Carter Falls Trail

It’s hard to imagine a more rarefied Wilkes County wine country ramble than a hike to spectacular Carter Falls in the Yadkin Valley, the state’s first and largest viticultural area. The rapidly expanding mileage of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) makes nearby Elkin one of the MST’s most outstanding trail towns. And here, trekking can end with tasting at one of the region’s many wineries.

Spring is perfect for the short, mile-long loop past where Elkin Creek gushes over 60-foot Carter Falls, a mountain-sized cataract in the Foothills. The easiest route takes the Powerhouse Trail from the left side of the Carter Falls trailhead parking area to the lower falls, where Elkin’s electricity was generated in the early 1900s. Then bear right onto the Carter Falls Trail, where a massive, wow-worthy ledge soars above the creek. A cable helps hikers descend to stream-side views, but signs are blunt: stay off the falls and wet rocks. The return trail enters the right side of the parking lot.

This loop will become part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (mountainstoseatrail.org) after 2027, when Elkin Valley Trails Association (elkinvalleytrails.org) expects to build the Bridge of Dreams, a 150-foot suspension bridge below the falls to lead to the mountains beyond.

Eight pastoral miles of the MST between the falls and Elkin can be combined to create longer, more strenuous hikes: 5.8 miles from Isaac’s trailhead and 4.6 miles from Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery. Other winery trails, like the vineyard’s Forest Bathing Trail, make a stay at its historic Klondike Cabins a hiker favorite. Byrd’s Branch Campground is also located trailside.

Navigate:

GPS is best for finding trailheads: Carter Falls trailhead (36.28911, -80.88016), Isaac’s trailhead (36.28118, -80.86797). Or depart from Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery at 235 Chatham Cottage Circle in State Road.