Waterfalls 

Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains

In Bryson City, NC, nestled amongst the Great Smoky Mountains, we are surrounded by the comforting rush and stunning beauty of several waterfalls. Explore the trio of falls at Deep Creek, found just outside of downtown, including Juneywhank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. Or trek up to view the Upper Nantahala Cascades. Drive up to sparkling Mingo Falls and Soco Falls in neighboring Cherokee. Or venture further outside of town for Whitewater Falls and Silver Run Falls. Discover what it means to be ‘fall’-struck.

Waterfall Safety

People get hurt at waterfalls because they put themselves in dangerous situations

Tragically, people die every year at North Carolina waterfalls and countless others suffer injuries. None of these people thought they were going to get hurt. Some had no clue they were doing anything dangerous. Some thought they had the necessary skills and experience to prevent anything bad from happening to them.

People say that waterfalls are dangerous, but there’s nothing inherently hazardous about them. A waterfall doesn’t reach out and grab people and fling them over the top. The reason people get hurt at waterfalls is because they put themselves in dangerous situations. Nearly all waterfall accidents could be avoided by understanding the potential dangers and taking them seriously.

Accidents often occur in remote and hard-to-reach locations. This leads to lengthier response times for rescue personnel who sometimes put themselves in harm’s way for the rescue effort. If you get hurt, you could jeopardize others. Numerous rescue operations in western North Carolina have led to the deaths and injuries of first responders.

David Casey, with Pisgah National Forest, sums up safety advice by stating that we should all “have situational awareness.” In other words, slow down, look around, pay attention, think!   

Often, accidents occur because people don’t fully realize the hazards. Please read and FOLLOW these safety practices. Safety is not just something you read about; it’s something you do.

Stay on safe ground  

Never climb waterfalls or go anywhere near the top. The waterfall atmosphere can cause even experienced hikers to lose full control of their senses and fall. Some people think a rope will protect them, but this can create a false sense of security that leads to disaster. You must have the right kind of rope and safety harness and have the proper training in how to use them.

Stay in safe water

Everyone likes to play in the water, but you should be extremely careful in the waterfall environment. Never jump into plunge pools. Logs or rocks may be hidden under the surface, and the sudden impact of the extremely cold water can cause temporary paralysis that could lead to drowning. Don’t swim anywhere near where the waterfall hits the plunge pool. Churning currents called hydraulics can trap you under water. River currents everywhere are stronger than you may realize. Never enter the water anywhere near the top of a waterfall. Be extremely careful when crossing streams if the water is more than a few inches deep.

Stay off slick surfaces

All rocks can be dangerous to step on, but wet and algae-covered rocks are especially slippery. Stay off slick surfaces.Rocks at waterfalls and in streams can be extremely slippery, especially wet ones. No shoe will provide a sure grip if the rocks are covered in silt or algae.

Stay on the trail

The moment you leave the trail, the chances for getting hurt or becoming lost increase significantly. If you do hike off trail, you should go slowly, watch every step, and wear ankle-supporting shoes. The next step you take could be on a leaf-covered rock that falls out under your foot and causes a fall. In addition to the safety issues, hiking off trail introduces the likelihood of trampling vegetation.

Protect your feet

Flip flops are dangerous. They provide no protection and can cause falls or twisted ankles from walking on uneven terrain. Sandals are fine for wading in the pool, but they don’t provide adequate protection for hiking on most trails. Sneakers are okay for hiking on graded trails, but if you have weak ankles you shouldn’t wear them on rocky or rooty trails. The best foot protection comes from hiking shoes that provide full ankle support.

Be comfortable

Bring rain gear and extra clothing. If you accidently fall in the creek you could become hypothermic, even in mild weather. Rain gear is a necessity for any hike that isn’t close to the road. Mountain weather can change quickly. It’s a good idea to pack an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency blanket, even for a day hike. If you get wet, you could quickly become chilled. Wrapping up in an emergency blanket while you’re hiking back could prevent you from becoming hypothermic.

Don’t count on your phone

Phone service is very limited at many North Carolina waterfalls. If you’re in trouble, it could be hours before help arrives. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

Watch the wind

Avoid hiking in western North Carolina on very windy days. Countless eastern hemlock skeletons remain standing after dying from the hemlock woolly adelgid infestation. These trees can fall at any time, but especially on windy days.

Watch the rain

Flash flooding can occur, but heavy rains cause other safety issues that you may not think about. That stream you crossed easily on the hike to the waterfall may be impassible on the way back, leaving you stranded. Landslides are another concern. You should avoid hiking trails along steep slopes during heavy rains when the soil is saturated.

Stay hydrated

Bring plenty of water and drink before you get thirsty. Do not drink water from streams unless you filter or purify it.

Watch the kids

Don’t let children run around unsupervised. They don’t understand how to be safe and if they get themselves into an unsafe situation, you could also do something unsafe in the rush to protect them.

Keep the dogs on leash

It’s hard not to let Spot play in the water off leash, but remember that a dog has no concept of waterfall safety. They can easily slip on rocks, climb dangerously, and underestimate the strength of currents. You could also be hurt in your efforts to rescue them.

Watch the selfies

An alarming number of people die each year while taking selfies and not paying attention to where they’re standing. Before you take the shot, find a safe place to pose and then don’t move again while you’re looking at your phone. If you need a better angle, lower the phone and watch where you’re stepping.

Be extra careful in winter

Freezing temperatures create especially dangerous situations at waterfalls. Waterfall spray freezes on everything it touches, including the ground and rocks you want to walk on. You should wear crampons or ice cleats anytime you walk on ice. Icicles at waterfalls can be deadly when they fall, as they often do. Never stand under an icicle.

Avoid alcohol and marijuana

Don’t do anything that can impair your judgement in the slightest. Even a single drink could dull your senses and cause a mishap.

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