Hike to Apple Orchard Falls

There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which is to start at the Sunset Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike down to the falls, which is about 2.5 miles in and out. I enjoyed it from the BRP, but would like to try the bottom sometime.

From Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4, you begin to hike down the trail to the falls which is 1.2 miles. It's a fairly steep descent, with the elevation changing over 1,000 ft in that one mile. So, hiking back up is definitely a nice little workout.

About half way down, you come to a stream and from there on you are pretty much beside some water the rest of the way down. The first little falls you come to are really nice, and are in big open area with a wooden bridge and lots of rocks where you can take a little rest and get some great pictures! From there you continue down and you'll get to some steep stairs, which can really slippery if it's wet out (trust me, I know). At the bottom of those stairs you reach the base of the falls, which has a nice wooden platform where you can chill out and admire God's handiwork. From there it's back up the mountain if you started from the overlook, or you can go down some more and explore the creek if you're feeling adventurous!