Hiking Guide: Secret Falls in Highlands, NC

Secret Falls (AKA Big Shoals Falls) is a stunning 50ft waterfall tucked away in the Nantahala National Forest. You’d never guess this hike is just 20 minutes outside of downtown Highlands. I hiked in Highlands MANY times before realizing this waterfall existed, which makes its name quite fitting!

It took me awhile to discover this waterfall because it’s overshadowed by more popular waterfalls in this area such as Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and Rainbow Falls (to name just a few). I’m guilty of repeating the same hikes over and over, but trying something new proved to be well-worth it in this case! Secret Falls is a real gem. I was most impressed by the seclusion and swimming hole at the base of the waterfall.

I would consider this a lightly to moderately trafficked trail, so it’s a great spot to escape the crowds. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the hike to get to this beautiful waterfall.

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Hiking to Secret Falls in Highlands, NC

The hike to Secret Falls isn’t very long (approximately 30-45 minutes roundtrip), but you’ll still want to bring some essentials along with you. Click here to see my full list of hiking essentials. Also, make sure to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace on your hike. Recreating responsibly outdoors enables us to enjoy gems like this one for years to come!

Parking

Secret Falls Trail address: Secret Falls Trail Head, Big Creek Rd, Highlands, NC 28741 (Get directions)

The parking area for Secret Falls is located along Big Creek Road in Highlands, NC. It might appear as if you’re turning into a residential area when you first turn right onto Big Creek Road, but you’ll drive past the houses and continue along the gravel road to the trailhead. The small, gravel parking area will be on your right about ten minutes into your drive after veering right onto Big Creek Road.

The parking lot is very small and easy to miss, so make sure to keep an eye out! There’s only room for a handful of vehicles (I’d say 3-5); however, I saw just one other car there on a nice Saturday afternoon. It’s pretty far off the beaten path, so I wouldn’t expect parking to be an issue.

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Secret Falls Trail Details

Quick Overview

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 1.3 out & back
• Elevation gain: 255ft
• Time: 30-45 minutes roundtrip

If you’re standing in the parking area facing the forest (as opposed to Big Creek Road), the trailhead is located in the back right corner. There isn’t a marker and it’s a bit hidden by brush, but it’s very obvious once you find it!

You’ll pass through an open gate within the first minute or so of starting the hike. The trail is wide and easygoing, and I didn’t think there were too many rocks or roots along the way. Therefore, I’d consider this one a kid-friendly hike.

This hike is very easy for the most part, but I’ve given it a moderate rating solely for the descent to the base of the falls (more on that in a bit).

You’ll start this hike by walking through a beautiful, lush forest (the Nantahala National Forest, to be exact). This part of the hike is completely flat, so it’s more of a relaxing nature walk. Blue rectangles on trees throughout the hike serve as trail markers. The trail is very well defined and is mostly a dirt path with a few small creek crossings.

Also Read: 8 Best Hikes Near Highlands, NC

After walking through the woods for about 5-10 minutes, you’ll come across the first creek crossing. As you can see in the image above, there are three branches laid across the water to serve as a makeshift bridge. I can’t guarantee the creek crossing will look exactly like this when you go as someone could change things up, but it’s not wide at all. Honestly, you could just walk through it with waterproof hiking boots.

Within 5 minutes of the first creek crossing, you’ll hit another creek crossing. The makeshift bridge here is much sturdier, but not as wide. Again, not super wide or deep, so you could get through it with waterproof boots if you prefer to forgo the log. Alternatively, you could just wear water shoes for this hike during the warmer months since the terrain is gentle!

Also Read: 25 Stunning Waterfalls in North Carolina

After the second creek crossing, you’ll continue your peaceful walk through the forest. You’ll come to a point where you need to make a sharp left turn to follow those rectangular blue trail markers within just a few minutes. Depending on the water flow, you’ll probably be able to hear the waterfall off in the distance at this point, which means you’re almost there!

Continue walking and you’ll reach a point where the trail forks. The path to your left takes you to the top of the waterfall and the path to your right takes you to the base.

If you take the path to the top of the waterfall and are hiking with children, watch them closely! You can walk right out to the edge at the top of the falls, so it’s important to exercise extreme caution. Trust your gut in terms of what’s “too far” and avoid wet rocks.

The path down to the base of the falls is brief, but much steeper than the rest of the trail. There are stairs and the trail washed out in some areas, so make sure to watch where you’re going. You’ll probably catch a few glimpses of the waterfall on your way down.

Once you make it to the bottom, you’re rewarded with the most incredible view of Secret Falls in Highlands, NC. There’s a nice, sandy beach area where you can take in the views or set your stuff down while you take advantage of the swimming hole.

Nearby Hikes

If you knock out the Secret Falls hike and want to add something else to your itinerary, why not stop check out another one of Highland’s beautiful hikes? There are tons to choose from (check out AllTrails), but here are a few of my favorites!

Whiteside Mountain Trail

• Length: 1.9mi loop
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 511ft

Whiteside Mountain is one of my favorite hikes in NC. The views are stunning. Even though this tends to be a more heavily trafficked trail, there are many different lookouts. This makes it seem a lot less crowded since everyone can spread out!

This trail is an absolute must in Highlands, NC and would complement a hike to Secret Falls perfectly. What better way to spend a day than admiring both waterfalls and mountain views?

Glen Falls Trail

• Length: 2.4mi out & back
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 784ft

The Nantahala National Forest is the perfect place to be if you want to spend more time chasing waterfalls. This is one of the more popular hikes in terms of waterfalls in Highlands, so you’ll probably see a lot more people on the trail here than at Secret Falls. Nonetheless, it’s worth it and there’s a good-sized parking lot and room to spread out since it’s a three-part waterfall. The middle portion is featured in the image above.

Sunset Rock Trail

• Length: 1.4mi out & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 236ft

I highly recommend ending the day at Sunset Rock if you have time! It’s short and easy, making it the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Arrive about an hour or so before sunset to soak in golden hour and watch the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. It’s right outside of town, so you can head to downtown Highlands for dinner afterwards.

P.S. – I always recommend packing a headlamp for sunset hikes! Even if you don’t plan on staying until dark, the forest canopy can make your trek back much darker than you might think.

Have you ever been to the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina? It’s an amazing destination for chasing waterfalls like this one. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend road tripping out that way one weekend.