Trash Can Falls….aka Laurel Creek Falls earned its nickname due to a Watauga County dumpster near the falls. The name while trashy, is also catchy, so it stuck. Once a local secret swimming hole, thanks to the internet and explosion of waterfall popularity over the years, it secrecy is gone forever.
This is really a set of waterfalls, not just a single drop. The top section, where the main 15 foot drop is located has an amazing swimming hole nestled in between the large boulders, and makes a perfect location for Appalachian State students (and others) to hang out on nice summer days. There can be lots of people here nearly covering all of the surrounding boulders. It is also fairly common to see people jumping off the rocks into the pool., though I have not yet done this.
With the main drop and a beautiful mini gorge that begins at the edge of the pool, it has lots of photo opportunities and compositions from the main drop and falls below. With a round trip hike of around 0.4 miles, one would not need to set aside too much time for a visit here.
To visit Trash Can Falls from Boone, follow these directions:
- Starting Point: Leaving Boone on US 421/321 heading north.
- Watch for the Split: About 10 miles out of Boone, US 321 will split off to the left. Take US 321.
- Travel Distance: From the split, travel 5.5 miles on US 321.
- Landmarks: You’ll eventually drive along the Watauga River. After crossing the river and passing a riverside park, look for a pullout area on the river side.
- Parking: The pullout area will be on the right side if you’re coming from Boone or on the left if coming from Tennessee. There is no sign indicating the waterfall, and it cannot be seen from the highway. Ensure your vehicle is completely off the highway when you park.
- Trailhead: At the upper end of the parking area, carefully cross US 321. This is a busy US highway, so be careful. The trail begins here and is slightly uphill but very short. The total hiking distance is approximately 0.4 miles round trip.
Below the main falls and swimming hole, the falls continue. I find them quite scenic and will provide photos from several seasons. There is a short scramble path to the bottom of these from the main path below the falls. It is a little tricky, be careful.
The lower section of Trash Can Falls is a very scenic mini gorge. The view are definitely worth the stop if you are simply here for photography.
I did have a little fun watching some folks jumping the falls. Two guys were attempting to do this. The first, obviously a natural, leaped right in. The second, obviously his first time, was a little more hesitant. It took him awhile.
There was one fellow who got up there and was petrified to jump. Maybe he just has better judgement…lol. The safe landing area was not very big. I would not advise him going to nearby Elk Falls or Compression Falls if this one was a problem for him!!
R
