Waterfalls in Avery County, NC - Elk Falls, Hunt-Fish Falls

Avery County, NC is located 60 miles northeast of Asheville, between Asheville and Boone, just off of US Hwy 221. The county seat of Avery County is Newland, NC. Avery County borders Tennessee, less than 30 miles southeast of Johnson City, TN. For our Western North Carolina Waterfalls Guide we have chosen to feature two waterfalls in Avery County: Elk Falls and Hunt-Fish Falls. Each have short hikes, fairly difficult hikes, but are well worth the effort.

For more on Avery County visit Wikipedia’s Avery County Article.

Elk Falls

Directions: Elk Falls is a truly stunning waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest. From the junction of N.C. 194 and U.S. 19E, drive north on U.S. 19E towards Elk Park. After driving 0.7 miles, make a right and then an immediate left onto Main Street (S.R. 1303). Drive for 0.35 miles and make a right onto Elk River Road. Drive for 4 more miles until you reach the parking area beside the river. The trail leads from the parking area to the top of the falls and then onto the base area of the falls.

Trail Length: 0.2 miles
Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Hunt-Fish Falls

Directions: From Grandfather Mountain, Drive almost 6 miles south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn left onto S.R. 1518 and drive for 1.75 miles to a fork. Turn left onto F.R. 464 and drive just over 6 miles until you reach a parking area on the left.

Trail Length: 0.75 miles
Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult