**OPEN, but damaged and changed by Hurricane Helene!**
Little Bradley Falls Trail is a short 2-mile out-and-back trail, with 187ft of elevation gain that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Most consider it family and pet friendly. However, it has been changed by Hurricane Helene and might be more difficult for some. Please see below for more details on these changes.
First, there are multiple trees down that you will need to hike around, climb over, or climb under. Also, there are two stream crossings which can be tricky and dangerous. Both have poorly established path of rocks across them and many rocks are unstable. Trekking poles and waterproof shoes are highly encouraged, and wading might be a better idea if you have the proper footwear and it is warm enough. *Please note: There is a false trail to the left at the first creek crossing. Do not go down that trail as it ends at private property. Finally, a landslide disturbed a small section of this trail. While hikers have created a pathway through it over time, maneuvering it might require some large steps and awkward climbing. Once again, trekking poles will be very helpful here.
Once you clear the stream crossings and the landslide, it’s not long before you reach the beautiful 50-ft Little Bradley Falls, which offers great photo opportunities, calming water noises, and cool water for wading in the warmer months.
See the table below for more information in comparison to what you might find on other trails in Rutherford County and Western NC:
WHERE: Saluda, NC
DIRECTIONS: From I-26. Take Saluda Exit (Exit 59). Head East on Holbert Cove Road, away from downtown Saluda. Go about 3.3 miles on Holbert Cove Rd. Parking area will be on your right.
Hopefully you won’t ever need to use it, but what happens if the batteries in your GPS are dead?
