Waterfall · Wilkes County, North Carolina

Little Falls

Waterfall about 6.0 miles west of Thurmond, NC.

Illustrated featured image for Little Falls in Wilkes County, North Carolina

About Little Falls

Little Falls is a named waterfall in Wilkes County, North Carolina, located about 6.0 miles west of Thurmond. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Glade Valley 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°22′51″ N, 81°02′03″ W (36.38097, -81.03425). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Martins Low Gap (gap, 0.7 mi), Stone Mountain (summit, 1.0 mi), and Wolf Rock (summit, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Carter Falls, 10 miles to the southeast.

Weather at Little 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 Little Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Sunset
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Golden hour
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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 Little Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Named Landmarks Nearby

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

  • Martins Low Gap — gap, 0.7 mi
  • Stone Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
  • Wolf Rock — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Combs Knob — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Bucks Peak — summit, 1.3 mi
  • Camp Cheerio Lake — reservoir, 1.9 mi
  • Bullhead Creek — stream, 1.9 mi
  • Stone Mountain Creek — stream, 1.9 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 36.38097, -81.03425. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Little Falls

Photo of Carter Falls near Elkin, NC

Carter Falls

Elkin, NC · 10 mi southeast
4.6 (97)
Photo of Moravian Falls near Moravian Falls, NC

Moravian Falls

Moravian Falls, NC · 22 mi southwest
4.0 (41)
Photo of Cascade Falls near West Jefferson, NC

Cascade Falls

West Jefferson, NC · 25 mi west
4.7 (132)
Photo of The Falls near Independence, VA

The Falls

Independence, VA · 26 mi north
4.2 (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Falls located?

Little Falls is in Wilkes County, North Carolina, about 6.0 miles west of Thurmond. Its coordinates are 36.38097, -81.03425 (36°22′51″ N, 81°02′03″ W).

What town is closest to Little Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Thurmond, NC, about 6.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Little Falls?

The closest is Carter Falls (10 mi southeast). Others within reach include Betseys Rock Falls (22 mi), Moravian Falls (22 mi), and Cascade Falls (25 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Little Falls?

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