Mill Creek Falls — Attraction in Fayetteville

Mill Creek is a rugged mountain stream full of beautiful stream scenes, small waterfalls, and cascades, with Mill Creek Falls being the highlight. Its setting and the small ledges over which the water courses deliver exceptional photo opportunities in all seasons.

You can access Mill Creek Falls via Hawks Nest Road where you can simply park and scramble down to the falls. Continue down the road and take in the view of Hawks Nest Lake which is the New River held back by a dam just downstream. There is a photogenic railroad bridge over the lake. From the parking area, you can also take an easy half-mile hike on the Fisherman’s Trail to Lower Turkey Creek Falls.

You can also hike to Mill Creek Falls on the historic Ansted Rail Trail. This trail is an old railroad bed and one section is a wooden walkway that crosses the stream over an old wooden railroad trestle. The trail is a gentle downhill grade to the falls and is 2.2 miles round trip from the parking area. From this side of the falls the top of the falls is adjacent to and accessible from the rail trail but there doesn't seem to be any safe access to the bottom...

Don't try it. Just to reach a parking lot you had to travel down a one lane SUPER sketchy road. Then, if you wanted to go see this falls, you either had to hike several miles, or continue on down the same one lane, super sketchy road. We ended up coming nose to nose with another truck coming the opposite direction. When I tried to back up, to get to the widest point in the road (hoping that he could get by me) I slid off into a ditch. The truck i was trying to allow to get by me, wound up having to help pull me out. All the while, other cars piled up from both directions. Waiting for this to happen. Needless to say, all of us found someone's driveway, Immediately turned around, and we ALL left in a big hurry! It was not worth everything that we went through. I just thank God that those people were so kind hearted, patient and wonderful for pulling us out. Lesson learned. I hope I can help you all to NOT find yourself in my predicament. Trust me. This is NOT some Grand Cannon level waterfall that is worth risking life...

Completely OFF THE BEATEN PATH!

Awesome waterfalls and a thrill ride wrapped up into one wonderful package!

Beautiful series of small falls leading up to a larger side-by-side set. These falls descend into a refreshing pool before flowing further down the river. (Some were swimming!)

Lots of butterflies nestled into the small little pools on the rocks, drinking up the muddied water!

Roads to get here are very narrow, winding, and paved most of the way. A bit of an adventure on its own as you try to share this almost one lane road with oncoming traffic, through blind curves and downgrades!

Small pull-off areas, fitting one vehicle, can be found along the river near the falls.

There is a walking path that crosses the river, offering benches for viewing.

Absolutely worth the experience!

*We stopped at the Swiftwater General store in Ames on the way out. The staff at this little place were so friendly and appreciative. They have a small cafe as well as...