About Watauga Falls
Watauga Falls is a named waterfall in Watauga County, North Carolina, located about 6.3 miles north of Banner Elk. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Sherwood 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°15′11″ N, 81°51′17″ W (36.25318, -81.85484). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Laurel Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Hockiday Ridge (ridge, 0.8 mi), and Crossing Knob (summit, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Laurel Creek Falls, 0.1 miles to the southeast.
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Weather at Watauga Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Watauga Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Watauga Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Watauga Falls holds a 4.7 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Watauga Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Laurel Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Hockiday Ridge — ridge, 0.8 mi
- Crossing Knob — summit, 0.9 mi
- Rush Branch — stream, 1.0 mi
- Ward Hollow — valley, 1.2 mi
- Spice Branch — stream, 1.5 mi
- Dyer Knob — summit, 1.5 mi
- Ivory Ridge — ridge, 1.6 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.25318, -81.85484. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Watauga Falls
- Long Hope Falls, NC15 mi northeast
- Laurel Falls, TN16 mi west
- Silvervale Falls, NC20 mi southeast
- Linville Falls, NC21 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Watauga Falls located?
Watauga Falls is in Watauga County, North Carolina, about 6.3 miles north of Banner Elk. Its coordinates are 36.25318, -81.85484 (36°15′11″ N, 81°51′17″ W).
What town is closest to Watauga Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Banner Elk, NC, about 6.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Watauga Falls?
The closest is Laurel Creek Falls (0.1 mi southeast). Others within reach include Dutch Creek Falls (5.8 mi), Twisting Falls (6.9 mi), and Big Falls (7.4 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Watauga Falls?
Watauga Falls appears on the USGS Sherwood 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.