Moravian Falls is a 45-foot tiered waterfall on Moravian Creek in Wilkes County, North Carolina, next to the small community that shares its name. The falls sit on the grounds of Moravian Falls Family Campground, which allows visitors to walk over to see them after checking in.
The falls
Moravian Creek comes down in two steep, cascading tiers; the upper tier is a little taller and steeper than the lower, ending in a small pool. A reproduction mill with a water wheel stands beside the falls. Lidar measurements indicate a drop of about 45 feet, though other estimates have ranged from 35 to 60 feet, and older surveys recorded 42 feet.
Getting there
The falls are on the property of Moravian Falls Family Campground, 536 Falls Road, Moravian Falls. To reach the site from US 421, take exit 286A, follow NC 16/18 south for 3 miles, turn right on NC 18 for half a mile, then left on Falls Road for half a mile to the office by the pond. Visitors who are not staying at the campground are asked to check in at the camp store first; from there the walk crosses the road and a grassy area to the falls. Drivers should not stop on the road. The campground is open year-round, though its hiking trails are reserved for paying campers.
When to go
Campground photos show the falls hung with ice in winter, which the owner says usually melts soon.
On site
Swimming is banned throughout the campground, including at the waterfall, and pets are not permitted in the waterfall area. Children are welcome.
History and name
The creek and community take their name from the Moravian Brethren, who held land grants in the area. William Pitt Waugh built the first mill at the falls in 1803; the site was developed for hydroelectric power in 1911, and after a flood destroyed the gristmill in 1916 it was rebuilt and ran into the late 1930s. The village, earlier known as Forks of the Road and Petersburg, was officially named Moravian Falls in 1874. Ken and Anita Wike bought the waterfall property in 1994.
Nearby
Boone Falls is about 5.1 miles away, Gilreath Falls on Rocky Creek about 6.7 miles and Fletcher Falls about 15.7 miles.
Distances are straight-line.