UPDATE:
Unfortunately the Falls will no longer be open to the public as of August 2022.
We received the following message and we kindly ask you to please refrain from trespassing.
“I represent the new owners of land on which Grassy Creek Falls (Little Switzerland) are located. For decades the prior family allowed day hikers, however, as of August, 2022, they along with the property owners who live along Grassy Creek Falls Road will be posting signage notifying the public that access to the falls is no longer granted. This comes after many years of heavy traffic congestion at peak times, damage to property, trash, noise, etc. and together with the new property owner they regretfully give notice that access to the falls is closed. A few too many bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else. Fortunately, there are plenty of public access falls here in NC, but this one is no longer available to the public. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Grassy Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near the small town of Little Switzerland located along the North Carolina Highway 226A.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Length: 2 Miles
Difficulty: EASY
Time to complete: 1 Hour
Elevation: 597 ft
DIRECTIONS: Milepost 334
If you put Grassy Creek in your GPS you will end up about 5 miles further down the road and away from the trailhead. We recommend punching Grassy Creek Falls Road in your navigation device which will bring you right at the entrance to the trail.
There are several parking spots where hikers can park their car (approximately 10) right as you turn into the road. If you are coming from the Little Switzerland direction the road will be immediately after the tunnel. If you are driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway the road will be right before the tunnel. Please make sure to park in a way that does not block other drivers or the residents that need to get to their homes.
Once parked follow the gravel road which is the trail. The hike is about a mile long straight down the road. It is relatively easy with a steady decline on the way there and incline on the way back.
The trail is on PRIVATE PROPERTY. Please be respectful, do not leave any trace, leash your dog if they are coming along and under no circumstances disturb the residents that have graciously allowing us all to enjoy this beautiful waterfall. Do not drive past the sign that is pictured below as the road is only for resident use and not for Falls visitors.
There are several creek crossing along the way so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. If there has been any rain in the days leading to your visit a part of the path will be pretty muddy.
The trail is pretty well marked and maintained and you will be able to reach the falls without any issues. If there have been heavy storms in the days leading to your visit the possibility of fallen trees along the road is there so a good plan will be to postpone your visit for another day and give time to clear the roads.
Ones you near the Falls there are two ways to get to the waterfall. You can follow the gravel road that kind of loops and brings you to the very bottom of the waterfall from where you can make your way to the top falls. Picture of the bottom of the falls below. This way will require you to scramble on the rocks and around the actual waterfall. If you are doing this be extremely careful especially in the winter as the rocks will be frozen and slippery. We went on a day when it was dry and it hasn’t been raining recently and the sides of the Falls were pretty muddy so plan accordingly.
The easier and faster way to reach the Falls is to take the steep (only a short trek) way down that will be to your right walking on the road where the waterfalls are visible. (picture bellow)
From here you can choose to either enjoy the view from where you are standing or scramble on the rocks and get to the bottom for a different view point of this beautiful waterfall.
If you are feeling adventurous there is a way to get behind the waterfall which is super cool and refreshing in the summer. Again make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and if you are visiting in the winter keep in mind that it will be slippery and pretty dangerous.
Let us know if you visit and if you enjoyed the falls. We love to hear from you.
If you worked up an appetite after the hike or feel like a refreshment, an ice cream or a drink make sure to stop at the town of Little Switzerland which is actually at a walkable distance from where you parked your car for the trail.
Little Switzerland is located at 3,468 feet above sea level is the narrowest point of the Blue Parkway in North Carolina. It is located directly north of the town of Marion and south of the town of Spruce Pine.
The town was founded by North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Heriot Clarkson in 1909 as a summer retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountain and was given the name because of the picturesque mountain hills that reminded him of the Swiss Alps.
The original Little Switzerland Inn was built in 1960 and the access to it was the only commercial access road to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Today the Inn resembles very much the Swiss style chalet architecture that we are used to seeing in pictures from tourists vacationing there. In fact the winter scene can be easily mistaken for an actual scene from the Alps with the snow covered chalet and skiers wandering the grounds.
You can spend a night or few at the Little Switzerland Inn. The restaurant on site serving breakfast, lunch and dinner offers a great menu which can be found HERE. Enjoy your meal during your stay, after a hike or while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is an indoor sitting as well as a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Parkway.
After you have enjoyed your delicious meal walk it off with a stroll through the little shops around the village.
If you skip the desert at the Inn but craving something sweet grab an ice cream or pick something to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Swiss Shoppe Ice Cream and Candy Factory shop across the street.
Or visit the Geneva Hall for a variety of events and exhibitions. If you brought a picnic lay a blanket on the greens in front of the Hall or under the trees in the shade next to it and enjoy it while listening to life music and watching the dancers during their Saturday Square Dances events happening in the summer.
For other suggestions on things to do in and around the area or anywhere in North Carolina check out our INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK and TikTok pages and follow along for more fun adventures and trails.
Happy Trails!