Little Bradley Falls Trailhead — Attraction in North Carolina

Ok so firstly, if you go, make sure you go to “little” Bradley, unless your up for an adventure, that is very much “NOT” pet friendly, ( due mostly to the climbing and grades of decent/assent). Big Bradley is a blast to hike, but the falls of little Bradley are just amazing! The trail is relaxing, and as we get into the colder days, definitely take the immediate trail up and to your immediate left,( it’s oddly hard to see at first, but when you do it’s like oh? But just follow tree markers). Otherwise your going straight ahead to start hopping and climbing around some sketchy rocks along the creek; however a lot of fun if you are a rock hopping enthusiast. Anyways, the trail will take you to a split where the lower rock hop trail and upper”left” trail meet, and yep your crossing that wide creek bed, (do not go up the left trail.. it leads to private property and some not so polite people :(.. then, up, down, up and around an amazing Forrest-scape and trickling mountain streams. The next large crossing of the creek you can avoid by stone stepping, across the upper part of the little rapids, by going a little left and rock hopping on the much dryer path that will lead you to some nice “rooted” steps to the main trail. After, it’s a beautiful short trail to the falls.. they are gorgeous, and freezing all year round, and worth climbing up, (there have been deaths and injuries doing so, but you’ll see how reckless you’d have to be to be injured). it’s a really fun climb up, century old roots and vines, with the help of ropes and tethers placed by some of our awesome “locals”. In conclusion, a complete hidden gem, and one of the most picturesque waterfalls, that can be both private and crowded. It’s very family friendly, except for maybe grandma, or grandpa who will be tentative about a lot of slick rocks, small gaps, and having to bend, climb-over, and crawl around the downed trees. Last thought: for summer months only if you have an adventurous four legged companion, some sturdy water fairing shoes, or just want the unbeaten path, you can totally just walk the creek bed...

USE THE APP ALL TRAILS.... The amount of reviews saying they got lost or it was dangerous. Very simple trail follow the water upstream. To hard? Download All trails and you can have pinpoint navigation and expert advise from people like me at your fingertips.

The hike is easy, the views are great but the foot traffic of this popular trail is obnoxious. There are two trails, one is closed for construction so the parking area is blocked off. Parking is along the road, please don't park in the road. Please pick up your trash and let people who are moving faster than you get by.

The trail starts on the right side of the road, going upstream, and immediately left. There is a downed tree over the start of the trail, yes that is the start of the trail. Red circles are random but are the trail markers. There are two water crossings, roundtrip was a little over three miles but the trail is easy minus one section. That section of the trail leads into the top of a ravine and has slick rocks, just take your time.

If you take what looks like the lower trail along the water, it is longer and more overgrown. You will have to creek walk some, you will probably also annoy any people fishing or relaxing .

The waterfall and rock features are beautiful. Please don't stand in the way of every other person trying to take pictures, we obviously want to enjoy the nature not your obnoxious family.

Enjoy and bring...

This has got to be one of the most beautiful falls in the Hendersonville area. The trail is rated as moderate with 2 real creek crossings and 2 more of puddle jumps of a creek. If you park in the lot, make sure to cross the road for the trailhead. The trailhead does have parking for about 3 cars. Take a left at the trailhead to go uphill briefly. A third of a mile later, Make sure you turn right at the orange ribbons that are clearly marked for the first real creek crossing. Shortly after the first crossing there will be a second crossing. The second crossing was more than ankle deep and went over my hiking boots. Make sure you wear the appropriate footwear. After the second crossing there a technical rock scramble but it's not too bad. We made it out with a baby strapped to me so I'm sure most can make it with the right abilities. There are a few downed trees to jump and a couple slippery spots and rock scrambles. The falls are so scenic and we had it to ourselves for 30 mins on a Sunday in February. I think most people go to big Bradley but little is sooo...