Glen Burney Falls

Glen Burney Falls is a beautiful 50-foot sliding waterfall tucked in a deep ravine just minutes from the charming town of Blowing Rock. The water of New Year's Creek slides down a broad, moss-covered rock face surrounded by old-growth hemlocks and dense rhododendron thickets. The enclosed setting creates an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the nearby tourist village.

The Glen Burney Trail descends steeply from Annie Cannon Park in downtown Blowing Rock, passing two other waterfalls — The Cascades and Glen Marie Falls — before reaching Glen Burney Falls. The trail loses over 600 feet of elevation, so the return hike is a genuine workout. Wooden stairs and bridges help navigate the steeper sections.

Spring wildflowers carpet the trail in April and May, while the rhododendron bloom in June adds splashes of pink and white. Fall color peaks in mid-October at this elevation. The trail can be slippery when wet, so wear appropriate footwear. This is one of the finest waterfall hikes in the NC High Country.