About Carter Falls
Carter Falls is a named waterfall in Wilkes County, North Carolina, located about 3.7 miles northwest of Elkin. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Thurmond 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°17′18″ N, 80°53′05″ W (36.28834, -80.88484). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Grassy Creek (stream, 1.0 mi), Long Branch (stream, 1.4 mi), and Grassy Fork (stream, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Falls, 10 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
261 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Carter Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Carter Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Carter 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
Carter Falls holds a 4.6 average from 97 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Carter Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Grassy Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Long Branch — stream, 1.4 mi
- Grassy Fork — stream, 1.4 mi
- Elkin Reservoir — reservoir, 2.0 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 36.28834, -80.88484. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Carter Falls
- Upper Cascade Falls, NC35 mi east
- Lower Cascade Falls, NC35 mi east
- Hidden Falls, NC36 mi east
- Window Falls, NC36 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Carter Falls located?
Carter Falls is in Wilkes County, North Carolina, about 3.7 miles northwest of Elkin. Its coordinates are 36.28834, -80.88484 (36°17′18″ N, 80°53′05″ W).
What town is closest to Carter Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Elkin, NC, about 3.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Carter Falls?
The closest is Little Falls (10 mi northwest). Others within reach include Moravian Falls (22 mi), Betseys Rock Falls (29 mi), and Cascade Falls (32 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Carter Falls?
Carter Falls appears on the USGS Thurmond 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.