Cliff Jumping & Diving at Laurel Creek Falls (Trash Can Falls) in Sugar Grove, North Carolina

About this spot

Locally called Trash Can Falls for a former roadside dumpster, this spot is officially Laurel Creek Falls, about 5.4 miles west of Boone on US-321 near Sugar Grove. Park in the pull-off across from Laurel Creek Road (or the paved Watauga County river-access lot just past the bridge) and carefully cross busy US-321 to a very short, steep 0.15-mile trail. Three jump spots are used, roughly 15, 20 and 30 feet, dropping into a boulder-lined pool. The largest ledge requires a careful, exposed downclimb and is not beginner-friendly. Rocks throughout are notoriously slick; always check current water depth before jumping since levels swing with rain. No permits needed; it's national forest roadside land, but do not park on the highway shoulder — vehicles get towed.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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Laurel Creek Falls

Sugar Grove, North Carolina