Waterfall on Thorps Creek

This is a small falls, but pretty in the right conditions - and nice to visit anytime, since it's so close to the Mortimer Campground. A short free-fall in several parts turns into a gentle sliding cascade into a medium-sized pool carved out of the bedrock. The flow is low to medium on this creek, so wet weather definitely helps this one.

GPS Directions & Map

From Current Location or address: Go

Driving Directions

From Asheville, take I-240 East to I-40 East through Black Mountain and down the mountain to Morganton. Take Exit 100 (Jamestown Rd.). Turn left at the end of the ramp. At the third traffic light, turn left onto NC 181 north. Follow 181 for about 12 miles to Brown Mtn. Beach Rd., at a church, and turn right. Go about 5 miles; just past a bridge over Wilson Creek (which looks like a small river) turn left to stay on Brown Mtn. Beach Rd. (There is a sign for the Pisgah National Forest Mortimer Campground.) You will follow Wilson Creek through the settlement of Brown Mountain Beach, then into its beautiful Gorge section, and the visitor center is on the left approximately 5.5 miles past the left turn.

Trail Description

Drive to the very back loop of the campground. The Thorps Creek trail starts next to a small parking area which can hold maybe 3-4 cars. Walk about 10 minutes up the trail - which climbs gently and has only a few muddy/wet spots, rocks, roots, and tributaries to cross - but is otherwise easy. The falls will be on the right as you come out on an area of exposed bedrock.