OutdoorHub Treks: Flat Creek Falls
Taylor Hutchinson 07.28.23
Deep in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest is a picturesque waterfall, in which its namesake does not do it justice. Flat Creek Falls is located near Glanville, North Carolina in the Pathertown Valley backcountry. Seeing the falls from below, its name does not adequately describe the beauty emanating from this waterfall coming from the sky. Looking down from the top takes one’s breath away, giving a sense of awe. There are several options to access this wonder, and the trail will reveal something new each time. The trail crisscrosses between the creek and shelters hikers in a rainforest-like canopy during the Spring and Summer. Of the many waterfalls in Western North Carolina, there are few like that of Flat Creek Falls.
Access to the trail comes in various forms. The most traveled is by road, using the Flat Creek parking area off Rock Bridge Road. Another more adventurous access point is from the lake that Flat Creek feeds into. Hiking in from Bear Creek Lake requires a kayak or watercraft to access the side trail that feeds into the main trail. Adding time on the water turns this half-day hike into an all-day affair. The public access to the lake is quite a way from the trailhead behind the island. This trailhead is marked with a shoe tied to a tree, visible from the shoreline. The trail from the road is about a 5.8-mile hike round trip, while the lake access is 2.2 miles on the trail. Each option is moderately challenging and takes about 2–3 hours to complete. Taking the path from the road provides the opportunity to see the top of the falls before venturing down to the creek bed. If using a map, at Grassy Gap, look for a side trail to the right that leads out to the top of Flat Creek Falls. There’s a view across to Boardtree Knob from the top part of the waterfall. The shortest access is from Bear Creek Lake, but depending on the watercraft may take longer from the public ramp. The falls are so large, it is difficult to see its entire breadth from trails alone. Taking either path, be sure to pay attention to landmarks and broken limbs hiking in. It is easy to get turned around and lose a sense of direction.
While on the trail, expect to experience moderate but rapid elevation gain. Be prepared to encounter some narrow pathways and thick vegetation in some areas near the bottom of the creek. This hike is seldom traveled, so expect to enjoy some solitude. The side trail from the lake leads up a steep incline towards a ridge where the main route resides. The main trail will be marked with red paint on the trees once reached. Once there, take a left to follow the path down the ridge toward the creek bed. Follow the rushing water from the creek down the steady decline. Depending on the time of year, the vegetation will be thicker around ankle and thigh height. A pair of lightweight hiking pants and tick spray go a long way here. Downed trees may litter the trail, but nothing too difficult to traverse. Once at the creek bottom, the pathway crisscrosses about 3 to 4 times. Wear some footwear that can handle wading in ankle-deep water and has rugged soles for a slick river bottom. Continue upstream towards the falls, the vegetation becomes a little bit thicker to wade through. This makes finding the trailhead when crossing streams somewhat difficult. Keep an eye out for orange tape or tree paint. The trail is well-traveled enough to see gaps and broken limbs. Stepping and climbing on rocks becomes more prevalent approaching the falls. Take time with each step as these rocks are slick and wet. Depending on the flow, the pathway to the falls changes to avoid the water flow. Looking up towards the canopy, the waterfall starts to take shape.
At the falls, there are a few spots to rest and enjoy the view. When approaching the falls from the top, it gives the appearance that they flow into nothing. Down below looking up, the falls seem to come directly from the sky, rolling down onto the canopy. The experience is different each time. After some intense rainfall, the falls are roaring and somewhat intimidating. Other times, Flat Creek is tranquil and the flow is a light sprinkle, giving plenty of opportunity to observe while having lunch nearby. Timing the fall’s flow is difficult, as mountain weather is unpredictable and changes rapidly. Each instance provides a unique beauty to behold that is hard to find elsewhere. Take time to observe it and look at the smaller details from the steps and stones that lead down to the creek. Some drier rocks offer the opportunity to climb and pose for a few pictures. Other areas allow for a better view of the top of the falls. The journey to the falls, depending on the path taken, is well worth the time to sit and linger for a while. Although the flow is something to keep a wary eye on. From the creek bottom, the journey home still requires crossing over some tricky spots that are made more difficult with running water. Headed back has its challenges going down the rocky steps. Having a hiking partner and good footwear is a necessity in navigating down. Once on the trail, follow the path back to the main trail on the ridge. From there, take the main trail back up to the road or to the side trail back towards the lake for the paddle home.
The waterfalls in Western North Carolina provide an accessible beauty that provides that sense of awe and wonder. Flat Creek Falls is no exception. It is one of those sights that upon return gives the viewer a whole new perspective. The sights that are too big to grasp in one trip. Each journey shows up as a perfect transitional space before arriving at the destination. Upon arrival, the falls provide a greeting that says “Stay for a while and soak up something new.”
