Connestee & Batson Creek Falls Hike
At the edge of a precipitous drop, Carson Creek pours over a ledge to form Connestee Falls, one of Transylvania County’s most scenic and popular waterfalls. Opposite the creek and in direct view of the viewing platform is another waterfall, Batson Creek Falls. An entirely separate falls from Connestee, this eye-catching cascade drains Batson Creek and forms a third waterfall in combination with Connestee Falls known as the Silver Slip. This is a short and easy hike with a high-reward!
CMLC placed a conservation easement on Connestee Falls in 2003. CMLC then facilitated its purchase by Transylvania County in 2008, who constructed a viewing platform and opened a public park for visitors to safely enjoy the falls in Spring 2011.
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson
CHALLENGE: Hike to Connestee Falls
Primary Route: Follow the boardwalk to the waterfall viewing deck.
Hiking Distance: 0.1 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 5 feet
Trailhead: Click here to enter your address and receive turn-by-turn directions to the trailhead. GPS users may enter N35.1653, W-82.7310 in their units. Trailhead is located off of US 276 southwest of Brevard. A sign for “Connestee Falls Park” marks the entrance to a large parking lot adjacent to a log cabin. The trailhead and beginning of the boardwalk is marked by a kiosk sign at the far right and back of the parking lot.
Hiking Directions: This hike is low distance and high reward! It is the constructed hike in the Hiking Challenge and includes perhaps the most spectacular destination: three distinct waterfalls. Walk the newly constructed boardwalk about 50 yards to its end at a viewing deck virtually on top of Connestee Falls. Connestee Falls is directly below, while Batson Creek is the fanned cascade on the opposite side of the ravine. Look carefully toward the bottom of the canyon where these two falls converge; here forms a third waterfall, a narrow water plunge known as Silver Slip.
Alternative Routes: Another overlook of Connestee Falls exists on the far side of Carson Creek and directly adjacent to Batson Creek Falls. This overlook is within the Connestee Falls housing development and part of an extensive network of private hiking trails. This overlook may be reached with a two-mile round trip hike from within the development, and includes several other significant waterfalls on Batson Creek. Because the development is gated and its trails are private, the overlook and trail system are only accessible by permission or during guided hikes. CMLC periodically leads guided members-only hikes within the Connestee Falls development; to participate, check our hike schedule to find out about upcoming CMLC guided hikes.
Photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson
Connestee Falls Hike FAQ:
Q: Why is such an easy hike included in a "Hiking Challenge"?
A: The short hike to the overlook of Connestee Falls is indeed an easy hike that is readily accessible to members of all levels of fitness and outdoor experience. Despite the little effort required, CMLC is proud to include Connestee Falls is in the Hiking Challenge for several reasons. The conservation of Connestee Falls took several years to complete; during the project, the falls were inaccessible to the public for an extended period of time. Its inclusion within the Hiking Challenge celebrates the opening of a new county park and the renewed accessibility to outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the Hiking Challenge contains a handful of longer and more physically demanding hikes. An easy hike like Connestee Falls balances out the the Hiking Challenge's level of difficulty. Above all, Connestee Falls deserves recognition as one of CMLC's most beautiful and most recently completed conservation projects.
Q: If I hike to Connestee Falls using trails within the Connestee Falls private development, does this count toward fulfilling this hike for the Hiking Challenge?
A: Absolutely. A hike to Connestee Falls from within the private development is far more difficult than the boardwalk; therefore, it more than satisfies the challenge component for this particular hike. CMLC periodically leads guided hikes within the private development. Check our hike schedule to find out about upcoming CMLC guided hikes.
Return to the CMLC Hiking Challenge Hike Listing