Name: Apple Orchard Falls - Cornelius Creek
Rating: 4.3

“A loop run leading to view the Apple Orchard Falls on North Creek and Cornelius Creek”

— John Phillips

GPX File

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

This route is quite safe as long as you stay on the trail. Do not leave the trail around the falls.

Overview

Starting at Sunset Fields Parking on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this loop combines the Apple Orchard Falls Trail, the Cornelius Creek Trail, and a section of the Appalachian Trail to see some of the best falls and cascades in the region.

Description

This run starts from the Sunset Fields parking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Begin by following the Apple Orchard Falls Trail, crossing the Appalachian Trail and continuing down to view the falls. Then continue descending the Apple Orchard Falls Trail along North Creek. On reaching the opposite trailhead for this trail, turn and climb the Cornelius Creek Trail viewing the cascades of Cornelius Creek. The Cornelius Creek Trail ends at its junction with the Appalachian Trail. Turn left onto the A.T. and return to the Apple Orchard Falls Trail. Follow this back to the parking at Sunset Fields.

If you have a mixed group of stronger and weaker runners, you can leave a shuttle car at the North Creek Parking midway down the Apple Orchard Falls Trail.