Elk River Falls

A gloriously voluminous waterfall crashes down into the wide swimming hole. The 50-foot cascade is the perfect backdrop for a lazy day of swimming. Stay safe and keep to the pool - far away from the waterfall. And, of course, it goes without saying, don't swim above where the waterfall descends over the cliff - the currents are quite strong. Coming from Banner Elk, take NC Highway 194. Turn right (north) onto U.S. Highway 19 E to Old Mill Road. Take the immediate left fork (opposite of the downtown strip) and turn right onto Elk River Road. There's a small parking area with a National Forest Service stake that marks the trail.