Tab/Accordion Items

  • Do not climb on rocks or waterfalls.
  • Do not jump, slide or dive from waterfalls.
  • Areas marked "No Entry," "Do Not Enter" or "Authorized Personnel Only" are prohibited to all forest visitors.
  • Do not swim or wade less than 300' upstream of waterfalls.
  • Drones are not allowed.
  • Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited.
  • Pets must be on a physical leash and under your control at all times.
  • Campfires and cooking fires (charcoal, gas, wood, or other fuel) are not allowed on any part of the forest.
  • Take your trash with you.
  • Leave all rocks where you find them.
  • Commercial use, weddings, ceremonies, special events, etc. are by permit only.
  • Forest use is at your own risk.
  • Click to read a complete list of forest rules.
Violators are subject to misdemeanor charges and/or forest expulsion by authority of N.C.G.S. 106-877.

Caution! Waterfalls Are Natural Hazards!

  • Do not swim or wade above waterfalls​.
  • Do not climb on rocks or waterfalls.
  • Do not jump, dive, or slide off waterfalls.
  • Do not enter areas marked "Do Not Enter" or "No Entry."
  • Use caution walking on wet rocks. They are slipping hazards.
  • Do not assume rocks at the base of a waterfall are stable enough to walk on.
  • Do not assume that pools of water underneath waterfalls are free of debris.
  • Be aware​ that most DSRF waterfalls have limited cellphone service. Emergency response times may be extended for these locations.

Directions to High Falls

From High Falls Access Area
 

Start at the trailhead at the end of the parking area. Hikers can take the foot trail, other users Buck Forest Road, for approximately 0.3 miles, to a left on High Falls Loop then a right turn at the fork toward High Falls. Continue 0.2 miles on High Falls Loop to the viewing area and picnic shelter. Total walking distance: 0.5 miles one way.

To reach the base of High Falls, continue down High Falls Loop and turn onto the the side trail marked Base of High Falls. Once at the base be careful and do not attempt to cross the river or climb up the rocks.

Directions to Bridal Veil Falls 

​From High Falls Access Area

Travel down Buck Forest Road until you reach the Buck Forest Road and Conservation Road intersection. Turn right on Conservation Road and continue until you reach Bridal Veil Falls Road. Continue on Bridal Veil Falls Road until you reach the viewing platform. Total walking distance: 2.5 miles one way.

From Fawn Lake Access Area

From the Fawn Lake Access Area, go right 0.1 miles on Fawn Lake Road. Turn left on Conservation Road and continue for 1.5 miles (you will pass an airstrip) then left on Bridal Veil Falls Road for 0.5 miles to the viewing platform. Total walking distance: 2.1 miles one way.
 

Directions to Grassy Creek Falls

From High Falls

Cross the covered bridge and take the Buck Forest Road until it crosses the Grassy Creek Bridge. After the bridge, continue straight onto Lake Imaging Road. Look for a Grassy Creek Falls Trail on the left. 

This page was last modified on 09/29/2024