3-12-09  Big Bradley Falls is a really nice 75' waterfall tucked in a small gorge. It can be a dangerous area and several people have died here over the years, so it's not for small children. There's also a creek crossing and you will most likely be getting your feet wet. The hike to the creek is fairly short and easy however and you could bring the kids to this point to play in the creek during the summer months. You could make a full day of this waterfall and the nearby Little Bradley, and Pearson's Falls. The hike to the overlook is about 1 mile.

Directions: Get on I-26 south of Asheville and head towards Saluda. Take exit 59 and turn left on Holbert Cove Rd (SR 1142). Drive 3.2 miles and park on the wide shoulder on the left just before the road crosses the creek. You can also stay parked here for the hike to Little Bradley Falls. The trail begins on the side you are parked on just beyond the gate. It first passes through a field, then enters the woods, goes up a small rise, bears to the right and heads towards Cove Creek. The trail then crosses the creek on some rocks and heads uphill. If the water level is up, you may not be able to cross without getting your feet wet. At about 3/4 of a mile or so, a side trail bears to the left and downhill, and the main trail heads on to a view from an overlook. Keep going and take the 2nd trail to the left to get the view in the next photo. The only problem is you can't see the main part of the falls very well from this vantage point. It's hidden behind that tree on the right.

Getting to the base requires a steep descent with the help of a rope. There used to be a good one attached, but Tonya just emailed me and said this has been removed so you are now on your own. My advice now would be just to avoid this area completely as this is where most of the people have died. Kevin Adams describes another way to the base on page 198 of his waterfall guide by coming in from Green River Cove Rd and following the creek up to the waterfall. I haven't tried this yet, but might give it a go some time this year. If you do, remember that this is gamelands and you should be wearing blaze orange during hunting season!

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