About Big Falls
Big Falls is a named waterfall in Avery County, North Carolina, located about 6.0 miles northwest of Banner Elk. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Elk Park 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°11′56″ N, 81°58′08″ W (36.19901, -81.96901). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Fall Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Jones Branch (stream, 0.5 mi), and Mill Creek (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Jones Falls, 0.8 miles to the west.
Weather at Big 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 Big Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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- Sunset
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- Daylight
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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 Big 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 Big Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Fall Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Jones Branch — stream, 0.5 mi
- Mill Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Little Pine Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Sugar Hollow — valley, 0.9 mi
- Skalley Branch — stream, 1.3 mi
- Red Rock Ridge — ridge, 1.4 mi
- Dark Ridge — ridge, 1.7 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 36.19901, -81.96901. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Big Falls
- Laurel Falls, TN11 mi northwest
- Falls of Gouges Creek, NC17 mi south
- Linville Falls, NC17 mi south
- Crystal Falls, NC22 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Falls located?
Big Falls is in Avery County, North Carolina, about 6.0 miles northwest of Banner Elk. Its coordinates are 36.19901, -81.96901 (36°11′56″ N, 81°58′08″ W).
What town is closest to Big Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Banner Elk, 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 Big Falls?
The closest is Jones Falls (0.8 mi west). Others within reach include Twisting Falls (2.2 mi), Watauga Falls (7.4 mi), and Laurel Creek Falls (7.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Big Falls?
Big Falls appears on the USGS Elk Park 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.