Rock Creek Falls Hiking Trail — Attraction in Erwin

We had a lot of fun and it's a really beautiful place. But, we had several issues along the way and couldn't locate anyone to assist us. The website said there would be someone on site all the time. But there was no information as to where to find them. The email we received to confirm our reservation had 2 different check-in and out times. So we weren't sure which was correct. We had 2 adults and 5 children in our group. I was upset both night because there were people up all night partying very loudly. I'm talking yelling and acting crazy at 1 am!! It was very frustrating, especially when you have small children who were new to camping and a little scared to begin with. We had trouble finding a trash can, and people around us seemed to have the same problem. Bc several people walking by our site and stopped to ask us if we knew where it was. There should be better signage as to where to locate assistance if you need it and where to throw away your trash. But the most disappointing situation of all was the state our campsite was left in, by the people who stayed the night before us. There were cans and trash, all in the fire pit. They had thrown food on the ground all over the campsite. Which we had to pick up in order to keep animals away. Plus cigarette butts all over the place, dried rotten food stuck to the picnic table and just a huge mess everywhere. It was disappointing that we had to take an hour out of our vacation to clean up someone else's mess!! But other than the few issues we had, it was an okay trip. But it It could have been a lot better, though!! Hopefully, these issues will be addressed!! Because it really is a beauty camp site and we'd love to stay...

Great 2.5 mi each way hike. 4 River crossings that were pretty simple to traverse.

Didn't see super clear instructions but sort of figured it out by looking at the smaller "you are here" map.

When you drive in keep right, you'll see a playground area (go potty there if you need to) them keep driving around the circle to the right (don't take the first lft which is an exit), you'll most likely end up at a gated drive, park to the right then walk past the gated drive following the sign to camping area, you'll pass a water retention & amphitheater area and see a building to the right, walk back behind that on the paved path, then you'll see some smaller vertical signs to the left directing you to a gravel path, which will then come to a bridge (lft) and larger brown sign to the right directing you to the falls path. Take that path and then as you walk half a mile or so flat you'll see a bridge with no clear indication whether you go left across the bridge or stay right on the trail, stay right (someone wrote on the bridge in sharpie) which helped us redirect. Then you'll start to go uphill a bit and cross the river 4 times, them you'll see the falls! There's a steep path down to the base which has a great 360 view but is very steep and slippery. There's a rock outcrop off the left towards the end of the trail that's a bit more accessible to those who don't want to go to the base but get a good view. Hope this helps with directions (images added in the order to help keep your eye out for each turn/assisted direction). Great hike and we'll worth it. We did it in the rain and it was still beautiful and...

Arduously steep, rocky, completely uphill, 2½ mile trail that skirts alongside Rock Creek (generally within 100 yards of it) and crosses it several times before reaching this extremely picturesque waterfall. The return hike back to Rock Creek Park is considerably faster downhill. Taking my pitbull on leash made possible black bear encounter less worrisome. Came across definite bear skat on the trail before reaching the falls! Not recommended for most seniors and definitely not small children unless you have no issues with carrying them for most of this strenuous journey! Beautifully scenic waterfall and lushly dense forest trek! Wishing you fun...