While most of the waterfalls in North Carolina are on public lands, there are a few that are on private property which makes them a little more difficult to visit. One of these waterfalls happens to be near Stone Mountain, and is part of the property for a very nice mountain cabin rental. Unlike most of my entries in this waterfall directory, I will not be providing directions to its location in order to protect the privacy of those who stay there. However, I will recommend that you pay the Waterfall Hideaway website a visit and consider booking your own trip.
The waterfall itself was not impressive when my wife and I went there in late January 2011. I was suspecting the water to be flowing a bit more forcefully from all the precipitation that we had been experiencing. However, that was just not the case. There was but a trickle coming down over the rocks. The size of the falls is impressive though. It is about 70 feet top to bottom and there are several cascades along its path. I imagine that with proper flow this would be a very nice waterfall to photograph.
The owners of the property have done a great job in showcasing this waterfall. It is directly behind the cabin, and there is a walkway from the back door right to the base of the falls. It is quite literally 40 feet or so from the cabin, and you can walk it bare foot if you are so inclined. They have a nice place to sit by the base as well as a fire pit for warmth or even marshmallows I suppose. At night the cascade portions of the waterfall are lit so this can be enjoyed 24 hours a day.
Mountain Bungalow
The real story with the Waterfall Hideaway is the cabin itself. It sets in a large secluded lot with no signs of life anywhere around. The community where it was built is a gated community with a long winding gravel road. I would recommend taking a truck or something with good ground clearance in the winter months. While there was no snow or ice on the roads when we went, the road was very soggy and muddy. Four wheel drive is probably recommended in inclement weather. That was actually part of the charm of this quaint cabin, you really get the feeling you are in the middle of nowhere.
Below the cabin you will find a walkway that leads down to a well done man made pond. This pond is stocked with fish, and has a nice picnic table where you and the family can grab a relaxing lunch. A little further down is a hammock with another couple of chairs tucked into the woods. Great place for a nap! Behind the cabin there is the waterfall which is linked to the pond by a short nature trail. As you look to the right of the waterfall, there is a continuation of the trail that winds through the trees to an elevated lookout point. There is a table and two chairs where you can just sit and take in the beauty of the 60 mile view ahead.
While the waterfall might not be the best out there, if you enjoy seeing different cascades, you really should consider staying at the Waterfall Hideaway at least once in your life. The experience isn't something you will soon forget. I am planning several return trips and hope to be able to photograph the waterfall in its full grandeur at some point.
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4 comments:
Hi Greg, love your shots of Waterfal Hideaway. Hoping maybe you can help me with contacting the owners. Do you know them or are they friends of yours? I have been trying to contact them for nearly a month to book a trip in June, but have had no luck in getting a return call. The ads go up weekly on CList, and they are also on VRBO..but the phone mailbox is full and after multiple attemps via phone, email, text I have yet to hear back from anyone. How did you go about booking your visit? Thanks in advance for any help and/or feedback you can provide me with. It looks so beautiful and I can't wait to stay there!
Sheila
Hi Sheila, I understand your frustration with contacting the owners. It took us a many attempts to get in touch with them with questions and to book. We don't know them at all, and came upon the Cabin through the website. I had seen signs for it near Stone Mountain years ago. I don't have any other contact information other than what is on the website. I wish I could be of more help. Just know that your stay there will be very much worth the frustration that getting in touch with them causes.
Greg
I was wondering if you knew the names of the waterfalls that are located in Winston-Salem. I heard there were two there and both of them people get married at them. One I heard is behind The Rush gym on 4th or 5th street somewhere and the other is somewhere on Liberty St. I would appreciate any help that you could give me, Thank you.
Stephanie, I think I know the waterfalls you are talking about in Winston. They are both more water sculptures than they are waterfalls. There is nothing natural about either one of them. They are pretty, and if that is what you are looking for then they will surely fill the bill. For a natural waterfall, close to Winston, check out the Waterfall on North Deep Creek near East Bend. Link is to the right.
Greg
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