Setrock Creek Falls is a hidden gem of a waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest at the base of Mount Mitchell. These photos were taken after a good rain, so normally the water flow is less. It's an easy 1/2-mile hike to the 75-ft. waterfall, located by the Black Mountain Campground. It's near NC Highway 80 (Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway), just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and about 10 miles from Crabtree Falls.
The multi-layer cascade falls is in a beautiful setting and a great place for a picnic. The waterfall reduces to a trickle during dry periods. Nearby is Roaring Fork Creek Falls, another easy hike.
Directions from the Blue Ridge Parkway: Take NC 80 North (at Milepost 344) for 2.2 miles. Turn left on South Toe River Road (SR 1205) at the sign for Black Mountain Campground. Follow signs to the Campground (2.8 miles down this road). The road is paved about half the way and a sharp right turn at about two miles. Park across from the campground entrance if you are not camping.
From the parking area, walk across the bridge into the campground and take the first road to the left (sign for Mt. Mitchell Trail and group camping). Take the second trail to the right with a "Setrock Falls" stake. (The first trail on the right is the Mt. Mitchell trail that climbs 5.6 miles to the summit.) Total walk is about a one-mile round-trip with little elevation change.
