Sunday Afternoon Stroll…

Trek to Bertram Falls in Nantahala Gorge

Are you ready for an outing that combines a vigorous hike with the serenity of nature? Look no further than the Bertram Falls trail in Nantahala Gorge. Nestled within the enchanting Nantahala National Forest, this gem offers hikers a moderately challenging experience amidst cascading waters and beautiful wilderness.

Getting There

The journey to Bertram Falls begins at Hidden Waters RV Park, where nature lovers are greeted with friendly smiles and all the amenities for a comfortable stay. From there, it's just a short drive to the Findley Falls trailhead, located off the scenic Nantahala River Road.

The Trail

The trail to Bertram Falls is a fairly challenging 5.2-mile roundtrip hike that will surely help you get your cardio in for the day. The first mile of the path is uphill and winds through a lush forest, offering glimpses of towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and the sound of chirping birds. Be sure to bring your camera along, as there are numerous photo opportunities to capture the many smaller falls along the way. As you make your way along the trail, you'll gain 2,000 feet in elevation and encounter several creek crossings and boulders that add an element of excitement to the hike. It took me about 3.5 hours to complete the trip, which included a “cold plunge” in a pool below one of the falls. The falls are understated, but the trail (especially along the creek) stayed cool on a fairly warm day in July. The trail was in good shape and the only other people I encountered were at the trailhead. Overall it was an enjoyable hike on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

My Gear

I am neither a gear expert nor paid to promote products. All of my gear was chosen by and paid for by me. These are based on my personal preferences and I would love to hear about yours:

• Keen Targhee III Hiking Shoes (I like the wide toe box & Keen Dry) @keen

• Smartwool crew length, light cushion hiking socks @smartwool

• Black Diamond trekking poles @blackdiamond