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 Reporter |
Summary: Begin by descending the trail from the parking area. Cross the creek and continue along a steep, slick hillside. You will cross the river five times on this hike so make sure you're wearing Goretex boots or be prepared to wade across. Arrive at the top of North Harper Creek Falls. Continue away from the river along the most traveled trail. You will come to a trail intersection with double blazes. Turn right here, continue down the hill, and turn right again at the next trail junction. Continue upstream and cross the river to arrive at the bottom of North Harper Creek Falls. Return to the double blazes, turn right and follow the trail to an old roadbed. At FR-464 ascend Little Lost Cove Cliffs trail to the left. Pass through an old apple orchard to the top of the cliffs. Continue west and descend down the trail back to FR-464. Turn left on FR-464 and travel to the intersection with FR-58. Turn left here to return to the trailhead. Trailhead: From Morganton, NC, take HWY 181N towards Linville. After passing the junction with HWY 183 travel a little less than a mile to SR-1471 (look for a homemade sign for Long Ridge Baptist Church). Turn right on SR-1471 and travel just under a mile to SR-1518. Turn left here, and when you reach the church continue right on FR-464. You will come to a camping area and small parking area, turn right here on FR-58. Go approximately a quarter of a mile until you see a small parking area and trailhead sign for North Harper Creek Trail on the left. You may access the western trailhead for Little Lost Cove Cliffs Trail by continuing on FR-464. That trailhead will be on your right approximately one mile after FR-58. (Lat:36.00719 Lon:-81.85093) Trail Guides for N. Harper Creek-Little Lost Cove Cliffs Loop Hike: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: U.S. Forest Service, Nebo, NC 828-652-2144 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jay on 3/24/2008 Had a perfect day to do this hike weather-wise. Good advice above on creek crossings... don't know how someone in plain shoes could do this one. The payoffs of the waterfall and the views well worth the trip. Highly recommend getting a map of Wilson Creek area. Many other trails in this immediate area to explore. 
Reviewed by Tom on 12/11/2007 Very relaxed half-day hike in the winter. With the leaves down, you can really see into the woods and along the stream. This loop is really 3 trails - follow Blue, then Yellow (east) then Orange blazes (west), with the last mile along the road back.
Reviewed by Derek on 9/8/2007 I really like this hike, I've been on it several times. Warning: There are a couple timber rattle snakes that live under a big rock on the left side (facing down the falls) at the top of the falls.
Reviewed by Andrew on 2/18/2007 Great half-day hike! Incredible views from cliffs and the intensity of the 50 mph gusts made it spectacular. Followed yellow blazes from the 181 side and found it to be a good trail.
Reviewed by Phil on 11/16/2006 Hiked to the falls from the parking area. Followed blue blazes easily but missed the top of the falls because the trail swings away from the creek there. Watch for unmarked trail to the right to see cascades at top of falls. Had trouble finding bottom of falls, but found it by exploring on an unblazed trail back upstream. Beautiful falls, worth the trouble. Found a trail going up left side of falls which crossed the creek just up from the falls (this is the unmarked trail mentioned earlier) and rejoined the blue blazed trail back to the car. 
Reviewed by Debbie on 11/12/2006 Couldn't find the trail. The roads weren't marked very well and the road to the church was closed.
Reviewed by Jim on 6/1/2006 Great Trail with lots of Water Holes to swim in. Did not have much trouble finding the trail. Started getting dark so did not waste time looking for the loop back. Never could find the trial back so just came back the same trail. Would highly recommend especially if you like large and small swimming holes. A few were the size of Hot Tub which is great on a hot day!
Reviewed by op on 5/31/2006 Going first with soneone who knows this trail is helpful. Hike up to the ridge, pass down through the old orchard, through the cool rhododendron forest, to the bottom of the falls. This path is clearly marked. The section around the falls and creek is tricky, expecially if you don't understand how the trail is splitting and rejoining itself. Follow the falls to the top and the old cabin there. It is best if you stay to the right of the creek/falls. Favorite for all its flavors. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Burke County Hiking, Burke County Trails, Burke County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||