About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a named waterfall in Yancey County, North Carolina, located about 8.2 miles southwest of Spruce Pine. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Celo 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°49′08″ N, 82°09′03″ W (35.81901, -82.15083). Historical sources also record the names Murphy’s Falls, Crabtree Falls, Upper Crabtree Falls, and Murphy Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Dovers Ridge (ridge, 0.3 mi), Three Knobs (summit, 0.8 mi), and Pups Ridge (ridge, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Murphy Falls, 2.3 miles to the north.
USGS gazetteer description: Located at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
More Photos
12 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Upper 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 Upper 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 Upper 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
Upper Falls holds a 4.7 average from 7 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Dovers Ridge — ridge, 0.3 mi
- Three Knobs — summit, 0.8 mi
- Pups Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Nettie Patch — gap, 1.0 mi
- Bridle Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Dovers Branch — stream, 1.2 mi
- Low Gap — gap, 1.2 mi
- Rich Knob — summit, 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 35.81901, -82.15083. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Falls
- Blue Sea Falls, NC9.7 mi southwest
- Falls of Gouges Creek, NC11 mi northeast
- Walker Falls, NC12 mi west
- Douglas Falk, NC14 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Falls located?
Upper Falls is in Yancey County, North Carolina, about 8.2 miles southwest of Spruce Pine. Its coordinates are 35.81901, -82.15083 (35°49′08″ N, 82°09′03″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Spruce Pine, NC, about 8.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Falls?
The closest is Murphy Falls (2.3 mi north). Others within reach include Crabtree Falls (2.7 mi), Roaring Spout Falls (3.9 mi), and Grassy Creek Falls (4.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Falls?
Upper Falls appears on the USGS Celo 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.