Waterfall Wonders at Douglas Falls

Access from the West is via someone's private road which is gated and marked for no trespassing. Falls are not accessible. As of February 2025 the Blue Ridge is closed so it's also inaccessible from the East.

Long drive up the gravel road but worth it. A fairly well maintained trail, easy hike. The falls are beautiful and serene.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Douglas Falls is a scenic 70-foot waterfall in the Big Ivy/Coleman Boundary area in Pisgah National Forest north of Asheville. From Barnardsville, head east on Dillingham Road, which changes to gravel and becomes FR-74 (Big Ivy Road) in the national forest. The trailhead is over 8 miles down this narrow, windy road, so it takes a while to drive. But the drive is scenic and there are several roadside waterfalls along the way. Big Ivy Road is suitable for 2WD cars, just take it slow. The road ends at the trailhead for Douglas Falls, which is about a half-mile hike one way and mostly level. The trail continues another 2 miles to Craggy Gardens but gets steep past the waterfall. Big Ivy Road is closed in winter, so the waterfall can be accessed this way if the parkway is open. The water plunges over a huge cliff with small caves in it and you can walk behind and all around the waterfall. The stream its on is small, so best to visit during periods of high water.

It's a short hike and not difficult at all. There wasn't much water coming off the falls but we haven't had much ràin either. We come here about once every couple of years. My kids enjoy it.