Skinny Dip Falls
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Skinny Dip Falls is small and very different from the three waterfalls just upstream in Graveyard Fields, but it still has a relaxed, inviting charm—or at least it did. In August 2021, Tropical Storm Fred caused major damage here and at several nearby waterfalls. Scroll down for more on that.
Even so, I still recommend visiting. The trail winds through beautiful forest filled with spring wildflowers, and the waterfall is gradually recovering. First-time visitors may find the boulder-strewn series of cascades appealing. Those who remember it before Fred may find the changes hard to take.
Skinny Dip Falls before Tropical Storm Fred. (052G-101504)
Driving Directions
Open driving directions in map appPark at Looking Glass Rock Overlook on Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 417. The overlook is about halfway between US 276 (to the north) and NC 215 (to the south).
Hiking Directions
Quick Glance
Cross the Parkway on north side of overlook to pick up trail. Follow trail to junction with Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Go straight on MST and follow trail to falls.
Detailed Look
Cross the Parkway on north side of overlook to pick up the obvious trail. In a few hundred feet you’ll pass Dragon Tree. Shortly beyond the tree, you’ll come to the junction with Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which goes to the right and straight ahead. Go straight and follow MST the rest of the way to the waterfall.
Cross the Parkway on the north side of the overlook and take the obvious trail. After a few hundred feet, you’ll pass Dragon Tree. Just beyond it, you’ll reach a junction with Mountains-to-Sea Trail, where the trail goes right and straight ahead. Continue straight on MST and follow it to the waterfall.
Other Hiking Options
Mountains-to-Sea Trail continues from Skinny Dip Falls and reaches Graveyard Fields in about 1.5 miles, with access to Yellowstone Falls and Second Falls, before reaching the spur trail that leads up to the parking area on Blue Ridge Parkway. This makes an excellent shuttle hike, less than three miles long.
From Skinny Dip Falls, Mountains-to-Sea Trail continues about 1.5 miles to Graveyard Fields, passing spur paths for Yellowstone Falls and Second Falls before reaching the trail leading up to the Blue Ridge Parkway parking area. This makes an excellent shuttle hike.
| Accessibility: | Hiking trail |
| County: | Haywood |
| River Basin: | French Broad |
| Watercourse: | Yellowstone Prong of East Fork Pigeon River |
| Watershed: | Small |
| Type and Height: | Series of small cascades and steep slides; overall drop about 40 feet Height estimated from LiDAR map. |
| Landowner: | Pisgah NF, Pisgah RD |
| Beauty Rating: | 4 I rated it 7 before Tropical Storm Fred. |
| Elevation: | 4360 feet |
| USGS Map: | Shining Rock |
| Hike Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Hike Distance: | About 0.4 miles |
| Waterfall GPS: | 35.32222, -82.83357 |
| Trailhead GPS: | 35.322412, -82.833664 |
Photo Gallery
Click a photo to enlarge.
Then & Now
