Falls of Hills Creek: Three Waterfalls, One Short Hike Near Snowshoe

If you want big scenery without a big commitment, the Falls of Hills Creek hike near Snowshoe is hard to beat. Three waterfalls, one trail, and a payoff at nearly every turn. It is one of our favorite recommendations for guests who want to spend a few hours outside in Pocahontas County without planning an entire day around it.

Here is what to expect on the trail, and why we like pairing it with a visit to Cranberry Glades.

The Falls of Hills Creek trail

The hike follows a boardwalk and stairway system down into a narrow gorge, with three named waterfalls along the way. Each one is bigger and more dramatic than the last, so the trail rewards you as you go. The path includes stairs and boardwalk sections built right into the hillside, which make it manageable while still getting you close to the water.

Because the trail descends into the gorge, remember that the way back out is uphill. Give yourself more time on the return than you think you will need, especially if you are stopping often to take photos, which you will.

What to expect

• Three distinct waterfalls, each with its own overlook
• Boardwalk and stairway sections built into the gorge
• A steady downhill on the way in, and a climb back out
• Cool, shaded conditions even on a warm day thanks to the gorge and the water

Wear real shoes. The boardwalk can be damp, and the stairs are not the place for flip flops. A camera or phone with some battery left is a good idea too. This is one of those hikes where every overlook photo looks different from the last.

Why fall is a great time to go

Right now, in season, the creek is running and the surrounding forest is turning. Waterfalls photograph beautifully against fall color, and the cooler air makes the climb back out feel a lot more comfortable than it would in July. If you are staying with us this fall, this is exactly the kind of morning or afternoon outing that fits neatly around dinner plans or a later start to the day.

Pairing it with Cranberry Glades

Falls of Hills Creek sits close enough to Cranberry Glades that the two make a natural pairing for a single day off the mountain. Cranberry Glades is a completely different kind of landscape: a high elevation bog area, unusual for this part of the country, with its own boardwalk trail through the wetlands. Where Falls of Hills Creek is all vertical drama and rushing water, Cranberry Glades is flat, quiet, and a little otherworldly.

Doing both in one day gives you a nice contrast. Start with the waterfalls in the morning while you have fresh legs for the stairs, then head to Cranberry Glades for a slower, flatter walk in the afternoon. Pack a lunch and make a full outing of it.

Planning your visit

Both of these are a drive from the mountain, so plan to have a car for the day. Bring water, wear layers since temperatures can shift between the gorge and the open bog, and check the weather before you go since trail conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

For more ideas on trails and hikes to pair with a stay at Snowshoe, our hiking guide is a good place to start planning.

Make it part of your Snowshoe stay

A day chasing waterfalls and boardwalk trails is the kind of thing that makes a mountain trip memorable, and coming home to one of our homes afterward makes it even better. Soak tired legs in a private hot tub at Timbers 3 or Timbers 5, or settle into the comfort of 305 Soaring Eagle after a full day outdoors.

Browse all of our homes to find the right fit for your group, and when you are ready to book, book direct with us. It skips the platform booking fee and puts you in touch with Austin and Sarah directly.