Little Egypt Falls (also known as Triple Falls and Bruce Creek Falls – because it is on Bruce Creek) is one of the prettiest waterfalls I’ve ever seen. It’s quite unique with how it is set into the rocks.
This hike is actually part of a longer trail starting at Cove Lake State Park, but there’s a parking area on Shelton Hollow Lane, which is where we began our hike. There is limited parking at this location. BTW: The State Park looked like a nice area to have a picnic lunch and/or let your kids out to stretch their legs and play for a bit while you rest if you need to. We didn’t have our kids with us on this trip, so we didn’t use it, but it was something we are keeping in mind for when we return.
We initially tried putting Little Egypt Falls into Google Maps and it took us to the completely wrong location, although not far from our destination. So then we tried Triple Falls and it gave us even worse results, giving us directions to Triple Falls in North Carolina. So we entered Triple Falls Parking Lot and it took us right to the pull off parking area. There is only room for a few cars, but as it is tucked away, you probably won’t have any issues finding a spot.
We went right after it had rained, and then it started raining again when we were down by the falls. Given the forecast for rain and that it had already rained earlier in the day and continued raining off an on all day gave us the whole place to ourselves.
There are several boulders right by the parking area. We parked in front of one, as they made for easy parking spaces.
There aren’t any signs or markers at the trailhead, but you should be able to see the beginning of the trail off to the side of the parking area. It was easy to find.
After leaving the pull off parking area, we walked a short distance and the trail split. We went to the right, which in the wet, slippery conditions seemed like the easier path. The trail followed alongside the Bruce Creek. (Hint: This was wrong, so you will want to pick the left trail.)
The Right Side Trail – Venture if You Want
However, this trail led not to a waterfall, but to an area which locals liked to use for a recreation area. There was a fire pit, and unfortunately some broken glass bottles, so be careful. Luckily for us, you could see the other trail, and we simply went up a small slope and got on the correct trail.
Back on the Correct (Left) Trail
Within 0.2 miles of starting the trail, we came across the first waterfall on the trail, which was pretty and had great water flow after all the recent rain. There are several paths that you can take down to the first waterfall, but with all the muddy conditions and slippery leaf covered walkways, we got as close as we dared and still had a splendid view. We returned to the trail and continued onward to Little Egypt Falls.
You’ll pass several really pretty cascades on the way to Little Egypt Falls. Since we had the trail all to ourselves, we could take our time and climb down for closer looks at all the cascades. Many people like to head straight to the main attraction, but I like to look at all the beautiful surroundings along the way. This trail had plenty to offer and was quite peaceful on this misty, rainy morning.
The Big Falls
Less than half a mile into the hike, Little Egypt Falls came into view. The waterfall is nestled into the rocks, framing one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever seen. I was glad we had the place to ourselves so we could just take time to appreciate the beauty of nature. The conditions of the path leading down to the base of Little Egypt Falls was much easier to navigate, so we explored around the base for a little while.
At this point, we returned to the trail and headed back to the parking area as it was raining and the trail was already muddy. If you continue up the trail, you will come to a bridge, cross the bridge and continue the uphill climb to the Devil’s Racetrack overlook, which gives you a 360 degree view of the mountains. This part of the trail would be considered moderate, however the portion with the waterfalls is easy. Hiking distance, including Devil’s Racetrack, is 2.3 miles, while the hiking distance just to Little Egypt Falls and then returning to the parking lot is a little less than a one mile round trip.
Note: There are no restrooms at this parking area so plan ahead.
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