Apple Orchard Falls - Cornelius Creek

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

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.

The parking lot at the bottom (north end of the loop) is near a campground, as is the parking lot where the suggested shuttle is.

This hike 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 hikers, you can leave a shuttle car at the North Creek Parking midway down the Apple Orchard Falls Trail.