About this spot
Steels Creek Falls is the namesake waterfall on Steels Creek in Pisgah National Forest's Wilson Creek Wilderness, reached via FR228 off NC-181 (about 14.5 miles north of Morganton) and a strenuous multi-mile hike with creek crossings. A large swimming hole locally called 'The Kettle' sits along the route, and the top of the falls has its own popular swimming pool with a view — described across 100+ AllTrails reviews, hiking blogs, and legacy NC waterfall guides as a longstanding summer swimming destination. Hazards include steep, unmaintained scrambling to see the falls, creek crossings that get dangerous in high water, persistent mosquitos, and a seasonal FR228 access gate locked January 1 to April 1. No lifeguards or cell service on site.