Apple Orchard Falls

Apple Orchard Falls is a 200-foot cascade in the Jefferson National Forest where a tributary of North Creek drops through a spectacular boulder garden along the Blue Ridge escarpment. The water cascades and slides through a series of drops over massive boulders and rock faces, creating a varied and beautiful display. Wooden stairs and a footbridge at the base provide excellent viewing access.

The Apple Orchard Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile round trip with moderate difficulty, following a fast-gathering tributary of North Creek. The trail passes through a diverse forest and a fascinating boulder garden before wooden stairs lead down to a bridge at the base of the falls.

Spring snowmelt and rain produce the best flow, and the surrounding forest offers excellent fall color. The trail is accessible year-round though winter ice can make the stairs treacherous. Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, this makes an excellent Parkway side trip.