Otter Falls is a nice waterfall and easily accessible via a short hike in the resort town of Seven Devils, NC. The small recreational park features 4 short trails dropping down into the Valley Creek watershed. The hike outlined here follows 3 of these trails forming a loop to Otter Falls, skipping the Yellow Trail which dead ends at a non-existent overlook. Located close to Boone, Grandfather Mountain, and Banner Elk, this is a great family hike or short stop while you are in the area.
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Mile 0.0 – A small parking area for the Otter Falls trail system is located off Skyland Drive. Begin the Red Trail loop and turn left at the split in 100 feet.
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Mile 0.3 – Intersection of the Red and Blue Trail loops. Turn left following the Blue Trail uphill.
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Mile 0.4 – Blue Trail loop T-junction with the Orange and Yellow Trails. The Yellow Trail heads left towards a dead end. Turn right onto the Orange Trail and immediately turn left downhill while the Blue Trail loop turns right.
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Mile 0.5 – The Orange Trail loop splits at the observation area above the waterfall. Turn left to take the long way down to Valley Creek.
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Mile 0.6 – Reach the base of Otter Falls on Valley Creek. This ~20-foot waterfall flows over large overhanging bedrock. When you are done admiring the falls, follow the stairs up to the observation area.
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Mile 0.7 – Turn left onto the Blue Trail loop.
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Mile 0.8 – Turn left onto the Red Trail loop.
- Mile 1.0 – Hike ends at the parking area.
