineyard in Elkin based on the open spaces, welcoming staff and trails and creek to keep them entertained.
Cross the creek and take a slow walk through the first forest bathing trail in North Carolina. Follow the wooded path that leads to the Klondike Lake and rejuvenate in the peace and quiet of the forest surrounding you. Take a sit on one of the benches along the way and just listen to the chirping birds. Close your eyes and bask in the sunrays picking through the leaves. Turn off your phone and forget your worries for a bit before returning to your everyday with a lighter heart.
If you are spending longer than a day in the area check out Stone Mountain State Park for a longer hike to the falls or the summit, the homestead or for rock climbing if that is something that interest you.
]]>This small town located in Surry and Wilkes counties and sharing its name with the surrounding township of Elkin Township is most known for the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival held each May at the Elkin Municipal Park and The Big Elkin Brewfest that takes place each fall hosted by the two microbreweries in town.
Known also as the eastern-most encampment town along Overmountain Victory Trail (a marker can be find at the park near the recreation center along Hwy 268) Elkin, North Carolina has an abundance of trails. Locals enjoy the Yadkin River State Park ‘Blue’ Trail daily and the Blue Ridge Mountains are only 20 minutes away off of Highway 21 (heading towards Sparta). The town is approximately 15 minutes south of Stone Mountain State Park which is one of our most frequently visited State Parks offering waterfall, epic views and an old Homestead. Today, Elkin is considered to be an official Trail Town as the NC MST is now directed into downtown Elkin along Main Street.
After working extremely hard, the Elkin Valley Trails Association cleared, completed and recently opened one of the newest trails – “Powerhouse Trail” at Carter Falls which will become part of the Mountains to Sea trail once the building of the projected 220-foot suspension bridge – “Bridge of Dreams” is completed. Once the construction of the bridge is done, visitors will be able to enjoy an impressive, unobstructed view of the free flowing 60-foot drop of Carter Falls.
The trail begins at the parking lot on Pleasant Ridge Road just 10 minutes outside the town of Elkin. You can go either way (left or right). We chose to go left on the trail towards the lower falls following the cleared path snaking between tall trees and by the ruins of what looked to be an old barn.
The well marked trail goes for about half a mile downhill before reaching the lower falls and the foundation of whats left of the electrical powerhouse that in the early 20th century supplied electricity to the town of Elkin .
From here, the very well marked path continues following the river through the Carter Falls gorge for some time before turning right and leading you back to the parking lot. The Powerhouse must’ve been huge as you’ll notice the power lines and other evidence of what once was spread all over the woods.
Iron gears, steel bands and concrete flume cradles that are now marked with orange tape to prevent visitors from tripping on them are used to hold the wooden and steel flume that broke over 60 years ago allowing the water to eat away the side of the gorge and destroying the flume while rushing through.
The Flute was vital for creating the first power for the town of Elkin redirecting the water which traveled from the top of the falls horizontally along the hill and then dropped down to a powerhouse creating energy. Rusted metal remains lay by the side of the trail as you pass between the trees and over the newly done wooden bridges.
The platform brings you to an overlook of Carter Falls and on a winter day when the trees have shed their leaves you’ll be able to get a pretty good view of the large falls. A little path leads to the bottom of the falls for an even better view and if you brought a picnic with that would be the best spot to lay a blanket and enjoy it. For your safety and easier descent down there is a rope now that you can hold on to.
Make sure to watch your step as many metal wires are present throughout the entire trail.
A sign at the top of the falls warns against swimming in the waters as the area contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes and cliffs. As inviting as it might seem on a hot summer day please keep away from the water and stay on the trail.
As always please have pets on a leash, do not litter or disturb nature in any way so all of us can enjoy the trail and surroundings for many years to come. Elkin Valley Trail Association has many volunteering opportunities if you are looking to land a hand or get involved in any way. Help preserve, maintain and improve the trails.
The Carter Falls Trail is not wheelchair accessible as of right now but the EVTA hopes to have a handicap-accessible trail from the parking lot area to the top of the falls, and then a different handicap-accessible trail along Big Elkin Creek that brings people to the area at the bottom of the falls.
If you are looking to extend the hike to the falls and add a little twist to is check out our post on how to reach the trail by starting your trek at Grassy Creek Vineyard and passing by the Forest Bathing Trail that was recently created and through the Enchanted Forest that turns haunted before Halloween. If you are spending a night or few at Byrd’s Branch Campground you can pick up the trail from there as well. It’s a short lest that 5 minutes walk from the campground to the trailhead and a wonderful way to spend a morning or an evening while camping.
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