This 45-foot roadside waterfall near Asheville can be enjoyed from your car along a very scenic drive deep in Pisgah National Forest. Walker Falls is located in the Big Ivy area along the 8.8-mile unpaved Forest Service Road 74 that goes to Douglas Falls. There are 10 casades along this road, so it's a favorite for what we call "car hiking."
With water flowing from above at Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the volume depends on recent rains. Walker Falls is just a 29-mile drive from Asheville. The last four miles is a narrow unpaved FS 74, and you will pass several smaller cascades before you reach the waterfall.
There are no signs, but you can't miss it as you drive up the mountain. Since this area is usually closed in the winter months (December-March), plan a trip during the warmer months. While there are no picnic tables, it's a great spot to tailgate. Also find roadside camping spots along the way.
At the end of FS74 is the parking area for the trail to Douglas Falls (read more).
Directions from Asheville: Take 19/23 North (Future I-26 West) about 12 miles to exit 15. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right toward Barnardsville and drive NC Highway 197 about 6 miles. When you enter the tiny town, turn right on Dillingham Road past the fire station. Follow the paved Dillingham Road 5 miles. This road will end at Pisgah Forest (Big Ivy sign) and the unpaved FS74 begins. Proceed four miles to Walker Falls.
Walker Falls with fall color after a heavy rain
Watch our Walker Falls video...
