11-07-2025
Popular waterfall in Pisgah National Forest reopens: What to know before you go
The United States Forest Service is reopening the Elk River Falls Area within the Pisgah National Forest on July 11 after several months spent clearing Tropical Storm Helene debris, according to an announcement from the agency.
Home to a 65-foot waterfall known locally as Big Falls, the area in Avery County experienced significant flooding during the storm that left the river clogged with debris and the trails blocked by downed trees, the Forest Service said. Visitors are advised to exercise caution near the waterfall area.
'Elk River Falls is a popular summer destination, and our community neighbors have been patient while we worked to restore access to the trails and clear the river so we could safely reopen,' District Ranger Jen Barnhart said in the release.
More than 30 volunteers from Wild South, Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina and the Linville-Central Rescue Squad helped Forest Service crews remove trash and debris, including a 250-pound propane tank left after floodwaters receded.
To ensure public safety, the Forest Service monitored the falls for any new hazards and loose debris that could pose a risk. The parking area and entry road leading to Elk River Falls have been repaired and resurfaced for better access, according to the release.
'The reopening of Elk River Falls is not only a win for public access, but also a symbol of the resilience of the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when communities come together to care for one another and our shared public lands,' Halley Burleson, Operations Coordinator for Wild South, said in the release.
Elk River Falls is particularly dangerous after a heavy rain, when strong currents create turbine conditions in the pool below the falls, which is more than 70 feet deep in places, according to forest rangers.
Even before Helene, however, Elk River Falls has been called one of the deadliest waterfalls in Western North Carolina by emergency services officials, with more than 20 over the past couple of decades.
Deaths and serious injuries including paralysis have occurred due to people jumping off the top of the falls and drowning or hitting their heads on slippery rocks, and even drowning while swimming in the pool below the falls and becoming entangled in fishing line, according to past Citizen Times reporting.
In May 2022, a 53-year-old man from Kingsport, Tennessee, drowned while swimming in the Elk River Falls pool.
Witnesses on scene said that Williams "waded out into the water and started to swim. He was seen by a witness go under the water and not resurface," according to an Avery County Sheriff's Office news statement.
'He did not jump. He was just swimming in the pool there at the bottom,' former Avery County Sheriff Danny Phillips said at the time.
Elk River Falls is particularly dangerous after a heavy rain, when strong currents create turbine conditions in the pool below the falls, which is more than 70 feet deep in places, according to forest rangers.
Swimming near, climbing or jumping from waterfalls is incredibly dangerous and can even be fatal, the Forest Service warned. Rangers instructed visitors to follow all posted signage, stay out of the water and not climb rocks around the waterfall.
Entering the water immediately above or below Elk River Falls can be extremely dangerous because of an incredibly strong undercurrent and the height of the waterfall, the release said.
In the latest waterfall-related death in WNC, a man died July 6 while rappelling at Steele Creek Falls in the Burke County area of Pisgah National Forest.
More: Man drowns after rappelling accident in Pisgah National Forest: officials urge caution
More: Man dies at Elk River Falls in Pisgah National Forest, second death here in 6 weeks
WNC's waterfalls are beautiful, but dangerous without proper care taken to stay safe. Follow these guidelines when visiting a waterfall:
Observe all posted signs leading to waterfall areas.
Do not swim or wade upstream near a waterfall.
Watch for slick rocks around waterfalls.
Do not jump off waterfalls or dive into pools.
Do not climb on rocks above waist height.
Watch your children and pets at all times.
Stay on marked trails and observation areas.
More: Waterfalls Park in Newland protected from development by Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
More: Best waterfalls in Western NC: See the tallest, falls with short hikes, swimming holes
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@ and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Popular waterfall in Pisgah National Forest reopens: See where
