Waterfall

Upper Sugar Creek Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: .7 ml

Accessibility: Trail and Bushwhack

Beauty Rating: 5

Photo Rating: 4

River: Sugar Creek

Watershed: Small

Type & Height: Steep cascade about 25 feet high

Landowner: Nantahala NF, Nantahala RD

Canopy: Closed

Waterfall GPS: N 35.3093, W -83.0341

Best Time of Year: Apr 16 - Apr 16

Directions to Trailhead: Same as for Sugar Creek Falls.

Hike Description: Hike to Sugar Creek Falls. Climb up the bank on river right and head upstream. You can follow remnants of logging roads part of the way. When you see the falls, drop back down to the creek and work your way to the base.

Overview: Upper Sugar Creek Falls is not as scenic as the lower falls, and it’s tougher to reach. But if you’ve made it as far into the boonies as the lower falls, you might as well cross the upper one off your list on the same trip. The river-right slope beside the falls is covered in garbage. It was dumped illegally when the old logging road above was open to vehicle traffic. Fortunately, you can’t see any of it from the base of the falls.

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