Wilson Creek, a Wild & Scenic River

Visitor Center:
Once the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River was designated, Caldwell County began work on the creation of a visitor/education center to promote the outstanding values of Wilson Creek. Led by the efforts of the Caldwell County commissioners, the county purchased 6.4 acres along Wilson Creek using grants from the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust and the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust in January 2001. Later that year, funds for the construction of the visitor center were received from the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Enhancement Funds. Construction of the visitor center began in May 2002. On October 14, 2002, the visitor center officially opened its doors to the public.

The Wilson Creek Visitor Center gives information on the Wilson Creek gorge area and has a photograph and artifact collection that tells the history of the area.

Wilson Creek:
Forty-nine thousand acres of wilderness comprise the Wilson Creek area, one of North Carolina’s most pristine and rugged terrains. Camping, kayaking, hunting and fishing, waterfall hikes, off-road driving, and mountain biking are available in selected areas. Opportunities for adventure and activity abound for every skill level including the most experienced outdoorsmen.

A 23.3-mile mountain stream, Wilson Creek was added to the National Wild and Scenic River System in 2000. Much of Wilson Creek lies within the Pisgah National Forest. The stream starts atop 5,920-foot high Grandfather Mountain, just 100 yards above the Blue Ridge Parkway. Twenty miles later, the headwaters rush through the Blue Ridge Mountains into a 200-foot deep gorge of granite bedrock.

From its boulder-strewn headwaters, kayakers plunge through rapids with names like “Boatbuster” and “Thunderhole” in what is recognized as one of the most challenging runs in the southeastern United States. Twenty-five miles of wilderness trails offer hikers and backpackers striking views of small waterfalls and forests intertwined with laurel and rhododendron. Pristine trout waters draw avid fishermen while mountain bikers find single-track systems, creating opportunities for all abilities. Thirty-four miles of trails are open to all-terrain and off-highway vehicles in the nearby Brown Mountain Off-Highway Vehicle Area.