Grassy Creek Falls — Local services in North Carolina

In summer, 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Grassy Creek Falls, situated very close by Little Switzerland, South Carolina. If you are Staying at the Switzerland Inn, you can walk to this beautiful location.

To get to the falls, proceed north on Chestnut Grove Road, the road which goes under the Blue Ridge Parkway overpass at this location. Then, take a right turn immediately onto the gravel road after going under the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are driving, park here - immediately at the entry to the gravel road. A sign that is maybe a couple of hundred feet down the road indicates that you cannot park beyond that point, as it is private property, but walking is welcome. It is not easy to turn around if you venture past that point, so I recommend parking immediately upon turning onto the gravel road being sure to not block access.

After parking, you'll have approximately a 1-mile long hike to the falls. About 60 to 70% of this will be along a gravel road which provides access for local residents. Please be respectful of their properties. It is an enjoyable hike, and the properties are beautiful. The directions to the falls are well-marked.

After perhaps 1/2 to 3/4 miles of hiking the road, you'll make a right turn onto a smaller trail that has a chain blocking vehicle access. The trail itself has a spring flowing alongside and, in places, over it. So, it can be wet. Hiking shoes or shoes with a good sole will do just fine.

The hardest parts of the trail are a couple of places where a log blocks the path (go over or crouch to go under) and fording a small, shallow stream. Some logs provide a way to get across, but beware - it can be slippery. That said, hiking with my older (60s) parents proved no issue with any of this.

As you hike down the trail, Grassy Creek will be on your right, affording some nice views of smaller falls before you reach the main ones. The main falls will be obvious. However, the trails that provide access to the falls themselves are less evident. During my trip here, I spotted two trails that lead down the fairly steep (appx 50-degrees) slope. The first involves climbing down some sharp drops involving boulders. The second is more forgiving, but in muddy and mossy places is treacherously slick.

If you want to climb down to the falls for a great view, I recommend going slow, testing your footing, and gripping the ample branches and trees as you proceed. Watch out for loose rocks that might give way. Your efforts will be rewarded with access to a mostly flat rock that is situated right beneath the lower tier of the falls. Be cautious, though, as this can be slippery as well.

The climb down was very worthwhile. Everyone in my group (again, several adults age 60+) made it down and back up just fine.

The return trip from the falls is a bit more strenuous, as it is fully uphill. That said, having hiked a lot in Florida and in the Carolina mountains, I'd rate the trail as "moderate" in difficulty. Overall, I'm glad we made the excursion to...

Park your car at the top of grassy creek falls road, you will see a sign to please not drive further down the road and park cause there are few houses sure they like their privacy not your vehicle parked on the road! It's fairly easy hike just Follow the road down see metal chain across trees go that way about quarter mile after that you can hear the falls on the right. Hardest part walking back up the road you came down. It's a beautiful waterfall definitely a must see! but be aware it is pretty steep getting down to the falls but worth it also the falls cascade down the rocks quite aways but be careful it is...

This is not an easy hike to get to these falls, and getting back to your car is really the tough part as it is all uphill! However this also feels like you are discovering a hidden gem without a crowd of tourists around. I also visited in the dead of winter so I do wonder what it would be like in warmer weather. You must walk down a gravel road past some private homes. Finally there will be a small sign. The trail was very muddy the day I went and there is a point where you had to cross over a creek on a fallen tree. It was all worth it as you can get right up to the falls and have all the time you want to...