Looking for an adventure that includes a good hike and a breathtaking waterfall? KAG Contributor Liene has the scoop on Little Bradley Falls in Saluda, North Carolina. Due to a lack of signs and the degree of difficulty, the Little Bradley Falls and (Big) Bradley Falls hikes are usually left to those ‘in the know’. However, judging by the amount of traffic on Liene’s visit, these gorgeous waterfall hikes are quickly gaining popularity in western North Carolina.
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Little Bradley Falls at a Glance
| Location | Holbert Cove Road (SR 1142), Saluda, NC 28773 |
| Trail Distance | About two miles round trip |
| Difficulty | Moderate — creek crossings, rocky terrain, some steep sections |
| Waterfall | Multi-tiered cascade with a large wading pool at the base |
| Best For | Families with older kids and teens; younger children may need assistance or a backpack carrier on steep sections |
| Dogs | Welcome, on leash |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Gravel pull-off on Holbert Cove Road; no facilities on site |
| Directions | From I-26, take Exit 59 (Saluda). Turn onto Holbert Cove Road and continue approximately three miles to the parking pull-off. |
What to Expect at Little Bradley Falls
The Green River Game Lands are a relatively undisturbed wilderness area containing narrow gorges, steep ravines, coves, old-growth and mixed hardwood forests. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission manages the area.
The Game Lands are named after the Green River, which runs through a rugged gorge on the Blue Ridge escarpment, at one point dropping 400 feet in 1 ½ miles through a six-foot wide crevice known as “the Narrows.” Cove Creek, which originates near Saluda (and Pearson’s Falls), flows north and into the Green River, but first flows under I-26 and over two waterfalls, Little Bradley and Bradley Falls.
Parking and the Trail to Little Bradley Falls
To reach the falls, hikers can park at a gravel pull-off on State Road 1142 (also known as Holbert Cove Road), which is a hair over three miles from exit 59 on I-26. There are no signs, but the trail for Bradley Falls departs to the north from the parking area, while the hike to Little Bradley starts on the opposite side of the road, across the bridge on the east side of Cove Creek.
Hikers must immediately climb a steep section of trail away from the creek; the second trail that leads alongside the creek is a popular wading and picnic area. Although you can plainly see where hikers have attempted to reach the trail up the steep mountainside, there is consequently significant erosion and damage. Just follow the red blazes in the two or three places that the trail splits, and you’ll reach the falls.
My kids love this hike as there are several creek crossings. Water shoes are a good idea if taking off/putting shoes back on or attempting to rock-hop isn’t your idea of fun. But these crossings, and a couple of rather dicey sections of trail, also bring the degree of difficulty up to moderate. My older boys required assistance in several spots, and my youngest spent time in the backpack carrier.
The trail ends upon reaching Little Bradley Falls; you’ll know you’re close when you pass the old chimney ruins. The 35-foot, triple-tiered waterfall feeds into a large pool at the bottom and is perfect for wading and cooling off on a hot summer day.
Exercise extreme caution on the slippery boulders, and don’t attempt to climb to the top of the falls. Just as with most other scenic falls in the area, dozens of people have been injured, and even killed, in their attempt to photograph and explore the treacherous terrain. On our visit, a professional rappelling team was practicing waterfall rescue operations up and down the side of the waterfall.
We retraced our steps to the bridge on Holbert Cove Road, completing this two-mile hike. We reached the car, grabbed our lunch, and spent another hour in Cove Creek wading, splashing, and catching crawdads before heading into Saluda for ice cream on Main Street. Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains doesn’t get much better than this!
2026 Trail Update: Post-Hurricane Helene Conditions
Hurricane Helene (September 2024) altered portions of the Little Bradley Falls trail. The trail is open, and the falls are definitely still worth the hike, but visitors should plan for current conditions: several downed trees require hiking over or around, creek crossings are more challenging with uneven and sometimes unstable rocks, and a small landslide has altered one section of trail. Allow a little extra time, wear sturdy waterproof footwear or water shoes, and bring hiking poles if you have them. Pay close attention at the first creek crossing — a faint path branches left toward private property; follow the red blazes to stay on route. (Source: Blue Ridge Mountain Life, updated June 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Bradley Falls
How difficult is the hike to Little Bradley Falls?
The trail is rated moderate. The roughly two-mile round trip hike includes creek crossings, some steep sections, a boulder field, and rocky footing near the falls. Most families with older kids can manage it. Following Hurricane Helene (September 2024), some sections have additional challenges. Allow extra time and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear.
Is Little Bradley Falls good for kids?
Older kids and teens can handle the trail with some help on the steeper and rockier sections. Younger children may need to ride in a backpack carrier for parts of the hike. Water shoes are highly recommended. The creek crossings are part of the fun!
Is there an entrance fee for Little Bradley Falls?
No. Little Bradley Falls sits within the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Green River Game Lands, which are free and open to the public year-round.
Are dogs allowed at Little Bradley Falls?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail but must remain on a leash at all times. (Source: AllTrails)
What should I bring to Little Bradley Falls?
Water shoes are a must for the creek crossings (or be ready to take your shoes off to wade). Bring plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy footwear with good traction. After Hurricane Helene’s trail changes, hiking poles are especially helpful at the creek crossings. Pack out what you pack in. Leave No Trace.
Plan your own trip to Little Bradley Falls
Little Bradley Falls
Holbert Cove Road, Saluda, NC
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This article was originally published on Femme au Foyer as “Little Bradley Falls in Saluda, NC” and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.