Cathey’s Creek Falls wasn’t impossible to find, just very tricky. For much of the way to the falls, you’re driving along a single-lane, dirt National Forest Road. It’s very curvy and inclined, so you have to drive at a pretty slow speed. This is the type of road that tends to stress me out, and I could feel its effects. You’re out in what seems like the middle of nowhere, and for most of the journey, there’s no real place to turn around. It can be very unnerving! In order to find the falls, I actually had to LISTEN for the falling water, as the falls are completely blocked from view on the road. Once you pull of the road, try to find the rather inconspicuous and steep trail down to the falls.

Cathey’s Creek Falls as a waterfall is actually very beautiful. Surrounded by rhododendrons, it was really a impressive view. Once you’re done visiting the falls, drive just a little bit further uphill, and if I remember correctly, there will be a bridge with an area that allows for easy turn around. Knowing there’s a place to do this beforehand may relieve some of the stress and allow more enjoyment at the falls!

Directions:

1. From Brevard, drive west on Route 64 for about 3 miles.
2. Turn onto Cathey’s Creek Road. The road splits: head to the left. Keep driving.
3. When you reach the water treatment plant, keep going straight onto Forest Road 471.
4. Now you begin your climb up the mountain/hill. You will drive for about 2 more miles on FR471. Pay attention for a “pull-off” that will be on your right. It is NOT clearly marked. If I remember correctly, if you pass the pull-off and continue on, you will reach a bridge that crosses the creek. You can turn around there, and backtrack to the pull-off.
5. Try to find the trail that descends down to the creek. It is somewhat steep, which wasn’t too bad. The trail was not very firm, though, as there was a lot of mud that kept shifting. The trail is very short, though.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 0.1 miles round-trip

Cathey’s Creek Falls in March 2009

Where in the World is Cathey’s Creek Falls?