Wolf Creek Falls Driving and Hiking Directions

 

above: photo of Wolf Creek Falls from the base

Wolf Creek Falls Driving and Hiking Directions 

The Story Behind Wolf Creek Falls

  Back years ago I used to go hiking and get into mischief with Bill Stowell and Craig DeLoach.  I think it was Winter of 2004 when we decided to hunt this beauty up.   I know we did other things that day, but I can't recollect all of it.  Finding Wolf Creek Falls made an impression on me that lasted for a number of reasons.  First of all it is a stunning waterfall.  Secondly it is on public land so it is alright to visit.   Thirdly we had to hunt like mad to find it and it was fun and a challenge.

     When you are going to drive through an area where there are coon dogs running loose, roosters, chickens, junked cars laying around and hillbillys live there you'd best take you a hillbilly with you.  I know that's why they invited me. That and my dogged determination to find the waterfall!    Bill drove, but I think we took my jeep.  We didn't go either way I'm about to give directions for so don't try this at home folks.  We are lucky we didn't get our killing done.

 

    Bill had done some digging and found a road that came within less than a mile of the falls, but up the hill from it.   He knew we would be above Wolf Creek anyhow.   That area is a maze of old roads and by that I mean dirt tracks.   We went to the end of the road which passed by some sketchy looking dwellings and yes there were dogs, roosters, chickens, and junked cars.

Yet at the end of this road where we had to stop there was nothing, but woods.  We started downhill toward the stream.  I think all of us wondered if we'd even find it today.

I was walking downhill when I looked and saw an arrow on the ground formed from stones.

Pointing the way we were going.   We took heart from that and before too much longer came out on a dirt track road.   Wolf Creek flowed strongly just past the dirt track. We had at least found the creek. We followed it upstream.  The terrain was flat and appeared to be continuing to be flat.

I don't know how far we walked until I decided this had to be wrong.  I persuaded them to try heading downstream.  We did and the terrain remained flat.  It was February and very cold, but sunny day.    I began hearing something in the distance. The dirt track we were following was easy walking on level ground.  Finally we came to an open area that was obviously a campsite. 

We could hear the falls, but couldn't see it.  Following the sound we soon found ourselves looking at Wolf Creek Falls! We were elated.  It is rewarding to be successful finding a waterfall any time, but especially in terrain that has been flat and you really wouldn't expect one.  Remember, all it takes is one topo line combined with a creek to make a waterfall.  Topo lines can vary in how much elevation change there is from one to another, but the average is 20 to 30 feet.  Wolf Creek Falls is thirty feet high!  I will always think highly of Bill and Craig because of the adventures we had.  Bill put up with a lot from me.  I got out on Twisting Falls and made him come get me one Summer because of a snake. I was barefooted wading the creek.  I saw a baby gray rat snake laying in the water near where my toes would be and I freaked out.  I made him come hold my hand and walk me back. Such a pussy I was.  Harmless baby snake and me crying. 

Below is a photo of Wolf Creek Falls taken that day. Icy! 

      

Driving Directions to Wolf Creek Falls 

I preface these directions with the following caveat.  I have not visited Wolf Creek Falls in six years or so.  I cannot vouch for what shape the road is in now.   I can tell you don't try it without a high clearance, 4WD vehicle.   

Waypoint for Wolf Creek Falls is 

35.866450,-82.929886

Wolf Creek Falls Driving Directions from Max Patch

Directions from Max Patch parking area: Turn right onto Max Patch road and drive 4.7 miles. On your way, you'll pass by Max Patch pond , and further down a parking area for AT access, both on your right. At 4.7 miles, turn right after a sign pointing the way to Rattlesnake Gap, and continue up this road for 1.7 miles till you get to Rattlesnake Gap. Once there, continue to the right again and drive an additional 3.1 miles to a wide area immediately before the road crosses a creek. Park here. The dirt road to the left will lead you to the falls (while it looks at first glance to be drivable, it isn't). It's probably a fourth of mile walk to the falls. There's a short path that leads to the top of the falls. It's a neat perspective, but you can't really see much from there (Be careful and don't attempt to step out on the rocks or stand on the edge of the falls!). The better and much safer views are found by taking the short, narrow trail to the right that leads down to the base of the falls. Enjoy!

per Appalachian Treks 

I will say that the only thing I'd add to that is with my jeep the creek crossing is totally drivable and we always drive it and pull up into the old campsite at the top of the falls.  It is less than 1/4 mile to the falls then. Plus you don't get your feet wet.

Hiking Directions to Wolf Creek Falls

Waypoint for the falls is shown above and you may want a GPS, but it isn't necessary.

Hiking to Wolf Creek Falls comes in from the Del Rio area and you are hiking in BELOW the falls instead of above.  It is not the easiest hike as there are numerous creek  crossings and the trail is very muddy in places.   It is a beautiful hike though and the scenery is pretty the whole way.  I have never seen as many Vasey's trilliums anywhere as we saw the day we hiked in to the waterfall. Plan for lots of over the boot tops wades and mud.  Take water shoes or just bring a change of clothes and shoes for when  you are done.

Driving to the Wolf Creek Trailhead from Hot Springs NC

Drive west on Dixie Hwy (70/25) for 6.30 miles 

Turn LEFT onto Wolf Creek Road

Drive Wolf Creek Road for 0.20 miles to where you BEAR RIGHT onto another arm of Wolf Creek Road

Stay on this for 0.60 miles to a LEFT turn into the parking area and Trailhead to begin your hike to Wolf Creek Falls

There are no facilities at this trailhead

Begin  your Hike by leaving the parking area and continuing straight or SOUTH on Wolf Creek Road which is now a trail . It is a continuation of the road you drove in on, but the conditions deteriorate from 

road for vehicles to foot travel only.

Stay on this trail for 3.5 miles to Wolf Creek Falls.

The trail has numerous over the boot top wade crossings

It is muddy along much of it as people used to drive mini bikes and four wheelers here as well as horse travel.  

It is gradual uphill to the falls.  You will swing left on a short set of switchbacks that will bring you up to the falls.  It has a dirt berm to deter vehicle traffic on the foot trail. 

You are hiking upstream on Wolf Creek to the falls.

There is an additional Drive and hike route via upper Shut In Road, but I will not include that until I have done it myself at least once. 

Below is a short video of Wolf Creek Falls from 2020.