Lower waterfall on Chestnut Creek
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Although small and difficult to reach, this is a delightful waterfall in an amphitheater like the upstream waterfall and Courthouse Falls, though on a smaller scale from those two. I really like it!
(022C2-252450)
Driving Directions
The trailhead is the same as Courthouse Falls and the upper waterfalls on Courthouse Creek, Cody Falls, and all the waterfalls on Chestnut Creek. From Beech Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 6.65 miles south on NC 215 and turn left on the gravel FS 140 (Courthouse Creek Road). FS 140 is 10.4 miles north of US 64. Follow the road for 2.5 miles to the gate and park in the cleared area on the left. This trailhead is 0.2 miles farther on FS 140 than the trailhead for Kiesee Falls and Upper Kiesee Falls.
Note that as of this writing, FS 140 is closed indefinitely. If it is closed when you visit, you’ll have to park in the area beside NC 215, across from FS 140, and walk the road.
Hiking Directions
Quick Glance
Hike 0.1 miles on FS 140, turn right on FS 5031, hike 0.8 miles to a fork, and take the path on the left that leads down to Chestnut Falls. When you reach Chestnut Creek, follow it downstream to the top of the middle falls, then swing wide around on river right to reach the base. The lower waterfall is a short distance downstream, also requiring you to swing around on river right to reach the base.
Detailed Look
There are a few ways to reach this waterfall and the falls upstream, none of them easy. I got there by hiking first to Chestnut Falls, then following the creek downstream. I stayed mostly in the creekbed until I got close to the top of the middle falls, then I swung around on river right to reach the base. That part was an especially tough doghobble wade. Whether you go river right or river left, you must swing wide to avoid the cliffs around the falls, then creekwalk back up to the base.
To reach the lower falls, I did the same thing, swinging around on river right and then creekwalking back up to the base.
After viewing the lower falls, I followed the creek downstream to FS 140. This was much easier than retracing my steps would have been. I passed one more little waterfall on the way. It’s pretty, but not really suitable for a full listing.
The little waterfall downstream from the lower waterfall on Chestnut Creek.(022C3-252509)
To reach Chestnut Falls, walk past the gate on FS 140 and continue about 0.1 miles to FS 5031 (Kiesee Creek Road) on the right. Follow FR 5031 on a moderate uphill grade. Whenever you come to a fork or a road turning right, go left on the more obvious road. You’ll top out and begin a gradual descent along a narrow ridge. Continue staying to the left at any junctions. At a little over 0.8 miles from FR 140, you’ll come to a fork at a grassy area. Look for a path entering the woods on the left. It may be a little hard to find but look around and you should see it. The path leads several hundred feet to Chestnut Creek near the waterfall. The path is overgrown and has several fallen trees over it.
| Accessibility: | Hiking trail and Class III bushwhack |
| County: | Transylvania |
| River Basin: | French Broad |
| Watercourse: | Chestnut Creek |
| Watershed: | Small |
| Type and Height: | Steep, 16-foot drop through narrow slot. Height measured with rangefinder. |
| Landowner: | Pisgah NF, Pisgah RD |
| Beauty Rating: | 6 |
| Elevation: | 3600 feet |
| USGS Map: | Sam Knob |
| Hike Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Hike Distance: | Approx. 1.3 miles |
| Waterfall GPS: | 35.276919, -82.88772 |
| Trailhead GPS: | 35.269447, -82.8891 |
