Greenland Creek Falls
At 45 feet high, the two-part cascade tumbles from Greenland Creek into a wide pool of moss- and lichen-blanketed boulders and often clear water.
The name of the falls has been historically under dispute: A local landowner tried to solve the mystery of its name, only to find that it didn’t have one, so his daughter, Holly, named it after himself. Most people, however, refer to it as Greenland Creek Falls, a label attributed to Carlton McNeill of Pathertown woodland fame.
Contact Information
Hike Description
A map is highly recommended to hike in Panthertown Valley. Learn more here and get trailhead directions. Once at the Cold Mountain Gap trailhead:
This hike starts on Macs Gap Trail (#482), which begins to the left immediately after the turn off Cold Mountain Road. Parking is limited, so you may have to drive farther along the road to find a place. Parking is prohibited on Cold Mountain Road.
Macs Gap Trail starts at the wide spot in the access road, heads southwest (downhill) for a few feet, and picks up an old logging grade. It passes under a power line at 0.17 mile and at 0.57 comes to Greenland Creek Trail (#488), cutting sharply to the right. Remember this spot if you want to explore Greenland Creek downstream after viewing the upper waterfalls.
Continue on the main path, which is now the combined Greenland Creek Trail and Macs Gap Trail, for 0.14 mile to a small, open spot in the old road a few yards before the creek. Just before the clearing, Macs Gap Trail turns right and crosses the creek. Just beyond the clearing, follow Greenland Creek Trail as it enters the woods to the left. You may have to look around to find it. The trail twists among rhododendrons and mountain laurel, crosses several small branches, and does a superb job of getting your feet muddy before depositing you on the rocks at the base of the waterfall 0.31 mile from the logging road. To see the falls well, you’ll have to scramble through the vegetation and rocks to the middle of the creek.
Pay attention to the spot where you reach the base of the falls. You’ll have to walk out on the rocks to see the waterfall. When you return, it’s easy to miss the rocks and take a more obvious path on the right that climbs the bank.
Trails and Waterfalls can be dangerous; take no chances, only photos for memories. Read our Safety and Insider tips to have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip to Jackson County.
Leave No Trace — Seven Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more details, visit www.lnt.org
©1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
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