9-2-07 - The state has paved all of 281 north in Jackson County so I've updated the mileage if you are coming from the Transylvania County side. This side remains unpaved and a washboard but it had been widened and guard rails have been installed. My guess is that it will eventually be paved. This week end's visit was my first since the hurricanes of 2004. I was pleasantly surprised to see all of the logs washed out of the lower large pool. It is truly a beautiful site. On the other hand, there were 6 fresh beer cans sitting on the rocks. What kind of pig would leave trash at a beautiful spot like this - or anywhere. If you litter, you are a pig. That includes cigarette butts also.

I got several tips about this waterfall from visitors to the site, but the best came from Rick Heintzman back in 2003 - he gave me great directions, thanks man! If the creek flow weren't controlled by dam outflow, this waterfall would be a top one in the area. Even with low water flow, the carved bedrock is still pretty spectacular. There are several ways you can die fairly easily here. It's not for small children or drunks.

Directions: Coming from Lake Toxaway, take 281 north and bear left on Slick Fisher Road just past the little cafe/store on the left. Drive about 4.5 miles until it ends back on 281 north.. This cuts off some of the gravel/dirt part of 281 that you'll run into if you keep heading north. Take a left on 281 north and follow it until it turns back to pavement at the Jackson County line. This is the top of the hill at Owen Gap. Improvements to this section of 281 are on going and it all may be paved eventually. From the county line, continue north on 281 for 4.7 miles to the semi-circle dirt/grass parking area on the left. There's a church immediately after this on the left where you can turn around if you miss it, but please don't park in their lot. If you're coming from Cashiers, head north on Hwy 107 14.5 miles from the intersection of Hwy 64 and take a right on 281 (Canada Rd). Drive 12.3 miles to the parking on the right just past the church..

9/12/04 - Warning!! Rick and another person just emailed me saying there is a reservoir up creek from the falls that could open it's overflow gates at any time sending a wall of water down creek and over the falls. There are no signs in the parking area warning of this hazard! Anyone at the falls would be washed away and that may have happened to 2 WCU students visiting the falls just after heavy rains flooded the region. Misty Dawn France and Aaron Joel Esteppe both lost their lives in this tragic incident. My heart goes out to the families and friends of these 2 young people.

9/11/05 - I received another great tip from Craig Forrest a couple of weeks ago saying there is confusion about the name of this waterfall. I've been calling it Paradise Falls, but he says the actual name is Wolf Creek Falls. This confusion becomes very important if you have to call the Rescue Squad. They know the falls as Wolf Creek Falls, but they know of 2 areas called Paradise Falls. If you ever have to call Rescue, but sure to indicate you are at the waterfall below Wolf Creek Baptist Church.

The trail to the top of the falls is at the end of the parking area closest to the church. The first part of it has become fairly eroded and there's a landslide area to contend with. It's obvious where people are going, just be careful. You'll come to a fork in 5-7 minutes or so - stay to the left and down towards the creek. At my most recent visit, the old tub washing machine was still at this point. Continue down and cross the creek. The trail continues up and along the creek. To get to the top pools, look for the safest scramble trail down to the right. Try going just past this area and look for the ones that cut back towards the top. Avoid this area if the rock is wet!

Right behind where I took the previous shots from is the top of the waterfall. If you slip and fall here you will die. Just use common sense and stay away from the top of the waterfall!

The scramble trail to the base of the waterfall is extremely steep. Climb back up to the path heading down stream. Not too far down is a fork with the left fork heading up. Take the one to the right and down. You should be past the top of the falls at this point. On the way down you may notice where people have gone to the right along the rock wall. This will take you to a closer peek at the actual waterfall. This will not get you to the base. Instead, stay left and come to the point where the trail heads straight down the dirt bank. There are roots for foot and hand holds on the way down, but if you slip and fall here you will die.

The sight that greets you at the base is truly magnificent. The pool is big and deep. Next time I might pack some kind of floating device so I can take the camcorder back into the waterfall area.