When it comes to roadtripping North Carolina, there may be no better impromptu stop along the way than a waterfall that is both fast and free to visit! … And if you’re driving past the Hickory area on I-40, McGalliard Falls Park in the small town of Valdese fits the bill perfectly.
We sought out McGalliard Falls when in search of a nearby waterfall where we could rest, stretch our legs, enjoy a picnic lunch, and enjoy a waterfall without committing to a hike–all with our toddler and dog in tow.
McGalliard Falls Park fit the bill perfectly, and I’d say that there’s a good chance we stop by again when traveling down I-40 in the future!
Here’s what to know about visiting McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese, NC.
Where is McGalliard Falls?
McGalliard Falls is located in the town of Valdese, between Morganton and Hickory.
Visiting requires about a 10-minute detour off of I-40.
What’s it Like to Visit McGalliard Falls Park?
We found visiting McGalliard Falls Park to be relaxing and laid-back, with the kind of casual atmosphere and lack of crowds that we’re always excited to find at a waterfall.
The falls themselves are about 40 feet tall–not nearly tall enough to be remarkable in a state with countless waterfalls, but certainly tall enough to be enjoyable!
The falls are also quite wide, and they had an excellent flow during our April visit.
Be sure to look up from the water, though, to enjoy the other remarkable feature of McGalliard Falls Park: the historic Meytre Grist Mill, which originally dates to 1906 and was actively used by the original owner, Fred Meytre, until 1941. (Though it was rebuilt in the 1980s.)
We ended up spending about an hour and a half at McGalliard Falls, enjoying the platform overlook, picnic tables, and Gateway to the Bridge Trail (more on all of those below).
What to Know Before Visiting McGalliard Falls Park
McGalliard Falls Park is free to visit.
This is a casual local park, with no worries about overwhelming crowds or entrance fees.
The fact that it’s home to such a fantastic waterfall is simply one of the joys of living in North Carolina!
Swimming is forbidden (but that doesn’t stop everyone).
The entrance to the park has a “swimming is forbidden” sign, which we respected, but there were a few people wading when we arrived.
Based on the reviews, swimmers aren’t an uncommon sight.
There are restrooms available from April to October.
McGalliard Falls Park is home to a shady pavilion with picnic tables, and there are restrooms (worn, but functional) that are open seasonally.
The restrooms also have changing tables, a very welcome addition for toddler parents like us.
… and don’t miss the viewing platform from just behind them!
Walk downhill a short distance from the restrooms, and you’ll find a lovely stone viewing platform with a picture-perfect view of McGalliard Falls and the historic mill next to them!
This was our favorite view of the waterfall, and it definitey shouldn’t be missed.
It’s also where we snapped the top photo in this blog post from, as well as photos like this one of the grist mill:
There’s a cool suspension bridge located just a short hike away.
Off to the side of the park’s lawn, beyond the pavilion, the aptly named “Gateway to the Bridge” will lead you along a winding trail to a very cool suspension bridge!
The bridge doesn’t have a view of the falls, but we still enjoyed the novelty of visiting it (and the lovely shaded views of McGalliard Creek on the way).
You can get some quick peeks of the waterfall through the trees as you make your way down the trail, though!
The suspension bridge is about 0.6 miles down the trail, if you continue across it for another 1.4 miles (so 2 miles in total), you’ll reach Valdese Lakeside Park.
To quote the sign posted at the suspension bridge, Valdese Lakeside Park is home to “parking, restrooms, dog park, fishing pier, kayak launch, more trails.”
There’s parking available on both sides of the falls.
What appears to be the main entrance to McGalliard Falls Park (with access to the trails, pavilion, and overlook) is located off of Falls Road.
However, we did see some people parking near Fletcher Ball Park and visiting from the other side of McGalliard Creek.
McGalliard Falls Park is an excellent place for a picnic.
We visited McGalliard Falls as a much-needed stop during a road trip, and it was the perfect place to enjoy our picnic lunch!
You can’t ask for much more than shaded picnic tables and plenty of space to spread out when picnicking with a toddler and a dog.
There’s also a sand volleyball court present for anyone looking for a game!
The park is dog friendly.
… and our dog, Ranger, loved it!
