Find a beautiful waterfall setting at Otter Falls, located just 6.5 miles from the main entrance to Sugar Mountain. A short but strenuous 1.2-mile roundtrip hike is rewarded with a recently built observation deck for an up-close look of the 25-foot waterfall.
Located in the community of Seven Devils, find a paved parking area at the trailhead with additional roadside spots nearby. Find a network of four trails that criss-cross as you descend the ridge to Valley Creek. Take a photo of the big map in the parking lot so you can navigate easily. Descend about 230 feet in elevation and follow the sound of rushing water.
After seeing Otter Falls from the observation deck, take the short loop trail adjacent to the cascading creek. Find some refreshing spots to sit on boulders and soak your feet in the very refreshing mountain water. The return walk is uphill about all the way, so allow plenty of time to rest on the benches. Shoes with strong grips are recommended!
Otter Falls Trail Map
The network of trails takes you through a beautiful forest, so you may want to take a different route back up to extend the hike. The elevation of Otter Falls is 3,620 feet, so expect winter snow and ice. In fact, four-wheel drive is recommended during the winter on the steep, winding road to Seven Devils.
Dogs are allowed on a leash. The trail is open every day, dawn to dusk.
Directions to Otter Falls from Sugar Mountain
It’s an easy 6.5-mile drive from Sugar Mountain entrance to the trailhead at 825 Skyland Dr, Seven Devils:
- From the main entrance, turn right onto NC Highway 184.
- At the stoplight at NC Highway 105, turn left. Go 3.1 miles.
- Turn left onto 7 Devils Road (look for signs for Seven Devils)
- Go about 2 miles and look for parking lot on left.
- Find it on Google Maps.
Nearby Waterfall
See our Crab Orchard Falls Guide for waterfall hike in Valle Crucis is about 8.5 miles away.
More Things to Do
See our Summer Guide and Fall Color Guide for more to see in our Blue Ridge Mountains. See our Places to Stay guide for vacation rentals on Sugar Mountain. Discover more nearby hikes & waterfalls.