Bard Falls

This will be a leisurely paced walk. 3.7 miles out and back. The trailhead is the North Harper Creek Shortcut trail. Plan to carpool because there is only room for a few cars. We will meet at the Food Lion on Hwy 181 in Morganton at 10:00 am. ADDRESS: 120 Bost Rd Morganton NC 28655

It is a moderate hike gradually descending nearly 500 feet but the route does not feel steep. It's a very pleasant walk. For the first mile of the hike the trail weaves in and out of a handful of narrow drainages which may or may not have small streams running through them depending on how wet the weather has been recently. After a mile of gradual descending the Shortcut Trail intersects the North Harper Creek Trail at a T-junction. To continue to the falls, turn left. About a quarter-mile below the trail junction the trail crosses North Harper Creek at a relatively calm stretch of the creek but the last time I visited it was almost knee deep. I recommend trekking poles, a towel, and a change of shoes.

North Harper Creek gets much more lively at this point with numerous large cascades to be seen through the brush alongside the creek. About four-tenths of a mile after the creek crossing the trail passes alongside the crest of Bard Falls, which is easily seen through the trees. At this point continue walking downhill a bit farther and look for a steep scramble path which leads to the ledges below the falls. Use great caution on the open ledges below the falls! It is wet and slippery!