The people that know where Secret Falls are will probably hate me for this - and I understand completely. This little known waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest is listed in the Adams' book, but it doesn't give directions because part of the trail may pass through private property. I got a another great tip from my new friend, Bernie, saying the trail isn't marked with no trespassing signs, just the land to the left of the trail. He also sent along some great directions, and I now can share them with you.
Coming from Lake Toxaway, head out Hwy 64 west into Highlands. At the main stop light in town, 64 turns right, Hwy 28 goes straight, you turn left on Main Street. After it leaves town in a couple of blocks, it's called Horse Cove Rd. Take this curvy road down hill for about 4 miles and turn right on Walking Stick Rd (SR1608). At 0.6 miles down this road on the right is Walking Stick Falls. It's right next to the road, but on private property being developed with signs saying 'no poor people allowed', so we slowed down and looked, but didn't stop. Not a good photo op anyway. Parking for the trail to Secret Falls is 2.9 miles down Walking Stick, right where FR4567 turns right. This is Gamelands and that road is open during hunting season, but park before the gate. The trail is to the left of the gate and heads slightly down hill. Not to far down the trail were the 'land for sale' and 'no trespassing signs' to the left and Gamelands signs to the right. Seven minutes down the trail, we crossed a creek - your time may vary. Two minutes later we crossed another another creek on a fallen log, headed up hill, and in 3 more minutes took a trail to the left and down hill towards the top of the falls. So you've got about a 15 minute easy hike and by now you should have penciled this 50' falls in as a 'must see'.
A small side trail heads to the top of the falls and comes out on a very safe flat rock area with a great view of the creek below. Just up Big Creek are 2 smaller drops and a shallow pool.
To get to the base, head back up to the trail and take a faint trail down next to the falls. It's a little steeper and you have to climb over some fallen trees, but it's not difficult at all. There are a couple of places to get out for views of the falls. The 1st shot on the page is one, we then went down a little farther and climbed down below the next 4' drop. Right below that is another cascade. Hope you enjoy this falls as much as we did. Thanks for this one, Bernie!
info/links/videos/index/wildflowers/email