Lower/Upper Bubbling Springs and Wildcat Falls

For the adventurous hiker. READ THIS: Wet water hike. A few tricky water crossing where feet probably will get wet and a STEEP scramble to the Upper Falls.

TIME: 9:00 We leave at 9:10

LOCATION: Pisgah Ranger Station/Visitors Center OUTER LOOP PARKING. Look for us in the outer loop to the right. Blue Honda CRV. If meeting at the falls, be there no later than 9:20am. Sign-In then we'll arrange carpools.

Carpool Fee $5. Give to your driver.

Distance: 4 miles, Elevation Gain: 45ft, Difficulty: Moderate-creek crossing and STEEP scramble, Time: 3 hr, Pace: Casual

We'll first take the Flat Laurel Trail out to Wildcat Falls. Then turn around and head back out to Hwy 215. Behind the parking are we'll pick up an unmarked trail. You'll see an obvious trail (or gulley) that goes underneath the guardrail near the center of the parking area. Walk down a steep bank (be careful!) and follow the trail by the creek, through a campsite and to the base of the modest 25 ft Lower Bubbling Springs Falls. Then, we'll continue past the cascades. Some on trail and some in the water working our way to the Upper Falls. There's a short but steep scramble to get to the Upper Bubbling Spring Falls.

At the Upper falls there's usually a nice deep pool (rain dependent). Taking a dip is recommended. We'll take a long break here if the pool is deep.

Water shoes and hiking poles a must.

Directions to Parking for the falls: Take either the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) or Hwy 276 up to the BRP, Exit to Hwy 215. At the stop sign, turn Left on Hwy 215. On Hwy 215 there's a parking area on the left for several cars along the road (but no signs). Be very careful entering the parking area. There's a deep drop off from the road.

WEATHER: In the event of inclement weather and cancellation is necessary, I'll post a comment No Later Than 7am day of hike. Rain Date is Sunday July 30.

Water and trail savvy dogs welcome.