Waterfall · Rutherford County, North Carolina

Hickorynut Falls

Waterfall about 3.1 miles west of Lake Lure, NC. Also known as Hickory Nut Falls.

4.6 · 123 Google reviews

Photo of Rainbow Falls, a waterfall 1.1 miles from Hickorynut Falls
Pictured: nearby Rainbow Falls (1.1 mi)

About Hickorynut Falls

Hickorynut Falls is a named waterfall in Rutherford County, North Carolina, located about 3.1 miles west of Lake Lure. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bat Cave 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°25′59″ N, 82°15′34″ W (35.43295, -82.25950). Historical sources also record the name Hickory Nut Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Chimney Rock Mountain (summit, 0.3 mi), Chimney Rock (pillar, 0.5 mi), and Fall Creek (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rainbow Falls, 1.1 miles to the north.

This horsetail waterfall along Fall Creek in Chimney Rock State Park drops from a height of 404 ft.

Weather at Hickorynut Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast 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 Hickorynut 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 Hickorynut 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

Hickorynut Falls holds a 4.6 average from 123 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★98
4★14
3★5
2★2
1★4

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Hickorynut Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Chimney Rock Mountain — summit, 0.3 mi
  • Chimney Rock — pillar, 0.5 mi
  • Fall Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
  • Rich Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
  • Bluerock Mountain — summit, 1.1 mi
  • Stony Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
  • Round Top Mountain — summit, 1.2 mi
  • Haircomb Gap — gap, 1.4 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 35.43295, -82.25950. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Hickorynut Falls

Photo of Rainbow Falls near Lake Lure, NC

Rainbow Falls

Lake Lure, NC · 1.1 mi north
2.2 (30)
Photo of The Cascades near Lake Lure, NC

The Cascades

Lake Lure, NC · 2.2 mi north
3.7 (3)
Photo of Toms Falls near Fairview, NC

Toms Falls

Fairview, NC · 4.4 mi northwest
2.4 (5)
Photo of Toms Falls, a waterfall 3.2 miles from Bead and Lace Falls
Pictured: nearby Toms Falls (3.2 mi)

Bead and Lace Falls

Edneyville, NC · 4.5 mi west
3.3 (6)
Photo of Bradley Falls near Tryon, NC

Bradley Falls

Tryon, NC · 12 mi south
4.4 (45)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hickorynut Falls located?

Hickorynut Falls is in Rutherford County, North Carolina, about 3.1 miles west of Lake Lure. Its coordinates are 35.43295, -82.25950 (35°25′59″ N, 82°15′34″ W).

What town is closest to Hickorynut Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Lake Lure, NC, about 3.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Hickorynut Falls?

The closest is Rainbow Falls (1.1 mi north). Others within reach include The Cascades (2.2 mi), Camp Minnehaha Falls (2.6 mi), and Toms Falls (4.4 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Hickorynut Falls?

Hickorynut Falls appears on the USGS Bat Cave 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.