Grogan Creek Falls, in the Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest is one of four waterfalls that can be access via the Cat Gap Loop trailhead, which begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Grogan Creek Falls is the 4th of these four falls, and is a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike, But first do Upper and lower Cedar Rock Falls if you have the time to add 3.8 miles.
Not long after, you’ll reach the intersection of Cat Gap Trail and Butter Ridge Trail (blue blaze). Cat Gap will head across a bridge and to the left. Butter Ridge Trail will veer to the right, and into a grassy meadow. Take Butter Ridge Trail, which will take you up to Grogan Creek Falls.
At this intersection, and below the bridge for Cat Gap Trail, is an unnamed waterfall, that while not gorgeous, is rather pretty.
Follow Butter Gap Trail along the sandy Grogan Creek. You’ll fairly quickly walk through a grassy meadow, containing a primitive campsite, and then travel right along side the creek.
The forest will then darken, and you’ll be traveling through a thick Rhododendron forest, and then begin a gradual climb up, with the creek far down to your left.
You’ll hear a couple of falls as you hike the trail, but these falls are not easily accessible due to the steep drop, and the dense Rhododendron. You’ll see hear and see Grogan Creek to your left, and a trail going to the top, and bottom. The rocks at the top are very slick, and we do not recommend you going to the top.
You’ll need to scurry down a the hill to get to the bottom of the falls, but it’s not bad at all, and there is a clear and easily followed trail.
Grogan Creek falls is simply gorgeous. Water cascades about 20′ over a gradual rock base, that is covered in moss. The water forms vertical lines as it flows over the rock and moss, and down onto even small cascades below. The flow isn’t super heavy, and makes great sounds as it flows in the pool at it’s base.
The sounds, shape and flow of Grogan Creek Falls is really unique.
The creek below the falls is made of mostly of flat rock, but is impended by thick Rhododendron.
Return to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking areas the same way you came.
Directions: From The Blue Ridge Parkway, take Highway 276 towards Brevard. After passing Looking Glass Falls, watch for FR475 on the right, and turn right onto FR475 (very sharp turn). Watch for signs for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, and turn left into the center. Park in front of the center.