Slick Rock Falls

Last updated
Slick Rock Falls
Slickrockfallssm.JPG
Slick Rock Falls, March 2007
Slick Rock Falls
Location Pisgah National Forest, Transylvania County, North Carolina
Coordinates 35°17′36″N82°47′50″W / 35.293441°N 82.797109°W / 35.293441; -82.797109
Type Plunge
Total height30 ft (9 m)
Number of drops1

Slick Rock Falls is a waterfall in Western North Carolina, located near Brevard.

Contents

Geology

Slick Rock Falls flows on Slick Rock Creek over an overhanging bluff. The falls occasionally dries to a near-trickle, depending on the available watershed.

Natural history

The falls is named for the slick rocks at the top and bottom of the falls. Before becoming a part of the Pisgah National Forest, a cattle trail crossed Slick Rock Creek near the top of the falls, and occasionally, a stray animal would be carried over the falls. [1]

Visiting the Falls

The falls are open to the public and are accessible by traveling on U.S. Highway 276, approximately 5.2 miles north of the intersection of 276, U.S. Highway 64, and NC Highway 280 in Brevard, North Carolina. Turn left onto Forest Road 475 and go 1.5 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 475B. Go north 1.1 miles. You will come to a sharp left-hand curve with a small pullout on the outside of the curve. Park here and follow the trail for 55 yards, taking the right fork to the base of the falls in approximately 45 yards.

Nearby Falls

Rockhouse Creek Falls Rockhouse Creek Falls.jpg
Rockhouse Creek Falls

Approximately .5 miles (.9 km) north of Slick Rock Falls on Forest Road 475B is Rockhouse Creek Falls. It is almost impossible to view the falls anytime other than winter, due to a thick forest of rhododendron, mountain laurel, and dog hobble. There is no trail of any kind to the falls, and exploring this area is extremely hazardous.

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References

  1. Adams, Kevin, (2005). - North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide. - Winston-Salem, North Carolina: John F. Blair. - p.224. - ISBN   0-89587-320-6