Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail
Adventure Destination

Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail

Explore the 1.2-mile Glen Burney Falls Trail in Blowing Rock, NC. Enjoy moderate hiking with rewarding views of picturesque waterfalls. Best visited in spring or autumn, this trail is great for wildlife watching and a peaceful picnic.

Hiking7.2/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Glen Burney Falls Trail, set in the charming town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, offers hikers an opportunity to experience one of the region’s most mesmerizing waterfalls. This trail leads adventurers through a serene forest to the splendid Glen Burney Falls. Enriched with lush greenery, the trail showcases diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the area’s temperate climate. The cascade of water, rushing over a rugged cliff face, creates a picturesque backdrop making it a standout natural site. Serving as a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Glen Burney Falls Trail embodies the tranquility and beauty of North Carolina’s wilderness. Originally a logging site in the 1800s, the surrounding forests have reclaimed the area, offering visitors a glimpse into nature’s resilience and legacy. The soothing sound of rushing water and the refreshing mist provide an unforgettable hiking experience. Trails meander along rocky paths, offering glimpses of the area’s historical past with remnants of old structures peeking through the greenery. This site is celebrated for its natural beauty—not just a destination but a journey into the heart of North Carolina's enchanting landscapes.

Editorial Assessment

Glen Burney Falls Trail offers stunning natural scenery and is a delightful hike for nature lovers. While not among the world's most iconic sites, it is a cherished local destination known for its tranquility and picturesque waterfall views.

Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail

Adventure Guide to Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail

1

Experience Waterfalls & Wilderness: Glen Burney Falls Trail

  • Special Features: Explore the 1.2-mile Glen Burney Falls Trail in Blowing Rock, NC. Enjoy moderate hiking with rewarding views of picturesque waterfalls. Best visited in spring or autumn, this trail is great for wildlife watching and a peaceful picnic.
  • Visitor Tips: Best time to visit is during Spring and Fall. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.
  • Directions: 243 Laurel Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
2

Exploring Near Blowing Rock, North Carolina

  • Local Insights: Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
  • Visitor Tips: Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.
3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights: Watch for native wildlife including Deer, Birds.
  • Visitor Tips: Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

P
PHarta week ago

Beautiful Falls

M
Michelle Keough3 weeks ago

Great hike, the trail ranges from easy with pea gravel to rooty and narrow. The farther is goes, the more it becomes moderate and may be considered strenuous depending on the activity level you are used to. Parking can get busy. Well marked, cool streams.

M
Melissa Keinan4 weeks ago

Went with my 12 year old. We didn’t have time to do more than 2-3 miles total but really enjoyed the hike! The falls are stunning. The return is mostly uphill.

M
Mapping It Elera month ago

Great family hike! The path was a little muddy and a 2 mile round trip hike. Out is down hill and back is uphill. We found all 3 waterfalls. Will be back to do this hike again.

C
Cathy Armatoa month ago

We really enjoyed hiking this trail. There are 3 falls you'll see if you hike the full trail. The first part of the trail isn't too difficult but it gets more challenging as you continue hiking downward - and then you have to hike back up, which can be strenuous if you're an inexperienced hiker. You can always turn back at any point so go at your own pace. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Make sure your dog is comfortable hiking trails with some rocky areas.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

River Challenge: Wade, Climb and Crawl Through Bristol Caverns’ Underground Creek42.0 mi
Bristol, Tennessee

River Challenge: Wade, Climb and Crawl Through Bristol Caverns’ Underground Creek

A 3-hour guided expedition that follows an underground creek through slick limestone corridors, chest-deep pools and rugged stone ledges — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

42.0 miView Trips & Details →
A women’s shooting league that trains, encourages, and connects — every second Thursday at the Springs Road Gun Club32.7 mi
Hickory, North Carolina

A women’s shooting league that trains, encourages, and connects — every second Thursday at the Springs Road Gun Club

A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League meets every 2nd Thursday from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at the Springs Road Gun Club in Hickory, North Carolina.

32.7 miView Trips & Details →
When Sirens Meet Strategy: A Hickory Seminar on Police Encounters and Your Rights32.9 mi
Hickory, North Carolina

When Sirens Meet Strategy: A Hickory Seminar on Police Encounters and Your Rights

A classroom-style seminar in Hickory that teaches communication tactics, legal context, and de‑escalation techniques for interacting with law enforcement.

32.9 miView Trips & Details →
Two Hours of Virtual Thrills and Real Pizza: Johnson City’s Ultimate VR Pizza Party39.6 mi
Johnson City, Tennessee

Two Hours of Virtual Thrills and Real Pizza: Johnson City’s Ultimate VR Pizza Party

A 2-hour celebration in Johnson City that pairs immersive virtual-reality play with pizza—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan the event.

39.6 miView Trips & Details →
Drift and Chill on the Watauga: Laid‑Back Tubing Minutes from Downtown Elizabethton33.8 mi
Elizabethton, Tennessee

Drift and Chill on the Watauga: Laid‑Back Tubing Minutes from Downtown Elizabethton

A summer float on the Watauga River with Wahoo’s Adventures — this guide explains what to bring, where to meet, and who can go so you can plan a relaxed river escape.

33.8 miView Trips & Details →
A Six‑Hour Masterclass on the Range: SCS Training Day in Newton40.2 mi
Newton, North Carolina

A Six‑Hour Masterclass on the Range: SCS Training Day in Newton

An immersive, instructor‑led 6‑hour course in Newton that teaches handgun and rifle fundamentals through advanced shooting tactics and includes lunch.

40.2 miView Trips & Details →