Accessibility – Moderate

Height – 100′

Distance – 3.2 (out and back)

Beauty – 7

Photo rating – 2

Solitude – 1

GPS Info: LAT 36.15486 LONG -81.73519

Last Updated – 03-02-2019

---

Home     Alphabetical Listing     Numerical Listing     Location Listing    Blowing Rock

---

Hebron Colony Falls is roughly 80 feet high and seeing it from the base is pretty cool but this is not likely one that you’re going to hang a picture of in the living room since any picture from the base will show a huge pile of boulders and not much water. Unlike most waterfalls, Hebron Colony Falls tumbles over, between and under a massive pile of enormous boulders, with much of the actual falling water hidden from view. Other than the occasional small drop, very little of the whole is visible.

This isn’t to say it isn’t worth a visit. When I arrived at the base of the falls and looked up at the pile of rocks, I thought one thing, time to have some fun. Under a clear blue sky and a bright sun, I was able to climb the boulders to the top of the falls, where the two most prominent drops can be seen. The one on river right can be seen from the base but it looks to be a mile away. The one on river left is shoved back in a hole in the rocks and hidden until you arrive at the top. As far as climbing a pile of boulders almost a hundred feet high with water coursing between them goes, this wasn’t too hard. I did notice that as the crowds arrived in my wake, many of them didn’t seem to be enjoying the same ease of climbing.

To get to the trailhead, make your way to the Blue Ridge Parkway and head in whatever direction you need to go to get to the Price Park Picnic Area located at Milepost 296.4. When I arrived shortly after 11 on a warm March morning there were half a dozen cars scattered around the numerous lots. I parked across from the bathrooms since this is where the trail starts. When I got back around 1:15, there wasn’t a parking spot to be had so keep this in mind. It doesn’t much matter where you park as long as you can find a spot.

Head toward the restrooms and walk past them into the paved path that crosses Boone Fork. The trail will head to a split a stone monument. You want to make a right and follow the orange blazed Boone Fork Trail. The upper section of the trail passes through several open fields as it parallels the creek closely. After some rain the night before there were a lot of muddy areas to avoid but the trail was easy to follow.  At 0.6 of a mile into the hike the trail will cross a small tributary on a foot bridge. Once across the trail will narrow some but remain easy to follow. It is very rooty in places so step wisely. At 1.2 miles into the hike the MST intersects from the right, crossing Boone Fork on a sturdy bridge. Do not cross the bridge but remain on the Boone Fork Trail.

At 0.4 past the intersection with the MST (1.6 miles into the hike) an obvious trail heads to the right. If the trail isn’t obvious enough, there is a sign pointing to Hebron Colony Falls to ensure you don’t miss it. For the first time on the hike the grade will steepen as the trail leads you to the base of the falls. It drops you at the base on river left at a view that leaves much to be desired. You can explore as much as you want or feel comfortable with.