Rough Butt Creek Falls

Hike Description: Walk 0.2 mile along the gravel drive to Caney Fork. This section of the hike is through private property, so behave yourself. Before Hurricanes Frances and Ivan swept through in September 2004, there was a bridge over Caney Fork. Now, you’ll have to wade. If the water is up, it’s not safe to cross. (Remarkably, the road is still open to four-wheel-drive vehicles. Take a look at the ford and decide for yourself if it’s something you want to tackle. I did it on my last visit, but I don’t have the same relationship with my truck as some SUV owners do. In addition to the creek ford, there’s also a dicey spot farther up the road. I recommend walking.)
Assuming you can cross the creek safely, continue on the old logging grade for 0.85 mile to the ford of Rough Butt Creek. Cross the creek and climb the bank on the right side of the road to pick up an old railroad grade that continues up the river-right side of the creek. The grade is fairly easy to follow, but some exposed rock slopes make it tricky. It’s about 0.1 mile from the ford to the falls.

Overview: In the first edition of this book, I stated that this is one of those falls that people just stumble upon. But in all honesty, Rough Butt Creek Falls is about as far off the beaten path as you can get. I’m sure some readers wondered what I was thinking. The “stumbling” part came from an off-the-cuff comment by a forest ranger. If he hadn’t made it, I never would have known about this beautiful waterfall.
The entire run of the creek from the ford to the falls is scenic. The rocks are covered in moss, and the banks are draped in ferns, herbs, and rhododendron. The setting has a rain-forest feel. It’s the same at the waterfall, although an old railroad rail on the river-left bank at the base of the falls serves as a reminder that this area is not untouched.

Directions to Location

1.  From the main entrance to Western Carolina University, drive 3.8 miles south on NC 107 and turn left on Caney Fork Road (SR 1737)
2.  Follow it for 9.4 miles to where it makes a broad left turn around a brick house
3.  A gravel road turns right from the outside of the curve
4.  Find somewhere to park along Caney Fork Road near here

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