Perhaps the most spectacular waterfall hike in North Carolina, Bird Falls along the North Fork of the French Broad River near Balsam Grove is beyond breathtaking. A hike of about four-tenths of a mile leads wide-eyed visitors to a 20-foot waterfall that then flows right under and past a massive cliff complete with colorful sediment striations in the rock face. Let’s take a closer look at Bird Rock Falls in North Carolina.

Come along with us on this 0.8-mile (total out and back) hike that features not one, but FIVE waterfalls, the most stunning of which is Bird Rock Falls found at the end of the short trail.
Travis Morris/Google
The hike begins on a gravel road found just below the red house seen here.
Google/Aimee Lim
At just over 500 feet into the hike visitors are wowed by twin waterfalls from opposing creeks that converge at this very point. The falls are each 15 feet high and the sound, alone, is enough to soothe away any worries of the day.
Google/Suzie Pressley
The waterfall nearest to the red house is called Shoal Creek Falls; while the other waterfall is called French Broad Falls. Together, the twin falls are called Mill Shoals Falls.
The trail continues on with much to see and admire. Small water crossings are easy to negotiate on this short and easy trail with so little elevation change it's hardly noticeable.
AllTrails/Graeme McGufficke

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After a set of stairs and yet two more smaller waterfalls, hikers are completely in awe of Bird Rock Falls.
Genesis Garza/Google
Bird Rock Falls is a rolling cascade that tumbles 20 feet over a smooth rock surface.
Travis Morris/Google
As beautiful as the sight of the falls is, there's more to see than just the waterfall! A ginormous rock ledge with the bottom carved out over time by the raging waters of the North Fork of the French Broad River clearly turns this waterfall view into much more.
Hikers are hard-pressed to find anything else quite like Bird Rock Falls anywhere in North Carolina.
Google/torie quismundo
It's worth noting that Bird Rock Falls and access to all five of these waterfalls is on private property belonging to Living Waters Ministry. However, the ministry does generously allow the public access to enjoy this wonderful hike (hiking is at your own risk, though).
AllTrails/Michael Elsner

Take a look at the stunning views here:

The only request from the ministry is that public parking for hikers should be utilized only on the shoulder of NC Highway 215. The parking lot behind the Ministry is reserved for Ministry guests. Can you imagine the sight of this spectacular waterfall view in North Carolina? What are you waiting for? Hit the road and go see Bird Rock Falls in North Carolina in person! Have you already done so? Let us know about it in the comments. If you’re looking for more places like this, check out these stunning waterfalls in North Carolina.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of North Carolina

William Suphan | May 25, 2023

What are the most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina? 

The most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina include:

  • Craggy Pinnacle Overlook. Take a short hike near the Blue Ridge Parkway to a stunning view of Craggy Gardens.
  • Camp Alice Trail. This Trail leads you to gorgeous open fields with amazing views of Mt. Mitchell and there's hardly anyone here.
  • Hawksbill Mountain. Take a day hike up this mountain to get breathtaking views of Linville Gorge.
  • SOCO Falls. This is an idyllic and quiet area with tiny waterfalls and streams just off Highway 19.

Find out more about the most relaxing natural areas in North Carolina. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina? 

The most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina include:

  • The Outer Banks. This is a collection of barrier islands that stretch on for 200 miles. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
  • Pilot Mountain. This intriguing mountain is a local landmark and is the last remaining portion of the ancient Sauratown mountain chain.
  • Looking Glass Rock. This ancient stone mountain formed over 390 million years ago and is made of whiteside granite.
  • Whitewater Falls. These are the tallest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. These gorgeous falls are 811 feet tall.

Discover more about the most incredible natural wonders in North Carolina. 

What are some bucket list nature spots in North Carolina? 

Bucket list nature spots in North Carolina include:

  • Sand Dollar Island. Take a ferry out to this tiny Island and collect dozens of sand dollars along the beautiful shores.
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is one of the largest old-growth forests in the nation with gigantic trees and a ton of gorgeous green nature.
  • McGalliard Falls Park. You'll find natural rock water slides here as well as a historic, old-fashioned mill.
  • White Lake. This has been a popular local vacation destination for several decades. It has white sand beaches and crystal-clear water.

Learn more about bucket list nature spots in North Carolina. 

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Bird Rock Falls, North Carolina 28708, USA