About Mitchell Falls
Mitchell Falls is a named waterfall in Yancey County, North Carolina, located about 10.0 miles south of Burnsville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mount Mitchell 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°46′26″ N, 82°17′01″ W (35.77401, -82.28373). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Little Piney Ridge (ridge, 0.8 mi), Big Pine Mountain (summit, 0.8 mi), and Beech Nursery Gap (gap, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Blue Sea Falls, 1.6 miles to the southwest.
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Weather at Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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
Mitchell Falls holds a 4.5 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Mitchell Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Little Piney Ridge — ridge, 0.8 mi
- Big Pine Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Beech Nursery Gap — gap, 0.8 mi
- Mitchell Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Mitchell Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Wilson Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
- Blue Ridge — range, 1.2 mi
- Black Mountains — ridge, 1.2 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 35.77401, -82.28373. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Mitchell Falls
- Crabtree Falls, NC10 mi northeast
- Grassy Creek Falls, NC12 mi northeast
- Crystal Falls, NC14 mi northeast
- Falls of Gouges Creek, NC18 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mitchell Falls located?
Mitchell Falls is in Yancey County, North Carolina, about 10.0 miles south of Burnsville. Its coordinates are 35.77401, -82.28373 (35°46′26″ N, 82°17′01″ W).
What town is closest to Mitchell Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Burnsville, NC, about 10.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Mitchell Falls?
The closest is Blue Sea Falls (1.6 mi southwest). Others within reach include Walker Falls (4.2 mi), Douglas Falk (6.3 mi), and Roaring Spout Falls (6.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Mitchell Falls?
Mitchell Falls appears on the USGS Mount Mitchell 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.