Exploring Gragg Prong Falls in Wilson Creek

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Wilson Creek

Exploring Gragg Prong Falls in Wilson Creek

Gragg Prong Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Wilson Creek area near Mortimer, North Carolina. This stunning waterfall is a popular spot for both locals and visitors due to its accessibility and the incredible beauty surrounding it. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outing, Gragg Prong Falls offers a unique experience that highlights the area's natural charm.

Adventure Guide to Exploring Gragg Prong Falls

Trail Access: The Gragg Prong Falls Trail is approximately a 1.5-mile hike that takes you through lush forests and over rocky terrain. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it ideal for families and casual hikers. Once you arrive at the falls, the sight of cascading water tumbling over rocks presents a perfect photo opportunity.
Swimming and Relaxation: At the base of Gragg Prong Falls, there are several shallow pools where visitors can refresh themselves during the warmer months. These pools provide a serene spot to bask in the sun or simply enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature. Be sure to check the water levels before diving in, as conditions can vary throughout the year.
Photography Opportunities: The falls offer incredible vantage points for photography. Early morning or late afternoon light captures the falls beautifully, and the surrounding flora provides a colorful backdrop. Bring a tripod for long exposures to capture the smooth flowing water.

Local Insights

Gragg Prong Falls is part of the broader Wilson Creek area, recognized for its diverse ecosystems and rich history. It is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species. The area was historically used by the Cherokee, and remnants of their culture can be found throughout the region.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Late spring and early fall are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage.
What to Bring: Hiking shoes, swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning landscape.
Driving Directions: From Mortimer, take NC-90 E for about 8 miles. Look for signs for Gragg Prong Falls on your left.

Visiting Gragg Prong Falls promises a day filled with adventure and relaxation, perfect for any nature enthusiast.

Adventure Map

Wilson Creek Info

No GPX info

Reviews

Steven Nixona year ago

Please don't believe the one star reviews from roughly a month before this one. The water is clean, yes maybe wear shoes so you don't accidentally step on a fish hook, and only attempt if you are a good hiker/swimmer. Tough water crossings with small dogs and kids is not a good reason to give a trash review. Shame on them. The water quality is great and the swimming holes and trails are fantastic. Such is the reason it can get busy on the weekends!

Scott B4 months ago

This may be the worst "waterfall" and hiking area in NC. The crowds, algea, endless dog pooped in mud, flash floods, unsafe crossings, yellow jackets, and horseflies are just the icing on this nothing cake. Once you drive the several miles into the middle of nowhere, with no phone service, wasting an entire day of your vacation you will find very limited parking with lots of break-ins and wonder... shouldn't I be at Linville Falls?

Erin Nelson Holmes4 years ago

Great hike! Make sure bring a towel as you have to cross 3 creeks to stay on trail. Or walk barefoot. After second creek leave shoes off because you will be crossing again very shortly.

Jared O’Learya year ago

I did my own research on this place and noticed that there have been an uncanny number of deaths and missing persons reports at this location as well as the area around. The positive reviews are quite enticing, but there are many ways that you can make a tragic and treacherous place look and sound good. This place is absolutely not family or child friendly. I have had a very bad experience at this place on multiple occasions with my grandsons and daughter. Firstly, prepared to get soaked and carry young ones across several deep segments of river, they are coursing after rainfall and we got cut with a few logs underwater on a clear day. All of the days that we went were quite clear, but there is not much sun in the area and the conditions were still unbearable. I am all for wildlife, however, we encountered a few cottonmouths and water snakes in the area, having gone three times I’ve seen about 4 cottonmouths, not to mention the number of horseflies and bears. There was a lot of trash, accumulating after the second and third time we went, likely due to the specific crowd that this location attracts (I found a heroin needle and disposed of it before anyone could step on it). My nephew stepped on 2 fish hooks in one of the ponds and all of the grandsons got urinary infections from the water. The water is not safe to drink unless you have professional equipment, my daughter got a waterborne illness the second time we went, and skipped out on the third time as she also got a concussion from the slippery rocks that are covered in a mildewey algae. It hurt me to see some of the reviews leaving many clueless on what this experience is really like. My story could be a rare one, but we likely only touched on a few of the hazards that this location has to offer. If I had taken my grandsons here 6 years ago I fear that they may have perished. Families and tourists to the area, I suggest avoiding this area all-together. If you are looking for a very hesitant and long walk to an overcrowded place to sit next to a river in a pile of algae that has many risks to swim in, this might be the place for you.

Gottfried Kibelka2 years ago

Great hike mostly under rhododendrons, with creek crossings, a series of nice water falls, and where there are no rhododendrons you can find trillium, irises, and all kinds of forbes. On the way back, we saved ourselves two fords and followed an existing goat path, staying on the creek side. Plan more time than you think it will take. Creek crossings that at one point reached my upper thigh, are time consuming (shoe removal, careful wading) and the series of scenic falls and swimming holes invite you to overstay a short break.

Hiking

Exploring Gragg Prong Falls in Wilson Creek