After moving into a new home and busy work schedules, we finally found time to explore around Charlotte again. Summer in the Carolinas lasts until October, so it was perfect weather to do another hike to a Waterfall. We found a hike that is connected to the Winery and Vineyard and leads you directly to a Waterfall.
This past summer we met some new friends from Canada, and they finally moved to Charlotte this week, so we were happy to ask Alicia and Nick to join us on our adventure.
Grassy Creek Winery is just right outside of Elkin, NC about 70 miles from Charlotte, NC. What we did not know, that this area of NC is called Yadkin Valley Wine County and there are a handful of wineries and vineyards in that area.
Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery has a big parking lot, which connects to the Grassy Creek Trail. The trail to the Carter Falls is about 1.7 miles long. However, on the way you can find other attractions, like a nature bath, a creek, cows and tobacco fields. Our round trip ended up being around 5 miles, due to all the stops and little detours we made.
The path is very well marked and you cannot get lost. Once you get close to the Waterfall, there is another parking lot. This would be a perfect place to park if there are people in your group that cannot walk the entire trail.
Carter Falls is huge, we have never heard about it and there was almost no one there as it is such a hidden gem. It looks like they added sand to the bottom of the falls, so you can definitely spend a day here swimming and enjoying nature.
Once we got back to the Winery, we grabbed some cheeses and crackers from the snack bar and ordered a couple flights of wine, to figure out our favorite wine. The staff at the winery is super friendly and will help you pick and choose.
The live musician at the Winery made the ambiance just perfect. There is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the winery. This was the perfect day to enjoy wine, great friends, music and nature.
Pro Tip: While we were at the Winery, we noticed a shuttle bus with a group of girls pulling up. There is actually a wine tour you can join and the shuttle brings you to all the wineries in the area. Such a great idea for a birthday or other planned outing.
Definitively add Elkin and Grassy Creek Winery to your to do list!
Let’s go next time we are in town!! Sounds so fun
Yes! Would love that!!