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Looking to hike the Hebron Falls Trail in Boone, NC?

While this is my second to last post on our time in Boone, this was actually the first thing we did there: hike to Hebron Falls on the Boone Fork Trail in Julian Price Memorial Park! This is about 20 minutes from Boone down the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Our experience on the Hebron Falls Trail

We had no idea how far the waterfall was or which way to go at the fork, but we picked right (it’s right) and set off.

The weather was perfect that afternoon/evening, the only annoying thing was all the mud, which, really, wasn’t that awful.

The trail starts out pretty open but most of it ends up being almost a magnolia/wooded tunnel.

It’s not as fairytale feeling as the Glade Creek Trail or Ledges Trail, but it was fairly dark even though it was mid-afternoon.

The hike felt like it was taking forever because we had to stop or slow down to maneuver over/around mud in so many places. It wasn’t like, sloppy wet mud but more thick goopy mud.

If you’re not concerned about your shoes, you could just go through it, but I was wearing socks and sandals and didn’t want to get them all gross, so around I went.

Eventually we came to a bridge and headed on over and up a steep enough hill. We could hear the falls but didn’t seem to be getting closer to them.

We followed this trail for a bit and ran into another couple and asked them where the falls were. Not where we were. Turns out at that bridge, there is actually another trail to the left of it and that’s the trail to the falls.

So back down we went. Back over the bridge, we looked to the right now (it’s on the left if you’re facing the bridge) and what do you know. There was another trail.

If you know it’s there, it’s easy enough to notice, but if you don’t it’s incredibly easy to miss. There is a small trail and two little trail markers on a tree. Head on down there and you’ll be at Hebron Falls before you know it.

Once you get closer to the falls there will be a small trail on the right that will take you down the somewhat steep hill on the side of the trail to the creek and base of the falls.

We just hung out down here for a while, enjoying the falls. You can see the falls cascading over the boulders and there are even some trees growing right in the middle.

We headed back out the way we came instead of doing the whole Boone Fork Trail loop. We weren’t even antisipating as much hiking as we did, much less with the side quest over the bridge.

It went much faster on the way out though since we already knew the ways around the mud.

This was easily my favorite waterfall we saw in North Carolina because it was different than your typical waterfall.

Instead of cascading straight over a cliff, it’s cascading over boulders at like, a 45 degree angle. It’s just so unique compared to everything else we saw out here, I love it.

Where is the Hebron Falls trail?

The Hebron Falls trailhead is at the Julian Price Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 296.4, about 20 minutes from Boone, 7 minutes from Blowing Rock, and 25 minutes from Grandfather Mountain.

When you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a little bridge on the left, that’s the trail. You may have to park further back in the parking lot and walk back up though.

It’s actually on the Boone Fork Trail, so if you see signs for that, that’s the one. There will be a fork, go to the right to get to the falls.

How long is the hike to Hebron Falls?

It’s about 3.2 miles round-trip to the falls (out-and-back) but can also be made into a 5.2ish mile loop. We just did the 3.2 out and back, which I liked a lot.

Toward the beginning there is a fork, go to the right here! Eventually you’ll come to a bridge and as appealing as it is, DO NOT CROSS IT if you want to see Hebron Falls. You can cross it, but you’ll be headed somewhere else (not that we totally did this or anything (we did)).

Just before the bridge, if you look to your left, you’ may notice a small trail with an even smaller trail marker on a tree. That’s how you get to Hebron Falls.

How long do you need for the Hebron Falls hike?

I would say 2-3 hours depending on how much you stop, possible muddy trail conditions, and if you accidentally go down any wrong trails.

Side note, Does anyone else think trails around here are not marked the best? Please let me know if you agree! (or even if you don’t!)

Is the Hebron Falls trail hard?

No. Elevation gain is fairly minimal at around 209 feet. The trail isn’t super short but it’s not super long either.

The worst part was the mud and the descent to the base of the falls. The trail was super muddy when we went in October but it was easy enough to just go around it.

The short jaunt from the trail down to the falls base was fairly steep but it’s pretty well formed, not bushwachking, and pretty short. Going back up that I was out of breath but it was 1000% worth it.

Is the Hebron Falls trail busy?

I would say yes but not like, Angel’s Landing in Zion busy. It’s a popular trail and even though we weren’t the only ones on it, it wasn’t packed.

Summer is busiest likely followed by fall. The park itself was fairly busy the two times we went through there.

Julian Price opening hours

The Julian Price Memorial Park is open 24/7! This also means the Hebron Falls Trail is always open, too.

Julian Price entrance fee

There is no entrance fee for the Blue Ridge Parkway, Julian Price Memorial Park, or Hebron Falls Trail.

How tall is Hebron Falls?

Hebron Falls is only about 25 feet high so it’s far from the towering waterfalls of western North Carolina but I think it’s unique cascading form? Shape? makes up for it.

Is the hike to Hebron Falls worth it?

Yes! This was definitely one of my favorite waterfalls in North Carolina and I would highly recommend the trek out to see it. Just pay attention to the trails and signs!

What to bring on the Hebron Falls hike

Hiking poles – These will be helpful on longer hikes that are on the steeper side.  They’ll be good if you have bad knees for when you’re going downhill and will give you something to lean on going up the hills.

Water bottle – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated.  Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated.  A Hydro Flask will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Sunscreen – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen.  I like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Hat – You’ll want some kind of hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, or a visor.  A baseball hat should be fine but I like my giant sun hat, too.

Sunglasses – This is a must no matter where you are.

Light Jacket – Because you just never know.  Weather can change quickly depending on where you are, time of day, and season.  I usually use my rain jacket for this.

Headlamp – I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when we’re hiking, just in case. 

Where to stay in Boone and Blowing Rock

TownePlace Suites (Boone) – This one is outside of the busy area of Boone, just south of town on 321. It has breakfast and mountain views in some rooms.

Graystone Lodge (Boone) – This recently renovated hotel in South Boone is close to town without being in the busy area. It’s part of the Choice Hotels chain.

Hampton Inn & Suites (Boone) – This is a great chain option in just outside the center of Boone. It has breakfast and is pet and kid friendly.

Homestead Inn (Blowing Rock) – This is a cute, rustic, pet friendly option near Blowing Rock city center. It even has a basketball court!

The Manor (Blowing Rock) – This is a beautiful modern option in Blowing Rock with breakfast. Some of the rooms have balconies, too.

The Victorian Inn (Blowing Rock) – This looks like a bed and breakfast but without the breakfast, just a bed. It looks so cute hand has a garden, terrace, and parking.

Meadowbrook Inn (Blowing Rock) – This is just one block from the Main Street city center. It looks really nice and is super close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Have you hiked to Hebron Falls? What did you think of it? What is your favorite waterfall near Boone?