Follow the blue blazes into the cove. Although the area contains abundant streams, all surface water should be treated before drinking or cooking. Route for passage from one point to another; does not include roads or highways. The structure sits about 50 yards off the trail to the east and looks to sleep roughly 6-8 people. For the most part, it is a steep grade of switchbacks until the last few hundred yards before the shelter. Loved it ! Mosquitoes and ticks are present, but usually not a nuisance. Don’t stop at the first waterfall. This muddy path around the tree was slick/slippery. This trail is more difficult than "moderate." Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Nice quicker hike with a wonderful view of a spectacular waterfall! Best Photos. Rufus Morgan Falls Trail. Trails > Appalachian Trail > Franklin to Fontana Dam. Morgan was a longtime Appalachian Trail volunteer, and the trail to the falls is reminiscent of many portions of the AT in the southern Appalachian Mountains. My boyfriend and I did this on our way back from Wayah Bald, and we were definitely glad we made the trek! We suggest that you come in mid to late April through early May for the best chance to see the floor of the forest covered with wildflowers. There was a mild rain when I did the trail, which made the rocks slippery. Rufus Morgan Trail: Located within Nantahala National Forest, the 1 mile Rufus Morgan Trail forms a loop which is rated moderate.Marked with a blue blaze, Rufus Morgan Trail reaches a 10' waterfall (no name known). My husband and I hike a lot and would rate this more easy to moderate than easy due to hiking up in elevation most of the way to the big falls and due to stepping over and around a lot of roots and rocks on the trail. Great for kids and dogs. Trail Guide. Rufus Morgan Falls The 60-foot Rufus Morgan Falls is located just outside the town of Franklin. and Wayah Rd, so you'll know where to turn). Higher elevations, however, can experience cold, wet weather at any time during the year. We had our two Springers with us and they loved the stream crossings. There’s another one higher up. Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Nantahala National Forest, Wayah Ranger District. No bathrooms but it’s a short hike. Awesome hike! Rufus Morgan Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Franklin, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Wayah Bald Recreation Area via Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald via Appalachian Trail, Appalachian Trail: Deep Gap to Dicks Creek, Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit, Standing Indian, Mount Albert, Nantahala Basin Loop, Wayah Bald to Sawmill Gap via Bartram Trail, Bartram Trail: Wayah Bald to Wallace Branch, Wayah Bald to Wilson Lick Ranger's Station. Rufus Morgan Trail - Franklin, North Carolina in summer. all shelters Directions: From Franklin, take U. S. Highway 64 west about 3 miles. my 3 year old absolutely loved it! Rufus Morgan Falls. One end starts across the creek from the parking area, and the other end starts in the parking area itself. trail little muddy at stream crossings, easy to follow, well marked for a remote trail, kids 5 and above okay, no steep climb. Macon County, North Carolina. If you're looking for a nice half-day hike to see a local waterfall, the Rufus Morgan Falls trail is a great place to wander to. As stated earlier, the hike to the falls is about 1 mile long and is a nicely blue blazed loop trail. Turn right at the signs for the LBJ Job Center/Wayah Bald areas, then left onto Wayah Road (State Route 1310). Makes for a great day! The 1 mile (round trip) hike is family friendly and moderate in difficulty. trail is actually 1.5 mile loop. The structure sits about 50 yards off the trail to the east and looks to sleep roughly 6-8 people. The Rufus Morgan Trail February 21, 2017. ", THE LOCAL DIRECTIONSFrom intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 3.8 miles to "Old Murphy Rd. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The fall leaves were pretty! Hike with Gravity. We stopped to take it all in quite a bit so, it took us about an hour and a half. Carry and drink plenty of fluids, and use sunscreen on exposed skin, especially at higher elevations. Definitely not for children. It’s up there. Rufus Morgan Falls One of North Carolina’s most beautiful wildflower trails, the hike to Rufus Morgan Falls is best trekked during the second half of April. It was great. The water gal at the end is absolutely beautiful. Great waterfall and hike. I’m not really sure why this trail is rated “moderate” instead of easy. It leads to 60' Rufus Morgan Falls at its far end - a great destination. It does drop down the mountain right off the trail so watch the little ones, but over all we loved it. Dwarf-crested Iris (Iris cristata). for another 6.4 miles until you come to FR (forest road) #388 on your Left (you'll need to pay attention to your odometer because there are no signage for Rufus