Apple Orchard Falls, Cornelius Creek Loop

5.7 miles, moderate terrain<BR>
29 miles from Daleville, $3.00 carpool fee<BR><BR>

Take I-81 N 18 miles to exit 168
Go right on VA-614.<BR>
Follow signs to North Creek Campground<BR>
Turn left on VA-59 <BR>
After crossing North Creek, VA-59 continues into FS-768<BR>
When FS-768 Ts into FS-812, go right'<BR>
Park in the cul-de-sac, where you'll see the trail head.<BR><BR>

After you park, take the blue-blazed trail to the left; this 
is Apple Orchard Falls Trail. You’ll follow the trail for about 2 miles until 
you reach the falls. The hike up to the falls is shaded and serene, with the
gurgling North Creek to guide you. There’s a large wooden bridge and platform
by the falls where you can stop to enjoy the scenery and rest a bit. <BR><BR>

Most of the trail up to the falls is fairly flat with 
gradual inclines. When you start to reach the falls, the trail gets a bit 
steeper and quite rocky. But the boulders act as stepping stones that make your 
trek up to the falls pretty easy. After you get to the falls, you’ll continue 
on around and over the falls, where the trail continues to get even steeper.  
The forestry service has built wooden steps to make the climb a bit easier.  
After about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach Apple Orchard Falls Road. Turn 
right here and follow the road for about a mile until you reach the Cornelius 
Creek Trail (watch for the wooden sign).<BR><BR>

You'll follow Cornelius Creek Trail along the creek for a 
little over two miles until you get back to the parking area. This last leg of 
the hike is a really pretty part.  The 
trail follows the creek with many pools until it comes back down to the parking
lot.<BR><HR>

<a href="http://www.ratc.org/maps/Apple Orchard Falls.pdf">
http://www.ratc.org/maps/Apple Orchard Falls.pdf</a><BR><BR>

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