Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.
Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Revenue from our advertising and affiliate links goes back into our business and toward supporting communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation.
Grassy Creek Falls in Little Switzerland is an incredible 25-foot multi-level cascade waterfall that sits on private property but remains open to the public. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and even your room at Switzerland Inn if you’re fortunate enough to be staying there.
And while this hike near Spruce Pine is not as well-known as some of the other waterfalls in Western North Carolina, a visit to Grassy Creek Falls will demonstrate that it’s worth the walk and absolutely deserving of your morning or afternoon.
Read More: The Most Beautiful Waterfalls near Asheville
Is Grassy Creek Falls still open?
After receiving multiple reports that Grassy Creek Falls had closed, we eventually received an email on behalf of the current property owners.
I represent the new owners of land on which Grassy Creek Falls (Little Switzerland) are located. For decades the prior family allowed day hikers, however, as of August, 2022, they along with the property owners who live along Grassy Creek Falls Road will be posting signage notifying the public that access to the falls is no longer granted. This comes after many years of heavy traffic congestion at peak times, damage to property, trash, noise, etc. and together with the new property owner they regretfully give notice that access to the falls is closed. A few too many bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else. Fortunately, there are plenty of public access falls here in NC, but this one is no longer available to the public. Thank you for your cooperation.
However, we have left it up on our site to raise awareness that it’s NOT okay to go down to the falls.
Read More: Stunning Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Grassy Creek Falls
Clarification Note: This Grassy Creek Falls is not to be confused with the one near Wintergreen Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Read More: 100+ Wonderful Places to Visit in Western North Carolina
Facts About this Grassy Creek Falls
Save This Article!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
As we mentioned earlier, Grassy Creek Falls is a two-tiered waterfall that’s 25 feet high, from top to bottom.
Although it’s not as tall as some of the bigger waterfalls in North Carolina, seeing it up close proved to us that this place belongs on our NC Bucket List.
And while it technically does sit on private property, Grassy Creek Falls is thankfully open to the public. When you visit, please remember to leave no trace while hiking and also be respectful of the homes that you will pass on your hike to the waterfall. That way it will stay open for us all to enjoy.
Read More: The Most Wonderful Places to Visit in the High Country
One important thing to remember is that the parking area can fill up quickly. That’s why you should try to arrive at Grassy Creek Falls as early as possible so you can enjoy it in relative peace.
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Asheville
The Walk
The hike was an easy two-miles round trip with a gradually declined slope. Sometimes that hike back out from a waterfall can be grueling! But Grassy Creek Falls was really quite easy to get to and to hike back out of!
We followed an unpaved road for approximately 2/3 of a mile until seeing a sign that instructed us to turn right. Five minutes later we could hear and see the waterfalls on our right.
To get a closer look and to get to the base of the waterfall there are steep and narrow paths.
We decided to take turns going to the base of the waterfalls because these paths were too steep for us to safely carry our toddler up and down.
Read More: 100+ Hiking Trails in North Carolina
Things to Do in Little Switzerland Nearby
The little community of Little Switzerland really is adorable and packed with fun things to do. Before going on your hike, stop in the book store for a coffee and to browse the titles.
That place offers amazing food and even made our guide to North Carolina barbecue. Stop by and prepare for a wonderful meal!
Read More: The Most Amazing Small Towns in North Carolina
More Fun Within a Drive
If you’re looking to get out and see more of the mountains, Little Switzerland is in a great spot. The mountain towns of Spruce Pine in Mitchell County and Marion and Old Fort in McDowell County are all close by.
Little Switzerland is also within an hour of Asheville and Lake Lure to the south, Blowing Rock and Boone to the north, and so much more in between.
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Boone
Waterfalls
If you’re on the hunt for more waterfalls, Crabtree Falls is 10 minutes away and Tom’s Creek Falls is just 20 minutes from Little Switzerland. Those hikes are longer and more strenuous, so plan accordingly!
Linville Falls is also nearby, within a 30 minutes drive. And one more we need to mention is Catawba Falls in Old Fort. It’s about 45 minutes away from Little Switzerland and absolutely worth the drive if you’re craving waterfalls.
There are many more fun things to do in and around Little Switzerland that you’ll just have to come and check it out for yourself.
Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Boone (within 2 Hours)
We’ll Miss Grassy Creek Falls!
We’re so grateful to be able to visit Grassy Creek Falls while it was open to the public.
Have you ever seen this gorgeous waterfall in person? What did you think of it?
Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)