Morgan Falls or Trail, just a small brown sign with the numbers "388" on it). Really nice short loop trail to lovely waterfall. The gps took us right to the road and then said we were there but we still had to drive another mile or so up the mountain. The entire right hand side of the falls are lined with Rhododendron. Rufus Morgan Loop Trail Reports no reports have been added for Rufus Morgan Loop yet, add a trail report. Located 64 miles west-southwest of Asheville North Carolina. Hike with Gravity. Morgan was a longtime Appalachian Trail volunteer, and the trail to the falls is reminiscent of many portions of the AT in the southern Appalachian Mountains. We all did just fine. Hike Summary: This short hike starts at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at Wesser, NC and climbs 500 feet heading southbound on the Appalachian Trail to the Rufus Morgan Shelter. Biting insects are generally not a problem. oh yeah, love the Waterfalls. The trail travels through a rhododendron-covered mountainside northeast of the falls. pretty wet up here today, crossed water about 6 times. The trail is Blue Blazed and is well maintained. Loved the waterfalls and slow climb to the top. Loved the waterfall at the peak of the trail. Second half of the loop had lots of mushrooms and a small meadow with loads of goldenrod. Safety First: The Nantahala National Forest receives high recreational use throughout the summer, and traffic along the forest roads can be heavy, especially near developed facilities. Best Photos. A mile and a half down the dirt road is a clear placard for the Rufus Morgan trailhead. Common wildflowers include crested iris, large flowered-trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, black cohosh, blue cohosh, foamflower, Solomon’s seal, Clinton’s lily, showy orchid, waterleaf, large-flowered bellwort, umbrella-leaf, and turtlehead. Rufus Morgan Trail, NC Latitude: 35.1539817 Longitude: -83.5446048 County: Macon Area: Wayah Bald Elevation: 871 meters - 2858 feet Either way leads back to the small parking area where you started. The large falls at the end of the hike was quite beautiful. Would recommend for anyone, easy for kids, older adults and dogs. dont worry you can't miss sign for trail head access, it's only parking and sign on the road, clearly marked. There is a footbridge at one point below a smaller slide downstream of the main drop. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips. Facilities are not available at the trailhead. Overall great nevertheless. Top Runs. The first part was a little tough for the smaller kids (ours was two when he hiked it) because it was a little steep, but once it leveled off there were plenty of great views and a reasonably easy hike. Wildlife encounters with large animals such as black bears and wild boar are unusual but potentially very dangerous. Mailstop Code: 1103 1400 Independence Ave., SW The trail was making a long climb up to Cheoah Bald, frustratingly long. People who have a lot of experience hiking long distance trails will often give this advice: "Don't quit on a bad day." Don’t stop. A. Rufus Morgan Shelter Waypoint: ARufusM 35.32427,-83.59018 County/State: Swain NC Elevation: 2300' or USGS elevation 135.9 miles from Springer and 2057.1 miles to Katahdin next shelter south ↓ 4.9 miles. Weather in the southern Appalachians is generally mild but wet, with abundant rainfall throughout the year. Photo by Bill Lea. Rufus Morgan Falls - Nantahala National Forest 6-5-19 - Rufus Morgan Falls is a really nice 60-70' waterfall not to far west of Franklin, NC. County. He loved it and the waterfall is a great payoff. May and October are the best mo Great hike! steep climb to the fall but it is WORTH IT! My kiddos lover this hike. You have to take a trail off to the right of the loop to get up close to the waterfall. The signed, blazed, and easy-to-follow trail is a loop, about a mile long, with no intersections. Come in late May- July (at this elevation) to enjoy the multitude of blooming Rhododendrons, Flame Azeleas and Mountain Laruel. The Rufus Morgan Trail, located just outside of Franklin, NC off of the 'Wayah Road' is a great hike for just about anyone. There is a smaller waterfall but the main event is a few dozen yards above that, so don't get faked out and miss the bigger one. Continue on FR #388 for 2 miles to the parking area for "Rufus Morgan Trailhead". Sunday was supposed to be a 75 degree day, and we were anxious to get back on the trails after a 6 week hiatus. Rufus Morgan Falls is only about 30 minutes from Franklin North Carolina. I feel fortunate every day to be able to do this hike. Related terms: jeep trail, path, ski trail Man-made. And the only way out is back the same way. Got here around 330 and we're the only folks on the trail! Trail Guide Best Trails & Photos. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and inform builders and other riders about any issues on a trail.

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