Secret Falls Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
December 24, 2020The trail was muddy in spots, and trees had fallen across the trail in at least two places. The trail went across two streams where you have to hop on rocks or trees to get across. One you get close to the waterfall, the trail seems to go left and right, but the way down is to the right and you can see a blue trail marker on a tree. The way down has wooden blocks to step on, but muddy in between. It is not an easy trek I’d you have physical limitations. Once down at the bottom, the view is amazing and well worth the hike! If you walk down from the waterfall, then you can see where the stream leads, and if you jump down, can see more .
December 23, 2020December 12, 2020Fantastic quick morning hike. Beautiful falls at the end. Steep at the end and will get the heart pumping coming back up.
December 9, 2020so pretty! easy quick hike and nice place to bring the dogs during the summer time for a swim
December 6, 2020Nice shorter hike that my boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed on this cool December morning! It does get a little steep near the end, but was manageable! Was super impressed with the waterfall, and it may have helped that there had been some rain two days before! Will definitely be back in the summertime!
November 28, 2020November 28, 2020November 25, 2020Lovely hike perfect for a family (our son is 6). The end is a little steep but nothing too hard. The falls are beautiful and the water was low enough to go on the little beach. The road in was single lane switch backs and easy to miss from the main road. We thought we may have gone wrong but luckily kept on going. As long as you take the unpaved road slow and steady it will be ok. We saw a variety of vehicles once we make it to the TH.
November 20, 2020This was a beautiful hike, very peaceful with beautiful reward at the end. The road that gets you to the trail head is nail biter. Up and down a windy gravel road that fits 1 car at a time. We were in a AWD Subaru Ascent and did just fine. There were two points on the trail where you had to cross streams. The first one took some maneuvering over down trees and the second one had a flat log to walk across. A couple down trees in the path along the way but nothing terrible. The stairs at the end of the trail have been washed out. You’ll need to take a bit more care climbing down. The trail is muddy in spots. With our 2 dogs it took us just over an hour there and back.
November 9, 2020Overall quick afternoon hike, very easy and well maintained. The last section down to the base of the falls is steep as others have mentioned, but mostly dry as it hasn't rained in the last 3-4 days. The creek has subsided after Tropical Storm Zeta allowing a dry crossing, but there are still 2 trees down across the trail.
October 30, 2020Very muddy and slick with all the rain from tropical storm Zeta. Climbed over 2 downed trees and crossed running water twice as well. Socks got a bit wet! The trail is pretty washed out between the "steps". The waterfall was definitely worth the trek and was raging today. Overall, a fun but slippery hike.
October 24, 2020Beautiful trail. Middle aged, overweight, and out of shape, I was able to complete this one relatively easily.
October 8, 2020Not a long hike, but might present some difficulty for older folks. Can’t wait to do it again.
September 19, 2020September 18, 20209/18/20 great experience but extremely difficult for older folks. The trail was in very bad shape. From the lower falls back took us and our. Trail was badly washed out in numerous places and was very muddy. I fell once and almost went down twice more.Had to Ford two streams. It was a good adventure and we took the rest of the day off.
September 18, 20209/18/20: Lived up to all the hype! Came after heavy rains, and it was phenomenal. Considering the rains, the trail was in decent shape, but not super well-maintained and there are some washed out areas that definitely gave the older couple I met some trouble. After sitting at the base and enjoying the spray, I went back to where there was a fork, and took it to the top of the falls. There were two options at the fork. the first I tried was a dead end, but the 2nd took me right out on the rocks next to the top. Very very dangerous there though, so I basically butt-scooted & stayed on the dry rocks.
September 8, 2020I'm older with bad knees, so this trail was pretty challenging for me. A lot of steep inclines, slippery mud, very washed out areas and water crossings on wobbly logs. When you get to the falls, it truly is gorgeous. But I think that's a once in a lifetime for me.
September 8, 2020The best waterfall I have seen so far. Hike was easy, not too long, but not short. To get down to the base of the falls was sketchy but so worth it. Great swimming hole, safe(ish) for kids. It was a sandy beach to the left of the falls. Water was ice cold, take your breath away. You must go under water, it’s numbing but refreshing.
September 2, 2020Loved it!!
August 28, 2020Awesome
August 27, 2020Really enjoyed this hike. It wasn't too long or steep but provided a nice secluded waterfall.
August 24, 2020Short trail and amazing views! Definitely a fun place to climb around and explore!
August 23, 2020Muddy and washed out at bottom of falls.
August 23, 2020Hiked Secret Falls this morning with my pup. Yes, it was muddy and washed out in places but it has been raining a lot. Used the stream crossings as rinse off/pup watering opportunities. The streams were a little higher than ankle deep and refreshing so be sure to wear the appropriate shoes. You will come to a fork in the trail. The left side takes you to the top of the falls (through rhododendrons,etc). The right takes you to the pool. Gorgeous payoffs in both directions!
